As Third Sea Lord, Reginald Henderson used experience gained as Rear Admiral, Aircraft Carriers to shape both Ark Royal and the doctrine around her. The ship still had to reserve separate accommodation and facilities for Royal Air Force personnel because the Air Ministry treated them as distinct from the ship's company. That separation consumed scarce carrier space and weight even though the personnel themselves tended to integrate during daily service. Interservice policy therefore influenced the carrier's design alongside armour, aircraft capacity, and machinery.
Notable Point · 16:19-18:54
Henderson built doctrine as well as a carrier
Ark Royal's design reflected Admiral Reginald Henderson's effort to turn carrier experience into an integrated Royal Navy aviation doctrine despite institutional separation from the RAF.