Q&A · 4:24:29-4:28:34

Henderson, Jellicoe and Cunningham in a modern naval thought experiment

Jellicoe is imagined planning, while Henderson builds connections in Whitehall and pushes shipbuilding. Their historical experience is then jokingly combined with access to modern social media.

Question

What would Henderson, Jellicoe and Cunningham do if they appeared in the present day?

Short answer

Jellicoe is imagined planning, while Henderson builds connections in Whitehall and pushes shipbuilding. Their historical experience is then jokingly combined with access to modern social media.

Notes

The thought experiment restores Henderson, Jellicoe and Cunningham to life and gives them a role in present-day naval affairs. Jellicoe is imagined making plans, Cunningham seeking a drink and rest, and Henderson building relationships in Whitehall. Henderson's Third Sea Lord experience and success in getting HMS Unicorn built supply the historical basis for his imagined persistence. Modern social media then gives the revived officers additional ways to influence public argument. Jokes about Jellicoe defending his Jutland reputation, bot farms and Henderson unsettling a government develop that premise. These political consequences remain features of the hypothetical scenario.