Charles Joseph Keily

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Commander R.N.R. (retired) Charles Joseph Keily, O.B.E.(m), R.N.R. (19 October, 1882 – ) served in the Royal Naval Reserve.

Life & Career

Born in Khandalla, India.

Keily was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant R.N.R. on 18 October, 1909.[1]

Keily was appointed to the elderly third class protected cruiser Philomel on 26 August, 1914. She was stationed in New Zealand at this time. This may have been his only wartime appointment, and a lengthy June 1916 evaluation by Captain Thompson illustrated Keily's growth in his onboard role, describing him as possessing far more capacity for handling menthan is usually found in R.N.R. officers" and noting that he had done "very well in charge of armed landing parties" on several occasions.[2]

Keily worked in minesweeping duties with trawlers from 1917 onward, helping aboard Geranium. It is possible that his command of Philomel never occurred, but Thompson relinquished command in April 1917, and Keily was then the most senior officer aboard when he promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander R.N.R. on 18 October, 1917. He was noted for good service that year.[3]

A July 1919 evaluation by Captain Thompson commented on Keily's musical abilities and aptitude for games.

Keily was demobilised and promoted to the rank of Commander R.N.R. on 3 November, 1919. He was removed from the list on 8 July 1926.[4]

See Also

Bibliography

Naval Appointments
Preceded by
P. H. Hall Thompson
Captain of H.M.S. Philomel
Apr, 1917[Inference]
Succeeded by
Joseph G. Walsh

Footnotes

  1. Keily Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 240/54/77. f. 77.
  2. Keily Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 240/54/77. f. 77.
  3. Keily Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 240/54/77. f. 77.
  4. Keily Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 240/54/77. f. 77.