David Beatty joined the Victorian Navy in 1884. His early career therefore occurred at a time of great technological, tactical and strategic challenges to the Royal Navy.
In 1910 he was promoted to Rear Admiral, and from 1912 served as Naval Secretary to Winston Churchill, the First Lord of the Admiralty. This role in turn led to his command of the Battle Cruiser Squadron, with which he entered the war.
The early years of the war saw much frustration. There was also disappointment at the failure to bring about a decisive action with the German navy. The Battle of Jutland (May 1916) led to his often quoted comment, ‘There seems to be something wrong with our bloody ships today’. Attempts to learn lessons from the battle – and attribute blame – would long outlast the war.
In November 1916, Beatty was appointed Commander-in-Chief, with Jellicoe, his predecessor in this position, becoming First Sea Lord. His main concerns in this position included solving the problems revealed by Jutland, countering the U-boat threat, maintaining morale in the Royal Navy and prosecuting the increasingly effective blockade of Germany.
For Beatty, the war ended triumphantly, with his receiving the surrender of the German fleet. In 1919, he became First Sea Lord and was promoted to Admiral of the Fleet and he retired in 1927.
This volume spans the period up to the end of the First World War. The first section covers Beatty’s career as a Captain, to set the context for the bulk of the volume, which focuses on the War itself. The Battle of Jutland is covered fairly briefly here, with Beatty’s immediate reaction; his later thoughts can be found in Volume II (NRS Volume 132).
The documents included have come mainly from Lord Beatty’s personal collection (at the National Maritime Museum), but also from the Imperial War Museum and the archives of Churchill College, Cambridge. Official papers from the National Archive and the British Library are not included. Both the subject, and some individual documents, overlap with the Navy Record Society collections, Volume 108: The Jellicoe Papers, Volume I (1966) and Volume 111: The Jellicoe Papers, Volume II (1968), both edited by A Temple-Patterson.
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INDEX [Ranks are those then held. Distinguished careers are outlined in the footnotes.] ADMIRALTY: and 1913 manoeuvres, 77; and Heligoland Bight Battle, 108-9; Scarborough raid signals, 182-3; new command procedure (Dec 1914), 201; urges more Grand Fleet activity, 301-2; post-Jutland ship modifications, 320; Jutland communiques, 321, 340, 341-2 Air power & aircraft, 48, 54, 363, 439-40, 477, 481-488 Alexander-Sinclair, Commodore E., 309, 430, 521 Anti-submarine warfare, methods & equipment, 109, 140-144, 305, 379, 389, 390, 392, 393, 400, 402-3, 436, 441, 517-520, 536, 539, 559 Anglo-Japanese Treaty, xxiii Antwerp, 148, 156 Armistice terms, 556, 560-574 Argo fire control system, 128, 211 Asquith, H. H., Prime Minister, 46, 47, 284-286, 376, 377, 386, 409 Atlantic Fleet, 6, 18, 22, 26 Austria, 67, 100-1, 394 BACON, Rear-Admiral Sir Reginald, 511 Bailey, Commander S. R., 347 Balfour, Arthur, Cabinet Minister, 156, 259, 273, 321, n. 2, 341, 376, 381, 382, 385, 421, 540-548 Ballard, Rear-Admiral G. A., 181 Battenberg, Admiral of the Fleet Prince Louis, 5, 11, 18, 22, 23, 46, 47, 50, 66, 67, 149, 151, 153 Battle-cruisers: role of, 53, 59-64, 73-75, 80-82, 90-94, 97-8, 107, 203, 250-259, 286-288, 288-292, 459, 471; Fleet, 204, 383; gunnery problems, 54, 55, 73, 90-94, 203-4, 210-213, 224-226, 227-8, 230-234, 262-3, 346-357, 359-366; orders for, 53, 54, 73-75, 250-259, 379; vulnerability of, 55, 203, 211, 212, 226, 228-9, 233, 234-239, 243, 261-2, 285, 311, 312, 315, 316, 