Reginald Henderson's career shows how Far Eastern experience circulated through senior Royal Navy appointments. Before serving as Third Sea Lord, he had been chief of staff on the China Station, commanded a carrier, acted as a naval aide, and led aircraft carriers as a rear admiral. The discussion links six years of 16- to 18-hour days with the early death that followed later in 1939. If wartime deputies are appointed in January, they may reduce his workload enough to leave him available for a Far Eastern role. Sending Henderson to Singapore would combine regional and aviation experience with the material expertise of the officer responsible for naval construction and equipment.
Notable Point · 32:35-34:34
Reginald Henderson links China service, carriers, and naval administration
Reginald Henderson's China Station and carrier experience make him a plausible bridge between Far Eastern command and the Royal Navy's material organization.