Henderson's carrier work without a fleet command

Reginald Henderson did much of his most important work as Third Sea Lord and helped build the Royal Navy's carrier force. He later held the appointment of Rear-Admiral, Aircraft Carriers, but never received the major fleet command that would have tested him in that role. The distinction explains why he can be praised as a Sea Lord without assuming the same record as an operational fleet commander. The passage offers a careful way to judge naval leadership across administration, procurement, and command at sea.