The Royal Navy had been developing multi-carrier operations since the late 1920s and appointed Henderson as Rear Admiral, Aircraft Carriers in 1930. Coordinating carriers, battlecruisers, aircraft, and communications required a flag officer and a substantial staff. Older carriers could operate aircraft effectively but often lacked the accommodation needed for that command organization. Senior command could therefore remain in a battlecruiser while the fleet moved toward carrier-centred operations. Later disputes over accommodation for Philip Vian's carrier staff show how much this practical problem affected life aboard ship.
Chapter · 1:26-4:22
Henderson and British multi-carrier doctrine
Reginald Henderson's appointment explains how the Royal Navy organized command for coordinated carrier operations before the Second World War.