318, 320, 325, 326, 351-6, 358-9 Bartolome Commodore C, 308 Bayly, Vice-Admiral Sir Lewis, 57, 79, 522 Beatty, Charles (brother), 17 Beatty, Admiral Sir David: family background and early career, xix-xxi; as Captain (1902-1910), 3-5, 6, 8-14, 17-27, 30; Rear-Admiral, 6; refusal of appointment, 32-34; Naval Secretary to Churchill, 7, 35-47, 50; views on Churchill, 5, 6, 11-12, 35-6, 46, 50; paper on war dispositions, 36-45; views on Fisher, 6, 21, 45-6; criticism of Admiralty & superiors, 5, 6, 7, 12-14, 18, 22, 23, 34; 1912 manoeuvres, 47-49; views on politics and international situation, 6, 20, 28-30; marriage, 3, 5, 6, 8-9, 11, 30-31; health and bad temper, 9, 11, 13, 17, 20 The Battle-Cruiser Squadron (1913r1914): appointment, 7, 53, 57; role & tactics, 53-4, 59-64, 68-75, 80-82, 90-94, 96-98; gunnery problems, 54, 55, 73, 90-94; Battle Orders (1913), 73-75; manoeuvres (1913), 75-80; international situation and possibility of war, 55-6, 67, 96, 99-103; health & temper, 67-8 Heligoland & the Scarborough raid (1914-1915): battle-cruiser role & tactics, 107, 162-164, 166-7; mine & torpedo threat, 115, 116, 117, 139-143, 149, 168, 170; Heligoland Bight action, 108-9, 121-133, 341-2; East Coast raids, 109-111, 176-191, 194-196; defence of bases, 139-144, 150; training & morale, 113, 116, 119, 132, 153-4, 159, 171-2, 173, 175; attitude to Admiralty, 107-8, 109, 135-6, 144-148, 154-5, 156, 158, 159-160, 585 586 INDEX 161, 162, 164-5, 174,175; relations with Churchill, 109, 139-144, 151, 166-7, 168, 169, 171, 172, 173; with Fisher, 151, 162, 168, 171, 172, 173; with Jellicoe, 107, 111, 135, 161, 164, 165, 168; frustrations, stress & health, 116, 120-1, 134-136, 137, 146, 149, 157-8, 162, 172; views on course of war & international situation, 112-3, 115, 116, 117, 118-9, 120, 135, 137-8, 148-9, 152, 170, 172 The Dogger Bank to Jutland (1915-1916): ‘the battle, 201-204, 214-219, 341-2; appreciation of mine & torpedo threat, 202, 204, 217, 226, 280, 304; revision of Battle-cruiser Orders, 203, 250-259; ideas on strategy & tactics, 204, 279-281, 282-286, 294-5, 297-8, 303-306, 307-8; exercises & training, 255, 259, 281, 306, 308; morale, 278; attitude to Admiralty, 204-5, 264, 265, 279-281, 304, 305, 308; relations with Jellicoe, 204-5, 264, 270, 273-4, 279-281, 282-286, 303-306; professional & personal frustrations & stress, 204, 265, 266-7, 268-270, 272-274, 275-6, 277-279, 308, 309 Jutland and after (1916-1918): disappointment, 315, 317, 341; original despatch, 323-338, 341-343; enquiries & lessons learned, 315, 316, 318, 343-346, 346-353, 359-366; later reflections (1917-1918), 406-7, 433-4, 435, 529; Battle-cruiser Orders after, 316, 370-372; fleet morale, 336; attitude to Admiralty, 317, 321, 340-1; relations with Jellicoe, 315-6, 317, 321, 367-369 Commander-in-Chief (1916-1918): appointment, 375-377, 381, 384, 429; reforms & training, 378, 384-5, 388, 390, 414-5, 433, 435-6, 450; tactical exercises (1917), 403-406, 432; remaining weaknesses, 380, 399; Grand Fleet Battle Instructions (1918), 376, 456-506; Grand Fleet morale, 376, 399, 401, 414, 418, 435, 446, 448; the U-boat threat, 375, 376, 378, 379, 389, 390, 391, 394, 397, 398, 399-400, 409, 410, 411, 412-3, 416, 420, 428, 434, 443, 445-6, 443, 510, 534; Scandinavian convoys, 379-380; Northern Mine Barrage, 378, 525, 535-6, 540-547; blockade of Germany, 378-9, 393-4, 399, 400, 569; criticisms of Admiralty, 377, 400, 409-10, 412-3, 417, 420-422, 423-425, 426-428, 432, 455; opinions on Churchill, 377, 385; on Jellicoe, 377, 386, 427, 430, 431, 512, 515; relations with Wemyss, 378, 513-4, 517-520, 525-6, 527-529, 534-536, 546-7, 555-6; frustrations, stress & health, 375, 378, 385, 387, 407, 410, 413, 414, 419, 423, 435, 443; marital