Q&A · 2:36:51-2:37:13

Would Jackie Fisher have accelerated the carrier raid?

Fisher's reputation as a visionary did not mean every innovation fit the specific fleet plan he was pursuing.

Question

Would Fisher's appetite for innovation have fast-tracked the raid had he remained First Sea Lord?

Short answer

Probably not in this scenario. His competing vision and opposition to early carrier proposals work against the assumption that he would accelerate them.

Notes

Fisher had a competing vision for the ships and their Baltic mission. He argued against aircraft carriers in this early period. Keeping him in office would therefore not automatically bring the raid forward. His commitment to a particular plan could obstruct the carrier alternative considered here.