News, Articles and Comment

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 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.

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 an edited volume examining the evolution of the tactics, doctrine and technology in the first half of the 20th century for naval operations at night.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a book examining the largest sea battle in history, the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a forthcoming book (due to be published on 28 September) from Osprey on the German High Seas Fleet in the First World War.

Ed. Reproduced here for the Battle’s 109^th anniversary are two first-hand accounts, one from an officer aboard a British destroyer flotilla, and the other of the action aboard HMS New Zealand from the perspective of HSH Prince George of Battenberg, Lt RN, son of the former First Sea Lord Prince Louis of Battenberg. A 15 minute read.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a book examining the development of the Gaudalcanal-Solomons campaign through March-October 1943 in the southwest Pacific.

Ed. In July 1997 (NR 85/3, p. 202) Lt G D Franklin reviewed the experience of the British Pacific Fleet (BPF) in the war against Japan, observing that, although the valuable combat lessons paid dividends in Korea, by the time of the Falklands conflict they had seemingly been forgotten. Republished here for the 78^th anniversary of VJ Day. A 25 minute read.