Cambridge University honoured the Merchant Navy when the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Law was conferred on Commodore Sir James Bissett , Captain of the Queen Elizabeth . At the ceremony Marshal of the Royal Air Force , Sir Arthur Tedder and Field-Marshal Sir Harold Alexander also received Honorary degrees . Lord Keynes received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science . Picture shows: The procession during the ceremony . Walking in pairs , Sir Arthur Tedder , (left) , Sir Harold Alexander ( right) . Behind , Lord Keynes (left) and Sir James Bissett ( right) 31 January 1946