Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:56:19-3:56:37

Jacky Fisher expected the carrier age almost immediately

A brief answer uses Fisher's impatience and self-image to qualify claims that he foresaw a slow, orderly carrier transition.

Aircraft CarriersCapital ShipsNaval InnovationRoyal Navy
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Question

Did Jacky Fisher expect aircraft carriers to take a long time to replace battleships as the next generation of capital ship?

Short answer

No. Fisher expected the transition almost immediately, reflecting his eagerness to be remembered as the Navy's greatest innovator.

Notes

Fisher did not imagine a long period before carriers became decisive capital ships. He expected the change almost immediately. That confidence fits his desire to remain associated with the Royal Navy's greatest innovations. The exchange is therefore as much a warning about Fisher's self-presentation and timescale as it is a claim about carrier development.