Abstract/Summary

This is a study in coalition warfare using a historical case study of Admiral William S. Sims in the Great War to reveal a number of coalition lessons and characteristics. Although some characterize the “special relationship” between the United States and Great Britain as an outgrowth of the Second World War, this thesis examines the role of Admiral William S. Sims in creating the foundation of that relationship in the First World War and throughout the interwar years. In the naval sphere, a link was forged by personal friendships and shared practices that culminated in effective employment of U.S. naval forces in support of Great Britain in the First World War. Specific structures created by Sims included the “London Flagship,” a Planning Section, an Intelligence Section, as well as other informal mechanisms to enhance cooperation and camaraderie during and after the war. Sims also identified lessons of coalition war at sea about questions including command and control, the use of convoys, civil-military relations, and exploitation of intelligence. Some of these lessons have applicability to modern coalitions and their effectiveness.