strains, 379, 449-50, 511-514; on course of war & international situation, 380, 393, 399, 400, 408, 409, 414, 417, 419, 431, 446, 513-4, 526-7, 533, 554; on RN construction policy (seaplane carriers), 438-443; on the Armistice, 380, 556, 562, 574 Beatty, David Field (elder son & 2nd Earl), 5, 6, 18, 90, 553, 554 Beatty, Ethel (ne’e Field), Countess: marriage, xxi, 3; life style & stress in marriage, 5, 8, 16-17, 267-8, 271, 551-554; Sheelah as hospital ship, 56, 103, 104, 114, 116; sailors’ welfare, 114, 153, 159; help to Beatty, 5, 8-9, 375-6, 386, 387, 398, 408, 419, 428-9, 451; criticisms of Jellicoe, 317, 369, 434, 437; views on Churchill, 445 Beatty, Peter (younger son), 99, 433 Bentinck, Captain R., 160, 161, 308, 337, 522 Beresford, Admiral Lord Charles, 4, 20, 28, 252, 264, 385, 427, 430, 450 Bingham, Commander E., 327, 328 Blockade, strategic (see also Germany), xxiii, 4, 12-3, 82, 85-6, 87 Board of Invention & Research, 4, n. 1, 379, 436, 517-8 Borden, Sir Robert, 132 Bowles, Thomas Gibson MP, 10 Brand, Commodore H., 308, n. 3, 522 Bridgeman, Admiral Sir Francis, 151 n. 1 British Expeditionary Force (BEF), 82, 85, 115, 172, n. 1, 304 Brock, Rear-Admiral Sir Osmond de, 76, 78, 152, 204, 218, 286-288, 308, n. 1, 328, 346, 383, 391, 416 Bruce, Commodore H., 436 Burney, Admiral Sir Cecil, 319, n. 2, 376, 383, 387, 429, 452 Byng, Admiral John (1704-1757), 342 CALLAGHAN, Admiral of the Fleet Sir INDEX 587 George, 54-5, 77, 78, 79-80, 82-95, 101, 107, 110, 113, 138 Callaghan, Lieutenant-Commander C., 218 Carpenter, Captain A., 513 Carson, Sir Edward (First Lord of Admiralty), 377, 385, 386, 387, 388, 398, 402, 408, 409, 411, 413, 417, 418, 420, 421, 422, 424, 425, 427, 428-9, 430, 432, 434, 435, 437, 438 Cassel, Sir Ernest, 147 Caton, Mrs Delia, 15 Cay, Captain A., 331 Cecil, Lord Robert, 540-548 Chalmers, Rear-Admiral W., ix, xxi Channel Fleet, 4, 12 Chatfield, Captain A. E.: Realty’s Flag Captain, 7, 67; on battle-cruiser tactics, 55, 90-94; on Heligoland Bight gunnery, 109, 127-129; on Dogger Bank gunnery & projectiles, 203, 210-213, 230-234; on Lion’s damage at, 261-2; on Jutland gunnery & damage, 318, 346-353, 359-366; Beatty’s criticism of, 170-1 China, 1900 expedition, xx Churchill, Jack (brother of Winston), 76 Churchill, Winston, First Lord of Admiralty: in Sudan campaign, xx; Beatty’s views on, 5, 6, 11-12, 35-6, 249, 377, 421-2, 423, 444, 508; becomes First Lord & appoints Beatty Naval Secretary, 7; at 1913 manoeuvres, 55, 75-6; recalls Fisher (1914), 109; relations with him, 273; criticised in Dardanelles Report, 409; attacks Admiralty policy, 423, 444, 445 Clausewitz, General Karl von, 60 Coaling, 4, 12, 13, 14, 48, 49, 55, 65, 78, 94-5 Committee of Imperial Defence, 55 Commodore (S), see Keyes Commodore (T), see Tyrwhitt Convoys: 375, 379, 412-413, 420, 439, 534; Northern, 379-80, 453, 454-5, 510, 516, 534, 537, 538, 540, 549-551 Corbett, Sir Julian, xxi Cornwell, Boy 1st Class J., VC, 336 Coronel, battle of, 108, 110, 155, 156 Cowan, Rear-Admiral Sir Walter, xx, 412 Cox, Staff Surgeon A., 239, 240 Craddock, Rear-Admiral Sir Christopher, 79, 110, 155, 156, 159, 161, 166, 174, 175 Cromarty, 39, 42, 83,140,141, 154,171, 312 Cromer, Evelyn, 1st Earl, 398 Crump-Johnson, Commander (E) W., 359 Custance, Admiral Sir Reginald, 423, 425, 433 Cuxhaven, sea-plane raid on, 201 DANNREUTHER, Commander H., 318 Dardanelles Commission, 409, 432 Darley, Commander T., 155 de Robeck, Vice-Admiral Sir John, 142, 381-2, 433 d’Eyncourt, Sir Eustace, T., 440, n. 2 Dogger Bank, battle of: xxi, 206-248; signals at, 219-223; lessons learned, 223-230, 248; gunnery at, 230-234; medical reports, 239-240 Domvile, Admiral Sir Compton, 4 Drax, see Plunkett Dreyer, Admiral Sir Desmond, 241, n. 