Thursfield , Sir , James Richard , 1840-1923 , Journalist

Thursfield joined the Times as a leader writer in 1877 and by about 1880 he had begun to specialize in naval affairs. He represented the Times in the naval manoeuvres of 1887 and in every subsequent year when correspondents were admitted. When Mahan's book The influence of sea power upon history appeared in 1890, Thursfield's review was the first that adequately recognized its importance. He lectured at the invitation of the Staff College, Camberley, in 1902 on the 'Higher policy of defence' and at this time became closely associated with Sir John (later Lord) Fisher (1841-1920). After the war he wrote the four naval volumes of the Times documentary history of the war. Thursfield was knighted in 1920.