Overview
Sir Roger Keyes was one of the most inspiring and controversial military figures Britain produced in the twentieth century, pursuing a distinguished career in the Royal Navy. In 1918, his leadership of the Zeebrugge and Ostend raids became the stuff of legend, earning eleven Victoria Crosses and transforming him into a national hero who symbolised Britain’s fighting spirit.
Passed over for the position of First Sea Lord due to his opposition to naval disarmament, Keyes entered Parliament in 1934 where he campaigned fiercely against appeasement alongside Churchill. It was his decisive, fiery intervention in the 1940 Norway debate that precipitated the demise of Neville Chamberlain’s government and cleared the path for Churchill to become Prime Minister.
Just months later, Churchill restored him to command as the first head of Combined Operations. Keyes created and championed the Commandos, forging the elite special forces unit that terrorised Hitler’s coastal defences.
In this wide-ranging discussion, the panellists will discuss the life of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Roger Keyes, his contribution to naval strategy and doctrine, and its enduring relevance today.
Speakers
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Dr Michael Keegan, Author and Historian.
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Dr Sidharth Kaushal, Senior Research Fellow in Sea Power, RUSI.
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Josa Keyes, Author.
The event will be chaired by The Rt Hon Sir David Lidington, Distinguished Fellow, RUSI.
In the Cannon’s Mouth: The Biography of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Roger Keyes is published by Biteback in November 2026. Copies of the book can be purchased after the event.
Joining Instructions
This event is open to all members and will take place at RUSI, 61 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2ET. If you have any questions regarding the presentation, please email [email protected].
