News, Articles and Comment

Ed. RAdm James Goldrick RAN provided the first chapter to the NR’s centenary publication, Dreadnought to Daring (2012), in which he conducted a prosopographical study of the Naval Review’s founders. A 50 minute read.

Ed. Our correspondent considers some of the formidable challenges the PLAN would need to overcome to make an amphibious invasion of Taiwan a realistic proposition, and the long-term hybrid warfare alternatives to which the PRC may turn. A 10 minute read.

Ed. The author criticises the Future Commando Force (FCF) concept as a narrow misreading of the Royal Marines’ traditional combined arms and amphibious roles. A 20 minute read.

Ed. Bruce Pascoe responds to Arthur Nicholson, with specific regard to the enigma of Phillips’ decision-making and failure to radio for air support during the Malay oki kaisen.

Ed. Our correspondent, an expert on the fate of Force Z, responds to Bruce Pascoe’s analysis of Admiral Tom Phillips’ decision-making during the Malay oki kaisen.

Ed. The author considers explanations for the disparity in casualty figures between the Allied landing zones during Operation NEPTUNE. A combination of command over-confidence, improper use of specialized equipment, and ineffective fire support are all evident. A 5 minute read.

Ed. With his trademark dissection of the conventional wisdom, the author argues that the concept of ‘seablindness’ is merely window dressing for the fundamental misunderstanding of the principles of British national strategy that has manifested over the last 60 years. A 20 minute read.

Ed. Increasing challenges to the Rules-Based International System require a back-to-basics approach and renewed public support for the Services. Focusing on quantity and capability, the author argues that restocking critical munitions, and building new Minor War Vessels, is an essential foundation for the future credibility of the Royal Navy.

Ed. Capt Stocker’s forthcoming Navy Records Society volume The Postwar Fleet is highly anticipated. Provided here is a sample document, written in 1949 by the Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ralph Edwards, later Controller of the Navy and then Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean. It was circulated to the First Sea Lord and other members of the Admiralty Board. The original is held at the National Archives, Kew [ADM 205/83]. A 20 minute read.