Pioneering military intelligence during the Civil War inspires a PhD

His interest in the subject was sparked while he was away at sea. He took an A level by correspondence course and became fascinated by the English Civil War. Decades later, he has graduated from the University of Southampton with a doctorate; his thesis covering the development of military intelligence during the early stages of the conflict, 1642-46.

Demanding and rewarding

“I have mixed feelings about completing my studies. There’s relief and achievement of course, but finishing my research has left a gap in my life which I plan to fill by writing books,” he says. “Above all, the three years of the PhD was great fun. Although maybe not as challenging as my first warship command – but it certainly was as demanding and rewarding as my second command!”

He embarked on his PhD after retirement, primarily because he planned to write historical novels about the period and wanted to study it in more depth. However, he quickly became absorbed by his subject and especially enjoyed examining and researching the contemporary documents held in the Bodleian and British Libraries and the National Archives:

Exploring contemporary records

“My research showed how effective military intelligence was one of the major factors that helped the Parliamentarians to defeat the Royalists. Through my time in the Navy, I already knew how intelligence was used in warfare. As my PhD progressed, I came to see many intelligence examples in the contemporary records and knowing how intelligence works made it easy to integrate this evidence into the thesis.”

John largely worked at home but very much appreciated the doctoral workshops and training programmes organised at the University by Dr Eleanor Quince.

“This training covered all the related aspects of preparing your thesis. For example, you need to understand academic writing, how to research and structure your time and how to prepare for events such as your viva. These sessions are very valuable; you’d be crazy not to take advantage of them.”

Using facts in fiction

Now, he has turned his attention again to historical novels. “I’m planning to write about the key Civil War battles, using my knowledge of spies and espionage to make them both authentic and entertaining.”