1 Dreyer, Captain F., 522, 528, 529, 531 Dubois, Edyth (fortune teller), 99, 101, 431 Duff, Rear-Admiral Sir Alexander, 377, 430, 431 Dumaresq, Captain J., 451 Dumas, Captain F., 390 EDINBURGH, Alfred, Duke of, xxi Edward VII, King, 22, 147, n. 1 Egerton, Commander W., 346, 347 Essen, Rear-Admiral Nikolai von (Russian Navy), 132 Eustace, Rear-Admiral J., 308 Evan-Thomas, Rear-Admiral Sir Hugh, 317, 319, 329, 332, 384, 521 Everett, Commodore A., 317 Evershed, gunnery indicators, 128, 362 FALKLANDS, battle of, 110, 174, 175, 225 Field, Marshall (Lady Beatty’s father), 3, n. 2, 5, 15, n. 1 Fifth Battle Squadron, 204, 294-296, 297-8, 299-301, 309, 312, 316, 317, 324, 325, 326, 328-9, 332, 335, 345, 347, 348, 352, 367-369, 459, 464-466 Firth of Forth (as Fleet anchorage), 48, 49, 55, 78, 83, 154, 205, 312, 389, 400, 402, 449 Fisher, Admiral of the Fleet Lord: naval reforms, xxiv, 5-6; C-in-C Mediterranean, 3-4; conflict with Beresford, 6, 20, 151; relations with Churchill, 45-6, 273; recalled as 1st Sea Lord (1914), 109, 149, 151, 153; rumours of return (1917), 377, 419; Chairman, Board of Invention & Research, 379; criticism of Beatty, 588 INDEX 406-7; criticised by Dardanelles Commission, 409 Fisher, Captain W. W., 431, 524, 536, 559, 561 Foch, Marshal F., 530 Fountaine, Commander C, 170, n. 2 Fox, Captain C., 115, 150, 152 France, xxiii, xxiv, 3, 20, 103, 409 Fremantle, Rear-Admiral Sir Sydney, 378, 454, 546, 550 French, Field Marshal Sir John, 76, 172 Fripp, Sir Alfred (surgeon), 104 Froude, A. A., 514, 519-520 GEDDES, Sir Eric (Controller & later First Lord of Admiralty), 377-8, 429, 435, 452, 507, 510, 511, 516, 524, 545, 546, 559 George V, King, 384, 418, 432, 443, 511 Germany: outbreak of war, 100, 101-2; economic blockade, 393, 394, 400, 569; Armistice terms, 556, 560, n. 2 German Navy: challenge of, xxiii-iv; exercise (1913), 77; East Coast raids, 109-10; mining threat, 110, 115, 141-2, 279-281, 511, Submarine threat, 115, 279-80, 511; High Seas Fleet strategy, 201, 286-301, 345-6, 554, 557; Jutland, gunnery at, 315, 326, 328, 343, 347-8, 359-60; submarine campaign against merchant shipping, 375, 377, 393, 398, 409, 536; morale, mutiny & surrender, 376, 380, 452, 559-561, 562-566 Gibraltar dockyard, 10 Godfrey-Faussett, Captain Sir Bryan, x, 375 Godfrey-Faussett, Eugenic, 375, 426-7, 551-554, 572-574 Goodenough, Rear-Admiral Sir William, 108, 109, 110-1, 126-7, 130, 176-178, 184-188, 195, 208-210, 214, 347, n. 1, 521 Gough-Calthorpe, Vice-Admiral Sir Somerset, 382, 559 Grand Fleet (see also Beatty & Jellicoe): Battle & Gunnery Orders, 213-4, 234, 245-248, 262-3; training, reforms and morale, 376, 378, 446, 448; Battle Instructions (Beatty), 379, 456-506, inactivity criticised (1917), 423; recreation problems, 437-8; move to Firth of Forth, 449, 520, 525; Secret Fleet Orders, Scandinavian convoys, 549-551 Grant, Alexander (gunner), 354 Grant, Rear-Admiral Sir William, 101 Green, Engineer Commander D. P., 99, 264 Grint, Captain W. (of Sheelah), 96, n. 1 Groves, Captain R., 533 HACKMANN, W., xxii Haggard, Captain V., 282 Haig, Field Marshal Sir Douglas, 515, 530, 557 Haldane, Richard, Viscount, 160 Hall, Commodore Reginald (DNI), 145, 158, n. 2, 160, 161, n. 1, 385-6, 436, 454-456, 558 Halsey, Rear-Admiral Sir Lionel, 154, 166, 171, 402-3, 431, 437-443 Hamilton, Admiral Sir Frederick, 249, 321, 452 Hankey, Maurice, 76, 156 Hartlepool, bombardment of, 110, 179, 181, 182, 183, 188 Harvey, Major F., 354, n. 1 Harwich Force (see also Tyrwhitt), 473, 539, 558 Hawkcraig (ASW experimental establishment), 436, 518, 536 Hawsley, Commodore J., 319, n. 1 Heath, Admiral Sir Leopold, 507 Heaton-Ellis, Captain E., 331, 359 Heligoland Bight, battle, xxi, 44, 107, 108-9, 121-134, 148 High