Difference between revisions of "Lionel Halsey"

From The Dreadnought Project
Jump to navigationJump to search
(Update appts)
 
(40 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
  
 
==Early Life & Career==
 
==Early Life & Career==
Halsey was born in London, the fourth son of Sir Thomas Frederick Halsey, First Baronet.  After primary education at Stubbington House, Fareham, Hampshire, he entered [[H.M.S. Britannia (Training Ship)|H.M.S. ''Britannia'']] in January, 1885.  He was commissioned a Sub-Lieutenant on 14 July, 1891.  In July, 1893 he was posted to the Royal Yacht and was promoted Lieutenant on 28 August, 1893.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/26444/pages/5433 no. 26444.  p. 5433.]  26 September, 1893.</ref> He served with the Mediterranean Fleet and then on the [[North America and West Indies Station]], before joining H.M.S. ''Powerful''.  In the South African War he commanded a battery of naval guns in the Defence of Ladysmith, for which he was mentioned in dispatches.
+
Halsey was born in London, the fourth son of Sir Thomas Frederick Halsey, First Baronet.  After primary education at the [[Stubbington House School]], Fareham, Hampshire, and entered [[H.M.S. Britannia (Training Ship)|H.M.S. ''Britannia'']] in January, 1885.  He was commissioned a Sub-Lieutenant on 14 July, 1891.  In July, 1893 he was posted to the Royal Yacht and was promoted Lieutenant on 28 August, 1893.{{Gaz|26444|5433|26 September, 1893}} He served with the Mediterranean Fleet and then on the [[North America and West Indies Station]], before joining {{UK-Powerful|f=p}}.  In the South African War, he commanded a battery of naval guns in the Defence of Ladysmith, for which he was mentioned in dispatches.
  
Halsey was specially promoted to the rank of {{CommRN}} on 1 January, 1901, for services in South Africa.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/27263/pages/82 no. 27263.  p. 82.]  4 January, 1901.</ref> He was appointed to the {{UK-Diana|f=t}} in the Mediterranean as Executive Officer on 15 January, and served in her until 24 June, 1902, when was appointed to ''Victory'' for the Coronation Naval Review at Portsmouth.  From 15 October, 1902, to 8 October, 1904, he served as Executive Officer in the new {{UK-GoodHope|f=t}}, in the {{UK-CS}}.
+
Halsey was specially promoted to the rank of {{CommRN}} on 1 January, 1901, for services in South Africa.{{Gaz|27263|82|4 January, 1901}} He was appointed to the {{UK-1Diana|f=t}} in the Mediterranean as Executive Officer on 15 January, and served in her until 24 June, 1902, when was appointed to ''Victory'' for the Coronation Naval Review at Portsmouth.  From 15 October, 1902, to 8 October, 1904, he served as Executive Officer in the new {{UK-GoodHope|f=t}}, in the {{UK-CS}}.
  
 
In January, 1905 Halsey was appointed Naval Member of the new [[Volunteer Reserve Committee]] at the Admiralty.
 
In January, 1905 Halsey was appointed Naval Member of the new [[Volunteer Reserve Committee]] at the Admiralty.
  
 
==Captain==
 
==Captain==
Halsey was promoted to the rank of {{CaptRN}} on 30 June, 1905.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/27812/pages/4557 no. 27812.  p. 4557.]  30 June, 1905.</ref> He ceased duty on the Admiralty Volunteer Committee on 26 August, on which date he was appointed in command of {{UK-Powerful}}, as [[Flag Captain|Flag Captain]] to [[Wilmot Hawkesworth Fawkes|Sir Wilmot H. Fawkes]], Commander-in-Chief, Australia.<ref>ADM 196/43.  f. 243.</ref>
+
Halsey was promoted to the rank of {{CaptRN}} on 30 June, 1905.{{Gaz|27812|4557|30 June, 1905}} He ceased duty on the Admiralty Volunteer Committee on 26 August, on which date he was appointed in command of {{UK-Powerful}}, as [[Flag Captain|Flag Captain]] to [[Wilmot Hawkesworth Fawkes|Sir Wilmot H. Fawkes]], Commander-in-Chief, Australia.<ref>ADM 196/43.  f. 243.</ref>
  
