By its transfer into the RAF in 1918, the RNAS had grown into one of the world's largest air services. Its squadrons and bases reached from Britain to the Mediterranean, Africa, and beyond. Godfrey Paine historically transferred to the RAF, while the counterfactual would keep a senior naval advocate responsible for aviation. The Fifth Sea Lord would coordinate aircraft procurement with the Third Sea Lord, personnel with the Second, and support with the Fourth. That position would also connect aviation with the fleet's wider operations. The Navy's later restoration of the post supports the expectation that it would have retained it had fleet aviation remained naval.
Chapter · 19:45-34:18
A major air service needs a voice at the Admiralty
The RNAS had grown into one of the world's largest air services by 1918, supporting the case for retaining the Fifth Sea Lord and an aviation advocate within naval command.