How can Fisher's conservatism be reconciled with Nicholas Lambert's submarine-revolution argument?
Short answerSubmarines would provide flotilla defence that freed the battle fleet for offensive action, and support for them was widespread among serving officers.
NotesFisher's submarine policy gave flotilla defence the protective role while battleships remained the offensive force. Submarines could therefore free the battle fleet for other operations without replacing it. Opposition came mainly from a few retired officers, while most officers supported submarine development. Fisher's distinction in this interpretation was the force of his public advocacy. His preference for keeping staff work inside naval intelligence also protected his position as the apparent originator of reform by limiting a competing institutional voice.