Seas Fleet, see German Navy Hindenberg, Field Marshal P. von, 399 Hipper, Admiral Franz von, 110, 202, 346, 380, 534, n. 1, 559, n. 2 Holtzendorf, Admiral H. von, 534, n. 1 Home Fleet, 6, 18 Hood, Rear-Admiral Sir Horace, 101, 104, 145, 321, 331, 338, 369 Hope, Captain G., 359, 454 Hopwood, Francis (later Lord Southborough), 430 Hulton, Lieutenant M., 10 Humber base, 83, 301, 311, 312, 525 INGENOHL, Admiral Friedrich von, 110, 201 Invergordon, 437 Ireland, 168, 432 Italy, 100-1, 393, 408 JACKSON, Admiral of the Fleet, Sir Henry, 155, 317, 321, 367-369, 376, 436 Japan, xxiii Jellicoe, Admiral of the Fleet Sir John: in China (1900) xx; 2nd in command Home Fleet, 101, 102; Commander-in- INDEX 589 Chief, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 164, 191, 192-3, 201, 203, 204, 244-5, 263, 282-286, 295-6, 299-302, 309-312; relations with Beatty, 107, 113, 135, 148, 161, 165, 167, 168, 183-4, 204-5, 264, 270, 299, 301, 315-317, 367-369, 385; first thoughts on Jutland, 319, 338-340; as 1st Sea Lord, 375, 376, 381, 382, 384, 417, 418, 426, 431; Beatty’s criticisms of, 377, 417; appointed CNS, 377; dismissal, 378, 511; attacked by Pollen, 422 Jerram, Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas, 376, 383 Johnson, Lieutenant, H., 76 Jones, Captain Francis RMLI, 355 Jutland, battle: xxi, 315-372; gunnery problems & lessons learned, 343-366; in retrospect, 429, 433-4, 435 KENNEDY, Captain F. W., 249, 260, 331 Keyes, Commodore (S) Roger, 108, 122 n. 2, 123, 124, 126, 127, 130, 201, 308, 433, 509, 511 King-Hall, Rear-Admiral H., 32 Kitchener, Field Marshal Lord, xx, 11, 47, 118, 144, 148 Knight, Dr Roger, x LAFONE, Commander A., 9, 14 Larking, Commander Dennis, 31, 104, 115, 159 Leake, Captain Martin, 134, n. 2, 411 Leslie, Sir J. T. Shane, xix ‘Lion’, Brigadier Sadleir Jackson, 16-7 Lloyd George, David (Prime Minister), 376, 379, 386, 409, 411, 413, 415, 417, 418, 431, 444, 449, 507, 508, 510, 516-7, 560 Long, Walter MP (later Viscount), 28 Longhurst, Lieutenant Commander G., 261 Lowry, Admiral Sir Robert, 150, n. 1, 264 Ludendorf, General E., 399, n. 1 Lydall, Revd C, 355 MCKENNA, Reginald (1st Lord of Admiralty), 33-4, 160 Maclean, Fleet Surgeon, 239-240 Madden, Admiral Sir Charles, 376, 383, 384, 388, 401, 414, 416, 429 Marder, Professor Arthur, ix Marsh, Sir Edward, 67 Masterton-Smith, 321, 408 May, Sir Arthur, 104 May, Admiral of the Fleet Sir William, 6, 8, 22, 25, 55 Meade, Commander H., 216 Mediterranean, 80-82, 98, 530 Mediterranean Fleet, 3-4, 12, 26 Meurer, Rear-Admiral H., 562-569, 572-574 Meux, Admiral Sir Hedworth, 138 Milne, Admiral Sir Berkley, 18, 136 Milner, Alfred, Viscount, 397, 408 Montagu, Edwin (Cabinet Minister), 451 Moore, Vice-Admiral Sir Archibald, 108, 122, n. 1, 129, 154, 156, 158, 165-6, 171, 175, 203, 206-208, 214, 218, 219-20, 227-230, 244, 248 Mountfield, Commander (E) J., 249, 260 NAPIER, Vice-Admiral Sir Trevelyan, 332, 521 Naval Brigade, 152, 156 Naval Defence Act (1889), xxiii Neville, Admiral Sir George, 18 Newbolt, Sir Henry, xxi Northern Mine Barrage, 378, 525-6, 535-537, 538, 539, 540-549 Northern Patrolling Force & blockade, 42, 82, 85-6, 400 Norway, 37, 43, 540-549 OLIPHANT, Major, 76 Oliver, Admiral Sir Henry, 155, n. 2, 321, 377, 431, 436 Otranto Mine Barrage, 507, 510 PAKENHAM, Vice-Admiral Sir William, 26, 113, 115, 204, 277, 288-293, 294, 295, 297, 359, 380, 381, 383, 388, 391, 392, 397, 415, 429, 432, 434, 435, 443, 450, 451, 512 Paine, Commodore G., 440 Palmer, Lieutenant-Commander, 330 Parker, Commander H., 170 Patey, Rear-Admiral Sir George, 32 Patterson, Professor A. Temple, ix-x Peirse, Vice-Admiral Sir Richard, 32 Pelly, Captain H., 160, 202, 204, 213-4, 240-244, 245-248, 263, 308, 321, 328 Phillimore, Rear-Admiral