 
Upon Fawkes's three years as Commander-in-Chief on the station ending, he was appointed [[Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth]].  Halsey went  with him as Flag Captain, being appointed to ''Impregnable'' as such on 28 April, 1908.<ref>ADM 196/43.  f. 243.</ref>
 
Upon Fawkes's three years as Commander-in-Chief on the station ending, he was appointed [[Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth]].  Halsey went  with him as Flag Captain, being appointed to ''Impregnable'' as such on 28 April, 1908.<ref>ADM 196/43.  f. 243.</ref>
Line 28: Line 28:
 
On 19 September Halsey was appointed a [[Naval Aide-de-Camp]] to the King.  He had been ordered to transfer to [[H.M.S. Invincible (1907)|''Invincible'']] when that ship was detached following the [[Battle of Coronel]].<ref>''Naval Staff Monographs''.  '''I'''.  p. 171.</ref>  For some unknown reason, however, he remained in ''New Zealand'', becoming Flag Captain to Rear-Admiral [[Archibald Gordon Henry Wilson Moore|Sir A. Gordon H. W. Moore]] when he transferred from ''Invincible''.
 
On 19 September Halsey was appointed a [[Naval Aide-de-Camp]] to the King.  He had been ordered to transfer to [[H.M.S. Invincible (1907)|''Invincible'']] when that ship was detached following the [[Battle of Coronel]].<ref>''Naval Staff Monographs''.  '''I'''.  p. 171.</ref>  For some unknown reason, however, he remained in ''New Zealand'', becoming Flag Captain to Rear-Admiral [[Archibald Gordon Henry Wilson Moore|Sir A. Gordon H. W. Moore]] when he transferred from ''Invincible''.
  
Halsey commanded the ''New Zealand'' at the [[Battle of Dogger Bank]] on 24 January, 1915, for which he was again mentioned in dispatches.  In June, 1915 he was appointed [[Captain of the Fleet]] to [[John Rushworth Jellicoe, First Earl Jellicoe|Sir John R. Jellicoe]] in [[H.M.S. Iron Duke (1912)|H.M.S. ''Iron Duke'']] with the rank of {{Com1RN}}.  Before the war Jellicoe had already earmarked him for Captain of the Fleet if he had taken over in the usual course in December, 1914.<ref>Jellicoe to Dreyer.  Letter of 28 May, 1914.  Churchill Archives Centre.  Dreyer Papers.  DRYR 3/1/8.</ref>  He was present at the [[Battle of Jutland]].  In the King's Birthday Honours of 3 June, 1916, he was appointed an Additional Member of the Third Class, or Companion, in the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (C.B.).<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29608/supplements/5553 (Supplement) no. 29608.  p. 5553.]  2 June, 1916.</ref> On 15 September, 1916 he was appointed an Officer of the Légion d'honneur and was promoted to Commander in 1917.
+
Halsey commanded the ''New Zealand'' at the [[Battle of Dogger Bank]] on 24 January, 1915, for which he was again mentioned in dispatches.  In June, 1915 he was appointed [[Captain of the Fleet (Royal Navy)|Captain of the Fleet]] to [[John Rushworth Jellicoe, First Earl Jellicoe|Sir John R. Jellicoe]] in [[H.M.S. Iron Duke (1912)|H.M.S. ''Iron Duke'']] with the rank of {{Com1RN}}.  Before the war Jellicoe had already earmarked him for Captain of the Fleet if he had taken over in the usual course in December, 1914.<ref>Jellicoe to Dreyer.  Letter of 28 May, 1914.  Churchill Archives Centre.  Dreyer Papers.  DRYR 3/1/8.</ref>  He was present at the [[Battle of Jutland]].  In the King's Birthday Honours of 3 June, 1916, he was appointed an Additional Member of the Third Class, or Companion, in the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (C.B.).{{GazSup|29608|5553|2 June, 1916}} On 15 September, 1916 he was appointed an Officer of the Légion d'honneur and was promoted to Commander in 1917.
  
