The Captain of the Ark Royal launched the new academic year’s programme of speakers in fine style on Friday September 21st. 

To an audience of Upper and Lower Sixth Scholars and other interested pupils in a packed Reading Room, Captain Mike Mansergh, Royal Navy posed the question, “Do we need the Royal Navy in the 21st century?”. In attempting an answer Captain Mansergh, a Cranleigh parent,  touched not only on the present function and structure of the Navy, but also looked in detail at the rapidly changing and often potentially threatening socio-economic climate now confronting many of the world’s inhabitants.

Questions ranged widely, from the technicalities of weapons platforms and the value of nuclear deterrence to the political implications of our presence in Iraq and the “special relationship” with the USA. To all these issues, Captain Mansergh brought not only detailed and specialist knowledge, and shrewd appreciation of Realpolitik, but also a sense of humour, a sense of duty and a sense of responsibility for the men and women under his command.  It was a privilege to hear him.

The programme for the rest of the term may be found here.