News, Articles and Comment

Ed. Nuclear submarines, along with the aircraft carrier, have become the ultimate symbols of sea power, but their adoption and use remain not only technically complex and expensive, but also diplomatically and politically controversial. The author surveys this background in the case of the Royal Navy. Winner of the Eric Grove prize. A 5 minute read.

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.

Ed. The author questions the necessity of Continuous At Sea Deterrence (CASD), considering the strain this has placed on boats and crew members.

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.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers the 2024 edition of Seaforth’s World Naval Review.

Ed. The fourth article in our series from BRNC Pellew Division officer cadets, here the author considers the potential implications for world trade as the Arctic sea routes become increasingly viable. The Royal Navy has a role to play, but faces strategic diversions that marginalize the development of a long-term Arctic strategy. A 10 minute read.

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.

Ed. The author argues that the expense of Astute and delays in Dreadnought development threaten success of the AUKUS plan for a next generation SSN. Both the RAN and RN should consider buying future USN Virginia-class submarines to quickly fulfill the SSN-AUKUS mandate. A 10 minute read.