ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the Navy's attitude to the Polaris programme in America, and the missile's eventual adoption in Britain. It argues that even after 1962 Polaris was only accepted grudgingly in most naval circles. The Royal Navy was certainly aware of the Polaris programme from an early date, both through routine liaison channels and at a more senior level through the developing relationship between Burke and Mountbatten. Although authority for nuclear operations could in theory be given only by the Prime Minister, it is clear that Polaris submarine commanders were physically capable of launching missiles themselves. The chapter outlines developments during the period in anti-submarine weapons and the growing need felt by the Royal Navy for a nuclear depth bomb. The 'East of Suez' justification for the Royal Navy's Red Beard atomic bombs, and much else, was destroyed by the 1966 decision to phase out the carrier force.
