The Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force in anti-submarine warfare policy, 1918-1945.

Neate, James (2013). The Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force in anti-submarine warfare policy, 1918-1945. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

This thesis examines the roles played by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force in the formulation of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) policy from 1918 to 1945. Its focus is on policy relating to the use of air power, specifically fixed-wing shore-based aircraft, against submarines. After a period of neglect between the Wars, airborne ASW would be pragmatically prioritised during the Second World War, only to return to a lower priority as the debates which had stymied its earlier development continued. Although the intense rivalry between the RAF and RN was the principal influence on ASW policy, other factors besides Service culture also had significant impacts. These included the interface between the military and political spheres and the impact of key individuals on policy setting. Within the RAF, intra-Service debates on the appropriate use of air power influenced policy direction, as did the exploitation of the new technologies so fundamental to ASW, which both shaped and were shaped by policy. By examining these factors this thesis will show the varying influence exerted by the RN and RAF in policy setting for the use of air power in ASW.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

Supervisor(s):