Dr Alexander Clarke, Ship Research Editor
Alex is a graduate of the Department of War Studies, King’s College London. His research titled “What value the Dark Blue Sky?” posed the question “What was the effect of the Royal Naval Air Service’s division from the Royal Navy during the period 1918-31 on the subsequent performance of the Royal Navy; and whether this impact was greatest in terms of strategy, operational technique or technology?” – a question which is still central in to his ongoing research.
It was the product of his already by that point, ongoing interest in the ‘Interbellum’, the years 1918-1939. This interest had started before he had even started his BA at St Mary’s University College, Twickenham, then survived a Corbett Prize entry and a dissertation to become the basis for the time at KCL. Since completing his PhD he has continued with his study of these period, with conference papers on Aircraft Carrier Design/Grand Strategy, Anti-Submarine Warfare/Institutional Memory, Tribal class destroyers/Warship Procurement and Town class cruisers/Economic Warfare.
Having received training both as a Historian and a Social Scientist his research reflects this, as his publication record reflects his desire to share his research with as wide an audience as possible. Pursuant with this, he has had several book reviews published in Northern Mariner, articles published in the Telegraph Online, Warships International Fleet Review and European Geostrategy – but is most proud of his involvement with Global Maritime History (previously British Naval History) which has allowed him to do projects like his Tribal Class Destroyer Series, as well as to help other young historians showcase and develop their talent. He tweets at @AC_NavalHistory and occasionally blogs at Naval Requirements – when he gets the chance.
