William Douglas Paton

Vice-Admiral William Douglas Paton, M.V.O., D.S.O. (13 August, 1874 – 18 January, 1952) was an officer in the Royal Navy.

David Murray Anderson was his brother-in-law.

Life & Career

Paton was born on 13 August, 1874 in Pulborough, son to Colonel J. Paton.

Paton was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 31 August, 1896.

Paton's Decoy was lost on 13 August, 1904 after being struck by a charging H.M.S. Arun in night exercises off the Scilly Islands, losing a man. Paton, assisted in his defence by Lieutenant Hubert S. Cardale in a pair of Court Martials later that month, was cleared of blame in the incident, as the destroyers were all darkened, and Arun's captain, Reginald Tyrwhitt had not taken adequate measures to keep his division-mates apprised of his intentions.

Paton was promoted to the rank of Commander on 30 June, 1907.

Paton was appointed in command of the destroyer Cherwell on 10 September, 1907.

Paton was promoted to the rank of Captain on 31 December, 1914.

Paton married Gladys May Tischemake on 20 January, 1915.

He was appointed in command of the light cruiser Concord on 14 November, 1916. She suffered a collision with the destroyer Ostrich on 19 February, 1917, prompting a reproach that Paton should have familiarised himself with other patrols likely to be encountered in the area before sailing.

On 23 May, 1917, Their Lordships expressed their appreciation for Paton's service patroling the Belgian coast in the summer of 1916. He was invested with the D.S.O. at Buckingham Palace on 7 November, 1917.

Post-War

Paton commanded Erin from January 1921 until mid 1922.

In May 1922, he was appointed in command of the light cruiser Calliope.

He was appointed captain of Marlborough in August of 1923.

Paton was promoted to Rear-Admiral on 1 July, 1925.

Paton was placed on the Retired List on 1 January, 1928.

He was advanced to Vice-Admiral on the Retired List on 2 April, 1930.

Paton succumbed to coronary thrombosis in 1952.

Service Records

• The National Archives. ADM 196/141/289.
• The National Archives. ADM 196/44/60. f. 68.
• The National Archives. ADM 196/90/8.

Naval Appointments
Preceded by Lawrence H. Richardson	Captain of H.M.S. Ardent 1 Apr, 1901 – c. late 1902	Succeeded by Morris E. Cochrane
Preceded by George J. Todd	Captain of H.M.S. Mallard 1 Jul, 1902 – 20 Oct, 1903	Succeeded by Henry R. Heathcote
Preceded by James Creber	Captain of H.M.S. Decoy 14 Jul, 1904 – 13 Aug, 1904	Succeeded by Vessel Lost
Preceded by William F. Benwell	Captain of H.M.S. Cherwell 10 Sep, 1907 – early 1910	Succeeded by Clive C. H. Maitland-Addison
Preceded by New Command	Captain of H.M.S. Marshal Soult 5 Sep, 1915 – 14 Nov, 1916	Succeeded by George R. B. Blount
Preceded by New Command	Captain of H.M.S. Concord 14 Nov, 1916 – 19 Jan, 1919	Succeeded by Walter J. C. Lake
Preceded by Percival H. H. Thompson	Captain of H.M.S. Erin 14 Jan, 1921 – May, 1922	Succeeded by ?
Preceded by Walter B. Compton	Captain of H.M.S. Calliope 6 May, 1922 – 3 Aug, 1923	Succeeded by Thomas E. Wardle
Preceded by Hugh J. Tweedie	Captain of H.M.S. Marlborough 3 Aug, 1923 – Mar, 1925	Succeeded by Arthur B. S. Dutton