In this explanation, 'machine spirit' refers to the expectations and culture that build around a ship's name. Certain names attract inherited expectations, and crews then act within that culture. Tribal-class destroyer sailors saw themselves as the elite of an already elite branch, reinforced by names chosen for martial associations and by a role leading other destroyers. Assignments to names such as Warspite, Dreadnought, Ark Royal, or Enterprise could similarly make sailors feel accountable to earlier ships. Alex Clarke recalls visiting HMS Illustrious in service and finding that her crew took their history seriously, with particular importance attached to Taranto Night.
Notable Point · 2:28:35-2:31:26
Ship names shape crew culture
Inherited names and martial associations can shape the expectations crews have of themselves and their role.