The Royal Navy retained newer ships and capabilities while the RAF concentrated on an independent heavy-bomber force. That choice was understandable within the period's assumptions, and it helped secure the RAF's institutional independence. It also left Coastal Command, Fighter Command, and army cooperation competing for attention. The resulting force structure reflected one preferred theory of future war rather than a neutral shortage of money.
Chapter · 23:29-28:40
Why strategic bombing displaced maritime patrol
Postwar austerity forced choices, and the RAF's belief in a decisive strategic-bombing role pushed coastal aviation down its list of priorities.