News, Articles and Comment

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. 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.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers two books from Osprey, providing accounts of the Japanese A6M2/3 Zero and US Navy F6F Hellcat in the South Pacific and Philippines in the Second World War respectively.

Ed. Contrary to doom and gloom predictions of NATO decline under a potential second Trump Presidency, Rob Fry argues that, with US strategic imperatives invariably prioritizing the Pacific theatre, it is high time European leaders demonstrate resolve. Originally published in The Article. A 10 minute read.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. Professor Andrew Lambert considers David F. Winkler’s America’s First Aircraft Carrier, examining the history of the USS Langley: “a history book for contemporary revolutionaries, engaged with new technologies, and new ideas. How does the future break through into the fleet?”

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

Ed. Extreme weather events and climate change have increased the stakes for regional engagement in the South Pacific, with China and the US vying for strategic influence. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) will need renewed investment to continue tackling climate emergencies. A 35 minute read.

Ed. Protecting cultural heritage has profound subsidiary implications for diplomatic and naval missions that the modern RN cannot ignore. The author argues that a balanced Navy, and especially the Maritime Reserve, must be proactive when it comes to preventing looting and piracy that attack the cultural foundations of Allied and neutral nations. A 10 minute read.