Sir Richard, xx, 108,383,451,453-4,532-3 Philpotts, Captain E., 104, 321 Plunkett, Commander R. (later Ernle-ErleDrax), x, 139, n. 2, 144, 145, 164, 337 Poldhu (WT station), 100, 115, 117, 120, 149 Poincare”, Raymond, French President, 99 Pollen, A., xxii Pollen, A. H., xxii, 128, n. 1, 422, 425, 429, 433 Pratt, Captain T., 359 Prowse, Captain C., 158, n. 2, 161, 168 590 INDEX RICHMOND, Captain H., 521-2 Robertson, Field Marshal Sir William, 411, 418, 515 Robinson, Lieutenant Commander C., 335 Rodman, Rear-Admiral Hugh, USN, 508 ‘Room 40’, 110 Roskill, Captain S., ix, xix Rosyth base, 39, 41, 42, 48, 83, 140, 141, 202, 204, 294, 297, 301, 309-312, 317, 367, 402, 432, 437, 449, 525, 558 Royal Navy (before war): problems in 1880s, xxii-xxiv; Fisher’s reforms, xxvi; dispositions for a German war (1912), 36-45; War Plans (1913), 82-90; coaling problems, 94-5; relative battlecruiser strength, 96-98 Russell, Colonel Chichester, 513 Russia, xxiii, 3, 20, 29, 56, 100, 103, 170, 393, 408, 409 Rushton, Captain E., 347 Rutland, Lieutenant F., 307, 325-6 Ryan, Captain C. P., 264, 269, 271, 278, 305, 379, 390, 396, 400, 402-3, 412, 434, 436, 443, 444, 514-5, 517-520, 536 ST LEGER, Ashley, 76 Scapa Flow base, 23, 29, 42, 83, 140, 141, 144, 309-312, 367, 437, 571, 572 Scarborough, bombardment, 110, 176-191 Scheer, Grand Admiral Reinhard von, 346, 534, 536 Scott, Admiral Sir Percy, 155, 158 Seely, J. (later Lord Mottistone), 75 Seymour, Admiral Sir Edward, xx Sheppard, Petty Officer Dan, 356-7 Shields, Sir Douglas (surgeon), 104 Sinclair, see Alexander-Sinclair SHIPS (BRITISH & DOMINION) Classes: Agincourt, 292; Australia, 285; Benbow, 292; Bellerophon, 292; Bristol, 294; Canada, 292; Chatham, 294; Colossus, 292; Dreadnought, xxiv, 183, 292, 506, 516, 523; Erin, 292; Hood, 441; Hunt, 396; Hyacinth, 42; Indefatigable, 293; Invincible, 284, 287, 288, 291, 293; June, 42; King Edward, 507, 525; King George V, 292; Lion, 57, 287. 293; Neptune, 292; New Zealand, 287; Orion, 292; Queen Elizabeth, 287, 288. 291, 292, 296, 358-9; Queen Mary, 293; Raleigh, 440; Repulse, 293; Royal Sovereign, 291, 293; St Vincent, 292; Superb, 506, 523; Town, 289, 294 Submarines: B3, 305; C & D, 400, 402; G & J, 312; K, 312, 404-5, 511, 512 Aboukir, 7, 47-50, 107, 136, 143; Acasta, 331; Active, 312; Agamemnon, 78; Albemarle, 78; Alexandra, xix; Amphion, 112, 115; Arethusa, 124, 125, 130, 214, 215; Arrogant, 3; Attack, 218; Aurora, 179, 208, 209, 214, 215; Australia, 309, 383; Bakana (transport), 45; Barfleur, xx; Barham, 328; Birmingham, 126, 127, 176, 185, 186, 189, 191, 208, 214, 230, 289, 335; Brisbane, 294; Bristol, 294; Britannia, xix, xxi; Bulwark, 12, 169; Camperdown, xx; Canada, 281; Canopus, 55; Castor, 319; Cavendish, 440; Champion, 329, 334, 345; Chatham, 294, 296; Chester, 335, 336; Commonwealth, 78; Constance, 305-6; Courageous, 391; Cressy, 109, 136; Dapper, 389; Defence, 331; Defender, 330; Donegal, 312; Dreadnought, 506, 523; Dublin, 294, 296, 335, 364; Enchantress (Admiralty yacht), 35, 75, 76; Engadine, 307, 325, 329, 335; Euryalus, 125, 127; Falmouth, 126, 127, 181, 185, 186, 296, 301, 333; Fearless, 130, 329, 334; Firedrake, 122; Furious, 532; Galatea, 307, 324, 325, 349; Glasgow, 155, 294; Glorious, 391, n. 1; Gloucester, 294, 296; Good Hope, 155, 156, 157, 160; Hampshire, 312; Hawke, 143; Hercules, 447; Hoste, 388, 389; Hussar, 47; Indefatigable, 78, 81, 82, 117, 284, 315, 318, 326, 329; Indomitable, 202, 206, 207, 214, 215, 217, 218, 220, 221, 248, 249, 263, 284, 306, 330, 331, 333, 345; Inflexible, 133, 154, 156, 160, 174, 284, 306, 331; Invincible, 108, 122, 123, 125, 129, 154, 156, 160, 174, 281, 284, 306, 308, 315, 318, 331; Iron Duke, 317, 319, 340, 383, 386, 393; Juno, 3, 8-14; Jupiter, 