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Churchill and the British Pacific Fleet

When I was reading background for my annotations to " I Think I Prefer the Tinned Variety" I tried to understand what preceded British involvement in the war in the Pacific. Although the British Pacific Fleet didn't commence operations until 1945, the preparations were evolving throughout 1944.

I stumbled upon some new information recently while reading "Churchill and Sea  Power" by Christopher M. Bell.  Apparently Churchill himself was very keen on a British only initiative in S.E. Asia and was not at all in favour of sending the Royal Navy to join with the Americans. He was committed to Operation Culverin which was intended to establish a British presence in Malaya and Sumatra with the objective of ultimately re-taking Singapore.

However, since November 1943, the Chiefs of Staff of the three armed forces had been in discussions with the Americans about a British presence in the Pacific using bases in Australia. Churchill managed to get confirmation from Roosevelt that the British presence wasn't essential and remained committed to Operation Culverin.

However by July 1944 he'd seen the political value of offering  practical support to the Americans in their war against Japan and could see advantage in getting the offer on record even if it was refused. As it turned out Britain's offer was accepted at the Quebec Conference in September 1944 and two months later the British Pacific Fleet was formed under the command of Sir Bruce Fraser arriving at its main base in Sidney, Australia in February 1944.

"Churchill and Sea Power" is a fascinating account which explores exactly what it says in the title from Churchill's first naval role as First Lord of the Admiralty in 1911; through the First World War; the inter-war years; World War II and concluding with his final administration as Prime Minister after the General Election of October 1951. I borrowed the book from my local public library and have re-newed it repeatedly as it's not a book to read in a hurry; but for in-depth research and insights into the life and work of a great war-time leader it is really excellent.

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