A longer-lived Reginald Henderson could reshape the postwar Royal Navy

What might Reginald Henderson achieve if he lived another twenty-two years?

He could become First Sea Lord and use his political skill to preserve carriers and shape the postwar fleet.

Henderson was younger than Cunningham and had already persuaded Parliament to fund Unicorn without presenting her as a conventional carrier. His ability to handle Churchill and shipyards could protect carrier programs, perhaps complete the Malta class, and secure a stronger institutional future for naval aviation.