On 4 December Halsey was appointed [[Fourth Sea Lord]] at the [[Admiralty]], becoming [[Third Sea Lord]] in May, 1917.  On 26 April, 1917, he was promoted to the rank of {{RearRN}}.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30037/pages/3955 no. 30037.  p. 3955.]  27 April, 1917.</ref> Upon relinquishing the office of Third Sea Lord he was appointed an Additional Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (K.C.M.G.) on 2 August, 1918.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30825/pages/9109 no. 30825.  p. 9109.]  2 August, 1918.</ref> He was appointed to [[H.M.A.S. Australia (1911)|H.M.A.S. ''Australia'']] as Rear-Admiral Commanding the [[Second Battle Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Second Battle Cruiser Squadron]] in the Grand Fleet on 1 September and assumed command on 4 September.<ref>''Supplement to the Monthly Navy List'' (November, 1918).  p. 5.</ref>
+
On 4 December Halsey was appointed [[Fourth Sea Lord]] at the [[Admiralty]], becoming [[Third Sea Lord]] in May, 1917.  On 26 April, 1917, he was promoted to the rank of {{RearRN}}.{{Gaz|30037|3955|27 April, 1917}} Upon relinquishing the office of Third Sea Lord he was appointed an Additional Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (K.C.M.G.) on 2 August, 1918.{{Gaz|30825|9109|2 August, 1918}} He was appointed to [[H.M.A.S. Australia (1911)|H.M.A.S. ''Australia'']] as Rear-Admiral Commanding the [[Second Battle Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Second Battle Cruiser Squadron]] in the Grand Fleet on 1 September and assumed command on 4 September.{{SMNLNov18|p. 5}}
  
 
==Post-War==
 
==Post-War==
He served at the Admiralty from March to August, 1919, when he became chief of staff to the Prince of Wales for his tour of Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies, and other colonies in [[H.M.S. Renown (1916)|H.M.S. ''Renown'']].  For this he was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (K.C.V.O.) on 1 December, 1919 and promoted Knight Grand Cross (G.C.V.O.) on 11 October, 1920.
+
In February, 1919, Halsey was offered the position of First Naval Member on the [[Commonwealth Naval Board]] by Sir Joseph Cook, the Minister of the Navy, who along with Prime Minister Billy Hughes, was in Europe for the Versailles Peace Conference. His salary was to have been £2,500 a year, with £500 allowance, and he had provisionally accepted. However, the Cabinet back in Australia refused to countenance more than £2,000.<ref>National Archives of Australia. A2. 1920/2354.</ref> He served at the Admiralty from March to August, 1919, when he became chief of staff to the Prince of Wales for his tour of Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies, and other colonies in [[H.M.S. Renown (1916)|H.M.S. ''Renown'']].  For this he was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (K.C.V.O.) on 1 December, 1919 and promoted Knight Grand Cross (G.C.V.O.) on 11 October, 1920.
  