179; King Edward VII, 78; King George V, 195; Landrail, 326; Laurel, 328; Lion, 52, 80, 98, 99, 115-6, 128, 129, 131, 163, 176, 178-184, 186-7, 188, 192, 202, 203, 204, 206, 207, 208, 210-213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 225, 226, 228, 230-234, 247, 261-2, 284, 285, 287, 306, 316, 317, 319, 326, 330, 332, 338, 353-357, 385, 407, 570-572; Liverpool, 121, 126, 127, 131, 132, 294; Lowestoft, 125, 126, 131, 208, 214, 289, 296; Lurcher, 122, 123, 126, 127; Lydiard, 328; Maine (hospital ship), 103; Marlborough, 319, 338, 383; Melbourne, 294; Meteor, 216; INDEX 591 Minotaur, 333; Monmouth, 155, 156, 157; Moorsom, 327; Moresby, 329, 334; Morris, 327; Narborough, 327; Negro, 388, 389; Nerissa, 327; Afesfor, 327; Newcastle, 294; New Zealand, 80, 108, 122, 125, 129, 133, 148, 154, n. 1, 159, 163, 202, 203, 206, 210, 214, 215, 216, 219, 220, 222, 228, 230, 246, 248, 284, 327, 333; Nicator, 327; Nomad, 327; Nottingham, 126, 176, 177, 181-2, 185, 186, 188, 208, 214, 247, 289; Obdurate, 327, 334; Onslow, 329, 330; Pathfinder, 134, 143, 411; Patrol, 179; Pelican, 327; Petard, 327, 328, 334; Phaeton, 307; Princess Margaret, 395; Princess Royal, 76, 77, 78, 80, 98, 163, 167, 168, 172, 202, 203, 206, 207, 214, 215, 216, 218, 220, 221, 229, 247, 287, 328, 329, 333, 345, 412; Queen, 5, 6, 18-32; Queen Elizabeth, 169, 171, 316, 388, 398, 403, 404, 416, 446, 561; Queen Mary, 80, 98, 113, 125, 131, 154, 163, 168, 171, 284, 287, 315, 318, 328, 329, 355; Recovery, 389; Repulse, 383; Royal Oak, 532; Ruby, xx; St George, 181; Shark, 179, 189; Sheelah (yacht & hospital ship), 56, 79, 96, 100, 102-3, 104, 114, 115, 116, 132, 269, 270; Skirmisher, 183; Southampton, 125, 127, 176-178, 180, 181-2, 185, 186-7, 188, 189, 191, 208, 209, 214, 215, 217, 221, 247, 289, 306, 321, 328, 335, 353, 364; Suffolk, 3, 4, 15, 47; Sydney, 294; Talisman, 312; Termagant, 327; Tiger, 81, 132, 158, 160, 163, 164, 165, 167, 169, 172, 192, 202, 203, 206, 207, 210-11, 213-4, 215, 216, 217, 220, 221, 228, 229, 240-244, 245-248, 249, 260-1, 263, 284, 287, 308, 321, 327, 328, 329; Titania, 312; Trident, 312; Turbulent, 327, 334; Undaunted, 146, 152; Valentine, 532; Valiant, 416; Vanguard, 389, 447, 448; Vengeance, 78; Vindictive (carrier), 440, n. 1; Vindictive (blockship), 513; Warrior, 331, 335; Warspite, 321, 529; Waveney, 179, 182; Yarmouth, 332, 349 Submarines: B3, 305; C25, 305 SHIPS (GERMAN) Classes: Derfftinger, 293; Deutschland, 334; Hansa, 125; Heligoland, 292; Hindenburg, 293; Kaiser, 292, 334, 335; Kolberg, 125, 130; Kdnig, 330, 332, 335; Lutzow, 293, 356; Markgraf, 292; Moltke, 293; Nassau, 292; Pommern, 335; Prinz Adalbert, 176, 186, 189; Rostock, 125, 127; Seydlitz, 293; von der Tann, 293; Worth, 293 Ariadne, 125, 132; Baden, 560; Blucher, 81, 82, 98, 163, 202, 203, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 215, 216, 217, 218, 220, 229, 231, 262; Bremen, 174; Bremse, 538; Breslau, 136, 509-10, n. 1; Brummer, 538; Derfflinger, 81, 82, 97, 169, 202, 206, 211, 212, 229, 231, 234, 262, 284, 331, 332; Dresden, 175, n. 1; Emden, 160. 227-8, 454; Ersatz Freya, 284; Ersatz Victoria Luise, 284; Gneisenau, 161. 174; Goeben, 80, 81, 82, 107, 117, 136, 138, 152, 509-10; Graudenz, 455; Hindenburg, 284, 294, 296; Karlsruhe, 174; Koln, 128, Konigin, 115, n. 2; Koningsberg, 160, 562; Lutzow, 284, 295, 296; Magdeburg, 132; Mainz, 121, 127, 131, 132; Meteor, 281, n. 1; Mo/rfce, 80, 82, 202, 206, 211, 229, 231, 234, 284, 290, 356; Prinzregent Liiitpold, 452, n. 1; Roon, 179; Scharnhorst, 161, 174; Seydlitz, 80, 82, 202, 203, 206, 211, 231, 262, 284, 356, 455; von der Tann, 80, 81, 82, 284, 290, 296; Yorck, 157 Submarines: U9, 107; U21, 134, n. 2; U40, 276, n. 1 Torpedo Boats: S115, S117, S118, S119, 146, n. 1 