Private Papers of George, Second Earl Spencer: 1794-1801, Vol. IV

Sir Herbert Richmond was described as ＂perhaps the most brilliant naval officer of his generation＂ who became a naval historian, known as ＂the British Mahan＂. He led the Royal Navy’s intellectual revolution that stressed continuing education, especially in naval history, as essential for an understanding of naval strategy. He acted as a ＂Gadfly＂ to the Admiralty, and his criticisms caused him to be denied the role in the formation of policy and the reform of naval education which his abilities warranted.