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‘Commander-in-Chief’ by Basil Watson ‘Commander-in-Chief’ by Basil Watson is the story of John Fieldhouse, a quiet, kind and determined Yorkshireman who rose to the very top of the Royal Navy and British military establishment. He was in overall charge of the victorious British Forces in the Falklands War of 1982 and in the foreword to this new book (published on 24th June), former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher describes Fieldhouse as “an inspiring leader” who was “at the centre of all our preparations and all our planning”. Former US President Ronald Reagan wrote of Fieldhouse’s “selfless dedication and significant contributions to world peace”. Fieldhouse was the only Commander-in-Chief since the Second World War to have directed British forces to victory against a well-equipped enemy. However, that military triumph in the Falklands was only one success in a catalogue of impressive achievements straddling the Cold War. The story of John Fieldhouse - ennobled as Lord Fieldhouse of Gosport - is the story of a modest and frankly unexceptional young man who became one of the nation’s greatest military leaders of recent times. He enjoyed a highly distinguished naval career that culminated as First Sea Lord and then Chief of Defence Staff before his premature death in 1992 at the age of 64. In closing her foreword, Baroness Thatcher describes Fieldhouse’s passing as “depriving us of his wisdom, his experience and his friendship” but says this “record of his life and career will remain as a glowing example of all that is best”. ‘Commander-in-Chief’ by Basil Watson is published by The Royal Navy Submarine Museum and sponsored by The White Ensign Association. All proceeds from sales will go to the Museum.
Author Basil Watson. Photo by Roger Smith. Please click here for a report and photos of the official launch of the book which took place in the Museum's new John Fieldhouse Building
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