How much influence did Reginald Henderson really have over British carrier development?
Short answerA great deal: his control of procurement and detailed design changes gave him more practical influence than better-known public theorists.
NotesPublished reputation did not necessarily match the practical power of a Third Sea Lord who built ships. Admiralty approval established the broad design, but thousands of detailed choices remained. Henderson shaped those later decisions and negotiated directly with shipyards. He also made the political case that turned plans into completed vessels.