In November, 1920 Halsey was appointed Comptroller and Treasurer to the Prince of Wales.  He became an extra equerry in 1921.  He was promoted to the rank of {{ViceRN}} on 5 July, 1921, vice [[Edward Francis Benedict Charlton|Charlton]],<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32394/pages/5733 no. 32394.  p. 5733.]  19 July, 1921.</ref> and was placed on the Retired List at his own request on 1 November, 1922, "in order to facilitate the promotion of younger officers."<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32764/pages/7872 no. 32764.  p. 7872.]  7 November, 1922.</ref>   He was appointed Knight Commander of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire (K.C.I.E.) on 23 June, 1922, following the Prince's visit to India,<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32722/pages/4715 no. 32722.  p. 4715.]  23 June, 1922.</ref> promoted to Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (G.C.M.G.) on 16 October, 1925 following the Prince's visit to Africa and South America, and advanced to the rank of Admiral on the Retired List on 4 October, 1926.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33209/pages/6440 no. 33209.  p. 6440.]  8 October, 1926.</ref> He was also awarded the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun 1st Class in 1922.
+
In November, 1920 Halsey was appointed Comptroller and Treasurer to the Prince of Wales.  He became an extra equerry in 1921.  He was promoted to the rank of {{ViceRN}} on 5 July, 1921, vice [[Edward Francis Benedict Charlton|Charlton]],{{Gaz|32394|5733|19 July, 1921}} and was placed on the Retired List at his own request on 1 November, 1922, "in order to facilitate the promotion of younger officers."{{Gaz|32764|7872|7 November, 1922}}   He was appointed Knight Commander of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire (K.C.I.E.) on 23 June, 1922, following the Prince's visit to India,{{Gaz|32722|4715|23 June, 1922}} promoted to Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (G.C.M.G.) on 16 October, 1925 following the Prince's visit to Africa and South America, and advanced to the rank of Admiral on the Retired List on 4 October, 1926.{{Gaz|33209|6440|8 October, 1926}} He was also awarded the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun 1st Class in 1922.
  
 
In 1936 he was dismissed from the staff of King Edward VIII, as the Prince of Wales had now become.  This was probably due to his opposition to Wallis Simpson becoming queen.  In 1937, however, he was appointed an extra equerry to the new King George VI and took part in the coronation procession.
 
In 1936 he was dismissed from the staff of King Edward VIII, as the Prince of Wales had now become.  This was probably due to his opposition to Wallis Simpson becoming queen.  In 1937, however, he was appointed an extra equerry to the new King George VI and took part in the coronation procession.
 +
 +
Regrettably all his papers were burnt in a fire at his home after the Great War.<ref>Halsey to [[Frederic Charles Dreyer|Frederic C. Dreyer]].  Letter of 23 April, 1936.  Dreyer Papers.  Churchill Archives Centre.  DRY/6/13.</ref>  Despite this loss, some correspondence, including at least 88 letters he'd sent to his parents Sir Frederick and Lady Halsey while serving on the Australian Station as Flag Captain to Admiral Sir Wilmot Fawkes in {{UK-Powerful|f=p}} 1905&ndash;08 survived and were house at the Hertfordshire Record Office.<ref>Email from David Chessum including a PDF of the letters, 20200825.</ref>
  
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==
{{WP|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Halsey}}
+
{{refbegin}}
 
+
{{WP|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Halsey}}
==Footnotes==
+
{{refend}}
{{reflist}}
 
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
Line 56: Line 57:
 
