British multi-carrier exercises during the 1920s helped justify creating the post of Rear-Admiral Aircraft Carriers in 1930. Reginald Henderson became the first officer in that role and then led the case for returning control of the Fleet Air Arm to the Royal Navy. As Third Sea Lord from 1933 until his death in 1939, he also directed major equipment and construction decisions. In this account, those six years shaped much of the Royal Navy that fought the Second World War, showing how doctrine, organization, and procurement reinforced one another.
Notable Point · 1:01:12-1:01:52
Reginald Henderson linked carrier exercises to wartime fleet design
Henderson connected multi-carrier practice, Fleet Air Arm control, and the procurement decisions that shaped Britain's wartime navy.