News & Views
The latest news and views in the UK Military Maritime Arena.
Ed. Matthew Wills paints a vivid picture of Churchill’s crossing to Newfoundland for the famous August 1941 Atlantic Conference meeting with Roosevelt. The firm hand of Captain John C Leach of HMS Prince of Wales ensured a smooth crossing for this high diplomatic mission. A 10 minute read.
BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a 2021 reissue of Vice Admiral Sir Peter Gretton’s 1974 book Crisis Convoy, providing an account of convoy HX.231, amidst the wider context of the Battle of the Atlantic.
BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a reprint of Vice Admiral Sir Peter Gretton’s 1964 memoir of his experiences in the Battle of the Atlantic.
Ed. The author explores the PQ17 disaster, questioning First Sea Lord Dudley Pound’s decision to scatter the convoy in the face of Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine threats. The principles of mission command should have left the decision to the convoy commanders. A 25 minute read.
BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a book exploring the wartime experience of a US warship, the Borie, the wider development of ASW convoy protection in the USN, and US efforts at breaking German codes.
BRE. The latest book review is now available. It revisits Eric Grove’s 2005 The Royal Navy Since 1815. Whilst the book has been previously reviewed, new perspectives on important books are always welcome.
Ed. The Battle of Taranto of 11-12 November 1940 was an epoch defining event in the history of naval aviation and a decisive moment for the Fleet Air Arm. With the 83rd anniversary of the battle in mind, we reproduce here an American perspective on the Royal Navy’s pioneering development of aircraft carriers and the lessons for naval doctrine this history demonstrates. Originally published in July 1994 [82/3, p. 260]. A 30 minute read.
Ed. This article investigates the role of the aircraft carriers and battleships involved in, and otherwise enabling, Operation OVERLORD. The proper application of naval power over the course of the war ensured Allied victory, with capital ships and escort forces playing important roles in all theatres. Based on a presentation given to the Lunchtime Lecture Series of the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre, 17 October 2023. A 20 minute read.
BRE. The latest book review is now available. it considers a new book, due to be published on 26 October, examining the story of the convoy HG-76, and the tactical innovations developed and employed by Commander Johnny Walker in its defence.