{{refend}}
 
{{refend}}
  
 +
<div name=fredbot:appts>{{TabApptsBegin}}
 +
{{TabNaval}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Frederick St. George Rich|Frederick St. G. Rich]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Powerful (1895)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Powerful'']]'''<br>26 Aug, 1905<ref>Halsey Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|D7576543}}  f. 243.</ref> &ndash; 1 Jan, 1908<ref>Halsey Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|D7576543}}  f. 243.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Cecil Irby Prowse|Cecil I. Prowse]]'''}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edward Stafford Fitzherbert, Thirteenth Baron Stafford|Edward S. Fitzherbert]]'''|'''[[Plymouth Station|Flag Captain, Plymouth Station]]'''<br>28 Apr, 1908<ref>Halsey Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.}}  f. 234.</ref> &ndash; 11 Apr, 1911<ref>Halsey Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|D7576543}}  f. 243.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Arthur Lindesay Cay|Arthur L. Cay]]'''}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Thomas Dawson Lees Sheppard|Thomas D. L. Sheppard]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Donegal (1902)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Donegal'']]'''<br>11 Apr, 1911<ref>Halsey Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|D7576543}}  f. 243.</ref>{{NLApr11|p. 302}} &ndash; 20 Sep, 1912<ref>Halsey Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|D7576543}}  f. 243.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[George Holmes Borrett|George H. Borrett]]'''}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''New Command'''|'''[[H.M.S. New Zealand (1911)|Captain of H.M.S. ''New Zealand'']]'''<br>23 Sep, 1912<ref>Halsey Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|D7576543}}  f. 243.</ref> &ndash; Jun, 1915<ref>Halsey Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|D7576543}}  f. 243.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[John Frederick Ernest Green|John F. E. Green]]'''}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Allan Frederic Everett|Allan F. Everett]]'''|'''[[Grand Fleet|Captain of the Fleet, Grand Fleet]]'''<br>Jun, 1915<ref>Halsey Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|D7576543}}  f. 243.</ref> &ndash; Dec, 1916<ref>Halsey Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|D7576543}}  f. 243.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Hubert George Brand|Hubert G. Brand]]'''}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Cecil Foley Lambert|Cecil F. Lambert]]'''|'''[[Fourth Sea Lord|Fourth Sea Lord]]'''<br>4 Dec, 1916{{UKNavalStaff|p. 125}}<ref>Halsey Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|D7576543}}  f. 243.</ref> &ndash; 31 May, 1917<ref>Halsey Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|D7576543}}  f. 243.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Hugh Henry Darby Tothill|Sir Hugh H. D. Tothill]]'''<br><small>as '''Fourth Sea Lord and Chief of Supplies and Transport'''</small>}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Frederick Charles Tudor Tudor|Frederick C. T. Tudor]]'''<br><small>as '''Third Sea Lord'''</small>|'''[[Third Sea Lord|Third Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Materiel]]'''<br>31 May, 1917{{UKNavalStaff|p. 126}}<ref>Halsey Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|D7576543}}  f. 243.</ref> &ndash; 17 Jun, 1918<ref>Halsey Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|D7576543}}  f. 243.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Charles Martin-de-Bartolomé|Charles Bartolomé]]'''<br><small>as '''Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy'''</small>}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Arthur Cavenagh Leveson|Arthur C. Leveson]]'''|'''[[Australian Station|Rear-Admiral Commanding the Australian Fleet]]'''<br>1 Sep, 1918{{SMNLNov18|p. 5}} &ndash; 21 Mar, 1919<ref>Halsey Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|D7576543}}  f. 243.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[John Saumarez Dumaresq|John S. Dumaresq]]'''}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Arthur Cavenagh Leveson|Arthur C. Leveson]]'''|'''[[Second Battle Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding, Second Battle Cruiser Squadron]]'''<br>1 Sep, 1918{{UKCeased|f. 10}} &ndash; 21 Mar, 1919<ref>Halsey Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|D7576543}}  f. 243.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''Command Abolished'''}}
 +
{{TabEnd}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:appts>
  
{{TabAppts}}
+
==Footnotes==
{{Appt
+
{{reflist}}
|[[H.M.S. New Zealand (1911)|Captain of H.M.S. ''New Zealand'']]|New Command|1912 &ndash; 1915|[[John Frederick Ernest Green|John F. E. Green]]
 
}}
 
{{Appt
 
|[[Grand Fleet|Captain of the Fleet,<br>Grand Fleet]]|[[Allan Frederic Everett|Allan F. Everett]]|1915 &ndash; 1916|[[Hubert George Brand|Hubert G. Brand]]
 
}}
 
{{Appt
 
|[[Fourth Sea Lord]]|[[Cecil Foley Lambert|Cecil F. Lambert]]|1916 &ndash; 1917|[[Hugh Henry Darby Tothill|Hugh H. D. Tothill]]
 
