News, Articles and Comment

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. In 2012 [100/2, p. 154] the author considered the history of the Japanese attack on Darwin of 19 February 1942 as a comparison for possible Chinese air operations in the 21^st century. As was the case with Pearl Harbor, a surprise attack by long-range air assets raised questions about the security of bases in the region. A 20 minute read.

Ed. The author, a Hudson Fellow at Oxford, answers the Chairman’s call from NR 111/4 to engage with the defence review process, contextualizing here over 70 years of history and lighting the way for the debate on Integrated Review 2025 looming ahead. A 15 minute read.

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 83^rd 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.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. it considers an edited volume examining the naval roles and contribution to operations other than traditional war-fighting.

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 Paul Kennedy’s maritime history of the Second World War and how it shaped the development of post-war global order.

Ed. For the bicentenary of Trafalgar Day in 2005, distinguished scholars and Naval Review members produced a series of articles on Nelson’s legacy for the 21^st century [93/4, p. 320]. Professor Geoffrey Till provided the following comparison between the then emerging Effects Based Approach (EBA) and the illusive Nelson Touch. Reprinted here for the 218^th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. A 20 minute read.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. it considers a valuable and timely study of the translation of strategic direction into military capability, and the “reasons why the UK has the military capability that it has”.