Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:47:46-4:48:49

Why Fisher wanted evocative warship names

Jacky Fisher's preference for Courageous, Glorious, and Furious reflected his instinct for imagery and public persuasion, not a neutral continuation of earlier naming lists.

Courageous Class Warship LineageJohn FisherPublic RelationsRoyal NavyWarship Names
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Question

What prevented earlier planned cruiser names from replacing Courageous, Glorious, and Furious?

Short answer

Fisher wanted evocative names and was adept at getting them because he understood ship names as part of the Navy's public image.

Notes

Fisher was capable of maneuvering to obtain the names he wanted rather than carrying over names from an earlier Baltic large-light-cruiser plan. Courageous, Glorious, and Furious conveyed an image that suited his political and public style. A memorable identity could help him sell a controversial ship and dominate the information contest around it.