}}
 
{{Appt
 
|[[Third Sea Lord|Third Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Materiel]]|[[Frederick Charles Tudor Tudor|Frederick C. T. Tudor]]|1917 &ndash; 1918|[[Charles Martin-de-Bartolomé|Charles M. Bartolomé]]
 
}}
 
|-
 
| rowspan="2" width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[Arthur Cavenagh Leveson|Arthur C. Leveson]]'''
 
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Second Battle Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding,<br>Second Battle Cruiser Squadron]]'''<br>1918 &ndash; 1919
 
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''Command Abolished'''
 
|-
 
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Royal Australian Navy|Rear-Admiral Commanding,<br>H.M. Australian Fleet]]'''<br>1918 &ndash; 1919
 
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[John Saumarez Dumaresq|John S. Dumaresq]]'''
 
|-
 
{{TabEnd}}
 
  
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Halsey, Lionel}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Halsey, Lionel}}
Line 84: Line 78:
 
{{CatPerson|UK|1872|1949}}
 
{{CatPerson|UK|1872|1949}}
 
{{CatBritannia|January, 1885}}
 
{{CatBritannia|January, 1885}}
[[Category:Fourth Sea Lords]]
+
{{CatAdm|UK}}
[[Category:Third Sea Lords]]
+
 
{{CatAdmiral|UK}}
+
[[Category:Royal Navy Officers Educated at Stubbington House School]]
 +
{{CatRN}}

Latest revision as of 18:56, 27 June 2022

Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey, as a Rear-Admiral, 1920.
© National Portrait Gallery, London.

Admiral SIR Lionel Halsey, G.C.M.G.G.C.V.O.K.C.I.E.C.B., R.N., Retired (26 February, 1872 – 26 October, 1949) was a British Royal Navy officer and courtier.

Early Life & Career

Halsey was born in London, the fourth son of Sir Thomas Frederick Halsey, First Baronet. After primary education at the Stubbington House School, Fareham, Hampshire, and entered H.M.S. Britannia in January, 1885. He was commissioned a Sub-Lieutenant on 14 July, 1891. In July, 1893 he was posted to the Royal Yacht and was promoted Lieutenant on 28 August, 1893.[1] He served with the Mediterranean Fleet and then on the North America and West Indies Station, before joining H.M.S. Powerful. In the South African War, he commanded a battery of naval guns in the Defence of Ladysmith, for which he was mentioned in dispatches.

Halsey was specially promoted to the rank of Commander on 1 January, 1901, for services in South Africa.[2] He was appointed to the second class protected cruiser Diana in the Mediterranean as Executive Officer on 15 January, and served in her until 24 June, 1902, when was appointed to Victory for the Coronation Naval Review at Portsmouth. From 15 October, 1902, to 8 October, 1904, he served as Executive Officer in the new armoured cruiser Good Hope, in the Cruiser Squadron.

In January, 1905 Halsey was appointed Naval Member of the new Volunteer Reserve Committee at the Admiralty.

Captain

Halsey was promoted to the rank of Captain on 30 June, 1905.[3] He ceased duty on the Admiralty Volunteer Committee on 26 August, on which date he was appointed in command of Powerful, as Flag Captain to Sir Wilmot H. Fawkes, Commander-in-Chief, Australia.[4]

Upon Fawkes's three years as Commander-in-Chief on the station ending, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth. Halsey went with him as Flag Captain, being appointed to Impregnable as such on 28 April, 1908.[5]

On 11 April, 1911 he was appointed in comman of the armoured cruiser Donegal in the Fourth Cruiser Squadron. He was superseded in command of Donegal on 20 September, 1912.