Sims, Rear-Admiral W. (USN), 415, 429 Smith-Dorrien, General Sir Horace, 161 Speyer, Sir Edgar, 147 Spickernell, Fleet Paymaster Frank, 114, 276-7, 282, 338, 385, 408 Spithead Review (1914), 56 Sturdee, Vice-Admiral Sir Frederick, 110, 154, 158, 164, 174, 175, 343-346, 384, 414, 433 Submarine Operations (RN): in 1913 Manoeuvres, 78, 79; at Heligoland Bight battle, 108; offensive use of, 280; as part of Grand Fleet, 478-481 Sudan Expedition, xx Sumida, Professor J. T., xxii, 53, n. 1 Supreme War Council, 507, 510, 516-7 Sutherland, 4th Duke, 8 TAYLOR, Engineer Captain E., 192 Tondern, air attack on, 532, n. 1 Torpedoes & torpedo craft, significance of, xxiii, 4, 54, 68-75, 88, 279-281, 371, 403-406, 439, 456-506 Tothill, Rear-Admiral Sir Hugh, 431 592 INDEX Tovey, Lieutenant Commander J. C. (later Admiral), 330 Tree, Ethel (see also under Beatty), xxi, 3 Trewin, Assistant Paymaster G., 325-6 Troubridge, Rear-Admiral Sir Edward, 32, 34, 136, 138, 145, 152, 159 Turkey, 152, 409 Tyrwhitt, Commodore (T) Reginald, xx, 108, 123, n. 1, 124, 126, 127, 129, 130, 180, 201, 202, 214, 216, 218, 219, 302, 304, 341, 573 U-BOATS, see German Navy Ulster, 115,432 United States and War, 398, 399, 401, 418, 534 United States Navy (6th Battle Squadron), 508, 511, 523, 556, 558; (see also Northern Mine Barrage) VERNON (torpedo and mine establishment), 519 WARDLE, Lieutenant T., 9 Waterer, Lieutenant G., 10 Warrender, Vice-Admiral Sir George, 35, 49, 110, 145, 184 Wemyss, Admiral Sir Rosslyn, 378, 506-7, 508-510, 516, 520-524, 529-532, 536-539, 543-546, 547-8, 557, 559-561 Whitby, bombardment, 183, 184 Wignall, DrM. B., xxii Willons, Private H. RMLI, 353-356 Wilson, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Arthur, 4, 8, 28, 151, n. 1, 158, 162, 165 Wilson, General Sir Henry, 408, 523-4, 529-30, 537 Wilson, President Woodrow, 398, 399, 401, 557 Wireless Telegraphy (WT), 54, 63-4, 222-3, 319, 345 Woodward, Sir Llewellyn, xxi Woodley (Beatty’s steward), 114, 115, 117 Wyllie, W. L., RA, 434 YARMOUTH, bombardment, 110 Young, Filson, 53, 57-8, 66, 132, 151, 152, 159, 164 ZEEBRUGGE & OSTEND RAID, 509, 513-4, 539 Zeppelins, 204, 208, 209, 218, 279, 280, 283, 302, 307, 309, 330, 416, 532, 538
Brian Ranft was born 14 July 1917 and educated at Manchester Grammar School and Balliol College Oxford. During World War II he served in the Royal Artillery, rising to the rank of major. He completed his D. Phil. At Oxford in 1967 with a thesis on The Naval Defence of British Sea-borne Trade, 1860 – 1905. After the war he joined the staff of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich rising to become Professor of History and International Affairs. He was also a visiting fellow at King’s College, London, where he taught naval history to several generations of postgraduate students. He was appointed Visiting Professor there in 1982. He died on 14 April 2001.
His published works include
• The Vernon Papers (Navy Records Society, 1958).
• Technical Change and British Naval Policy, 1860 – 1939 (Hodder & Stoughton, 1977).
• The Sea in Soviet Strategy with Geoffrey Till (Macmillan, 1983)
• Ironclad to Trident: 100 years of defence commentary: Brassey’s 1886 – 1986 (Brassey’s, 1986).
• The Beatty Papers Volume I (Navy Records Society, 1989).
• The Beatty Papers, Volume II (Navy Records Society, 1993).
• The Oxford Illustrated History of the Royal Navy, general editor Richard Hill, consultant editor Bryan Ranft (O.U.P.. 1995).
• Beatty, David, first Earl Beatty (1871-1936) in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, 2004
• The Development of British Naval Thinking: Essays in Memory of Bryan Ranft, edited by Geoffrey Till (Routledge, 2006).
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