The Royal Navy has always been a reflection of the state of Britain as a nation. Economic strength is mirrored in naval strength and this episode in the Navy's history would prove to be no exception. Old ships were scrapped and new types of vessel, ready to fight a new type of war, replaced them. But a conflict was looming on Britain's horizon that would once again call for the Navy to do what it had proved it could do best - fight a war at sea.