On 23 September, 1912, Halsey was appointed to Victory for command of the new battle cruiser New Zealand for her trials.[6]

In August, 1913, the First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill, noted that:

Captain Halsey having made a great success of his mission in the "New Zealand", and having achieved by all accounts an oratorical success not at all in keeping with the ordinary duties of a naval officer, has established special claims upon the Colonial Office, that Department should, in my opinion, be invited to reward him with a C.M.G.[7]

He was accordingly appointed a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (C.M.G.) on 8 December.

Great War

On 19 September Halsey was appointed a Naval Aide-de-Camp to the King. He had been ordered to transfer to Invincible when that ship was detached following the Battle of Coronel.[8] For some unknown reason, however, he remained in New Zealand, becoming Flag Captain to Rear-Admiral Sir A. Gordon H. W. Moore when he transferred from Invincible.

Halsey commanded the New Zealand at the Battle of Dogger Bank on 24 January, 1915, for which he was again mentioned in dispatches. In June, 1915 he was appointed Captain of the Fleet to Sir John R. Jellicoe in H.M.S. Iron Duke with the rank of Commodore, First Class. Before the war Jellicoe had already earmarked him for Captain of the Fleet if he had taken over in the usual course in December, 1914.[9] He was present at the Battle of Jutland. In the King's Birthday Honours of 3 June, 1916, he was appointed an Additional Member of the Third Class, or Companion, in the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (C.B.).[10] On 15 September, 1916 he was appointed an Officer of the Légion d'honneur and was promoted to Commander in 1917.

On 4 December Halsey was appointed Fourth Sea Lord at the Admiralty, becoming Third Sea Lord in May, 1917. On 26 April, 1917, he was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral.[11] Upon relinquishing the office of Third Sea Lord he was appointed an Additional Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (K.C.M.G.) on 2 August, 1918.[12] He was appointed to H.M.A.S. Australia as Rear-Admiral Commanding the Second Battle Cruiser Squadron in the Grand Fleet on 1 September and assumed command on 4 September.[13]

Post-War

In February, 1919, Halsey was offered the position of First Naval Member on the Commonwealth Naval Board by Sir Joseph Cook, the Minister of the Navy, who along with Prime Minister Billy Hughes, was in Europe for the Versailles Peace Conference. His salary was to have been £2,500 a year, with £500 allowance, and he had provisionally accepted. However, the Cabinet back in Australia refused to countenance more than £2,000.[14] He served at the Admiralty from March to August, 1919, when he became chief of staff to the Prince of Wales for his tour of Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies, and other colonies in H.M.S. Renown. For this he was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (K.C.V.O.) on 1 December, 1919 and promoted Knight Grand Cross (G.C.V.O.) on 11 October, 1920.

In November, 1920 Halsey was appointed Comptroller and Treasurer to the Prince of Wales. He became an extra equerry in 1921. He was promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral on 5 July, 1921, vice Charlton,[15] and was placed on the Retired List at his own request on 1 November, 1922, "in order to facilitate the promotion of younger officers."[16] He was appointed Knight Commander of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire (K.C.I.E.) on 23 June, 1922, following the Prince's visit to India,[17] promoted to Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (G.C.M.G.) on 16 October, 1925 following the Prince's visit to Africa and South America, and advanced to the rank of Admiral on the Retired List on 4 October, 1926.[18] He was also awarded the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun 1st Class in 1922.

In 1936 he was dismissed from the staff of King Edward VIII, as the Prince of Wales had now become. This was probably due to his opposition to Wallis Simpson becoming queen. In 1937, however, he was appointed an extra equerry to the new King George VI and took part in the coronation procession.

Regrettably all his papers were burnt in a fire at his home after the Great War.[19] Despite this loss, some correspondence, including at least 88 letters he'd sent to his parents Sir Frederick and Lady Halsey while serving on the Australian Station as Flag Captain to Admiral Sir Wilmot Fawkes in H.M.S. Powerful 1905–08 survived and were house at the Hertfordshire Record Office.[20]

See Also

Bibliography

  • "Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey" (Obituaries). The Times. Thursday, 27 October, 1949. Issue 51523, col E, p. 7.

