News, Articles and Comment

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers John Nichol’s new book, Blitz, which provides a powerful, poignant and timely discussion of particularly the Home Front in the Second World War as well as contemporary challenges.

Ed. Rear Admiral James Goldrick AO CSC RAN (Retired) (1958–2023) was a towering figure in Australian and international naval thought – a commander at sea and ashore, a scholar of maritime history, and a teacher whose influence reshaped generations of naval professionals. His life’s work bridged the helm and the classroom, the bridge and the seminar room, the Royal Australian Navy, and its partners around the world. Given the breadth of his influence across command, education, and maritime thought, this volume seeks to consolidate and extend that legacy through critical reflection.

Dear Keir, This is a letter I never expected to write, and I do so now with great regret and […]

Ed. The expert author tackles the thorny question of academic freedom in the US Professional Military Education field. Originally published in the USNI’s Proceedings, June 2026. A 10 minute read.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a book examining the maritime campaigns in the Atlantic and northwestern European waters and contribution to Allied victory in the Second World War.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a new biography of Admiral Sir Reginald Bacon.

Ed. It was a huge shock to learn that the extraordinary life of Lt Lily-Mae Fisher had been cut short by the tragic loss of a Merlin Helicopter in Devon this week.  The Naval Review extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of Lt Cdr Chris Gayson, Lt Lily-Mae Fisher and Petty Officer Owen Green. As a tribute to them the excellent article she wrote for the Naval Review is available for all to read, a young life lived to the maximum may she and her crew mates rest in peace.

Ed. Originally published in two parts in 1999 [87/1, p. 3 & 87/2, p. 105], the author elaborated with particular clarity the strategic, operational and doctrinal rationale for what is now the current RN carrier aviation capability in the Joint Armed Forces post-Cold War environment. A 50 minute read.

Ed. Our correspondent suggests a radical modification concerning the future of the Admiralty Interview Board.