Royal Navy handbook, 1914-1918

In 1914 the Royal Navy was the largest in the world, as the 'two power standard' meant that it had to be equal to the combined strength of any two other fleets.

It had benefitted from the attentions of a dynamic First Sea Lord, Admiral of the Fleet Lord 'Jacky' Fisher.

Fisher had thrown out many ships that 'could neither fight nor run away', been responsible for the creation of the 'Dreadnought' class, the world's most modern battleship, and had recognised the importance of submarines and aviation.

Yet, the Royal Navy had also suffered from almost a century without war, and the initiative allowed to warship commanders had been lost in a service more concerned with fleet manoeuvres and evolutions. "Royal Navy Handbook 1914-1918" tells the story of how the 'Senior Service' adapted to the demands of war.

As well as the climactic Battle of Jutland, the Royal Navy fought many engagements across the globe, was given responsibility for the air defence of the United Kingdom and sought to protect merchant shipping from U-boat attack.