Service Records

Naval Appointments
Preceded by
Frederick St. G. Rich
Captain of H.M.S. Powerful
26 Aug, 1905[21] – 1 Jan, 1908[22]
Succeeded by
Cecil I. Prowse
Preceded by
Edward S. Fitzherbert
Flag Captain, Plymouth Station
28 Apr, 1908[23] – 11 Apr, 1911[24]
Succeeded by
Arthur L. Cay
Preceded by
Thomas D. L. Sheppard
Captain of H.M.S. Donegal
11 Apr, 1911[25][26] – 20 Sep, 1912[27]
Succeeded by
George H. Borrett
Preceded by
New Command
Captain of H.M.S. New Zealand
23 Sep, 1912[28] – Jun, 1915[29]
Succeeded by
John F. E. Green
Preceded by
Allan F. Everett
Captain of the Fleet, Grand Fleet
Jun, 1915[30] – Dec, 1916[31]
Succeeded by
Hubert G. Brand
Preceded by
Cecil F. Lambert
Fourth Sea Lord
4 Dec, 1916[32][33] – 31 May, 1917[34]
Succeeded by
Sir Hugh H. D. Tothill
as Fourth Sea Lord and Chief of Supplies and Transport
Preceded by
Frederick C. T. Tudor
as Third Sea Lord
Third Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Materiel
31 May, 1917[35][36] – 17 Jun, 1918[37]
Succeeded by
Charles Bartolomé
as Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy
Preceded by
Arthur C. Leveson
Rear-Admiral Commanding the Australian Fleet
1 Sep, 1918[38] – 21 Mar, 1919[39]
Succeeded by
John S. Dumaresq
Preceded by
Arthur C. Leveson
Rear-Admiral Commanding, Second Battle Cruiser Squadron
1 Sep, 1918[40] – 21 Mar, 1919[41]
Succeeded by
Command Abolished

Footnotes

  1. The London Gazette: no. 26444. p. 5433. 26 September, 1893.
  2. The London Gazette: no. 27263. p. 82. 4 January, 1901.
  3. The London Gazette: no. 27812. p. 4557. 30 June, 1905.
  4. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  5. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  6. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  7. Churchill to Secretary. Minute of 23 August, [1913]. Churchill Papers. Churchill Archives Centre. CHAR 13/6B/338.
  8. Naval Staff Monographs. I. p. 171.
  9. Jellicoe to Dreyer. Letter of 28 May, 1914. Churchill Archives Centre. Dreyer Papers. DRYR 3/1/8.
  10. The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 29608. p. 5553. 2 June, 1916.
  11. The London Gazette: no. 30037. p. 3955. 27 April, 1917.
  12. The London Gazette: no. 30825. p. 9109. 2 August, 1918.
  13. Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1918). p. 5.
  14. National Archives of Australia. A2. 1920/2354.
  15. The London Gazette: no. 32394. p. 5733. 19 July, 1921.
  16. The London Gazette: no. 32764. p. 7872. 7 November, 1922.
  17. The London Gazette: no. 32722. p. 4715. 23 June, 1922.
  18. The London Gazette: no. 33209. p. 6440. 8 October, 1926.
  19. Halsey to Frederic C. Dreyer. Letter of 23 April, 1936. Dreyer Papers. Churchill Archives Centre. DRY/6/13.
  20. Email from David Chessum including a PDF of the letters, 20200825.
  21. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  22. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  23. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 234.
  24. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  25. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  26. The Navy List. (April, 1911). p. 302.
  27. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  28. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  29. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  30. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  31. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  32. The Naval Staff of the Admiralty. p. 125.
  33. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  34. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  35. The Naval Staff of the Admiralty. p. 126.
  36. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  37. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  38. Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1918). p. 5.
  39. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  40. Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. f. 10.
  41. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.