Third Sea Lord

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The Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy was an officer of the Royal Navy with a position on the Board of Admiralty with responsibility for procuring and equipping the fleet. The position had a complicated history. Prior to 1868 the Third Sea Lord was a member of the Board of Admiralty and the Controller of the Navy was a subordinate official. In 1868 the Second Sea Lord was abolished and the Controller took his place on the Board as Third Lord and Controller, with the Fourth Sea Lord technically becoming Third Sea Lord with the title Junior Naval Lord. In 1872 the office of Second Sea Lord was restored, the Controller left the Board and the Junior Naval Lord remained designated as such. In 1882 the Controller again returned to the Board, this time as Third Naval Lord and Controller of the Navy, renamed Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy in 1904. In 1912 many of his administrative duties were given to a new Additional Civil Lord of the Admiralty, and the title became Third Sea Lord, with Controller of the Navy abolished. A new office of Controller was created for a civilian in 1917, the same year that Third Sea Lord was renamed Third Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Materiel. The Controllership was merged with Third Sea Lord in 1918, once more becoming Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy.

History of Controller of the Navy

See also: Instructions for the Controller of the Navy

The office of Surveyor of the Navy had been one of the five Principal Officers of the Civil Departments of the Navy. By Order in Council of 23 January, 1860, the title of Surveyor of the Navy was changed to Comptroller of the Navy.[1] In spite of the wording of the Order in Council the title was being rendered as Controller of the Navy within a month.[2]

History of the Third Sea Lord

The pay of the Third Sea Lord until 1868 had been £1,000. As the distributions of business indicate he had responsibility for varying details of administration which would tend to change depending on the talents of the office holder.

Controller on the Board

At the end of 1868, formalised by Order in Council of 14 January, 1869, the Third Sea Lord technically disappeared entirely when the position of Second Sea Lord was abolished, and the Controllership of the Navy became known as the Third Lord and Controller of the Navy:

The Controller of the Navy being, as we have proposed, the Third Lord, to be responsible to the First Lord of the Admiralty for the administration of so much of the business as relates to the "Matériel" of Your Majesty's Navy, i.e., to the Building and Repairing of Ships, to Guns and to Naval Stores.

He and the First Naval Lord received £1,500 per annum, with residence, "to mark the special responsibilities" of their office (a 50% pay increase for the First Naval Lord).[3]

Under the Order in Council of 19 March, 1872, it was laid down "That the office of Comptroller of the Navy be re-established, as an office to be held for a fixed period by an Officer not a member of the Board". His duties were defined:

The Comptroller to be responsible to the First Lord for the administration of so much of the business as relates to the Matériel of Your Majesty's Navy, the Comptroller to have the right to attend the Board, and to explain his views, whenever the First Lord shall submit to the Board, for their opinion, designs for ships or any other matters emanating from the Comptroller's Department.

The office of Second Naval Lord was restored, and technically a Third Sea Lord existed in the form of the Junior Naval Lord.[4] Under the Order in Council of 10 May, 1872, the salary of the "Controller" was fixed at "1,500l. a-year, with a house or an allowance of 200l. a-year in lieu."[5] By Order in Council of 9 August, 1872, naval half pay was added to this.[6]

This state of affairs continued for a decade, until 1882, when the Admiralty obtained the Order in Council of 10 March, 1882 which decreed, inter alia, "That the officer filling the post of Comptroller of Your Majesty's Navy may, notwithstanding the said Order in Council [of 19 March, 1872], be appointed an additional Naval Lord of the Admiralty."[7] In a distribution of business of 24 April of that year he is styled as Controller of the Navy,[8] but as the Junior Naval Lord retained his title the Controller was already in effect Third Sea Lord. In subsequent distributions of business he was styled as Third Naval Lord and Controller of the Navy.[9]

Under the Order in Council of 10 August, 1904, his title was altered to Third Sea Lord and Controller.[10] By Order in Council of 21 December, 1906, the emoluments of his office were raised from £1,500 a year to £1,750 a year, in addition to Naval Half Pay. The Controller then became £250 a year better off than the Second Sea Lord.[11]

The title of Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy was changed to Third Sea Lord with effect from 12 June, 1912, under the Order in Council of 19 July, 1912.[12] In September he was formally relieved of duties relating to contracts, finances and dockyard management, which were allocated to the Additional Civil Lord, who had been appointed in January.[13] The office of Third Sea Lord received the designation Third Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Materiel by Order in Council of 23 October, 1917.[14] The office of Controller (created in 1917) was merged with that of Third Sea Lord on 25 June, 1918, and became once again Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy by Order in Council of that date.[15]

Duties

Third Sea Lords and Controllers (–1868)

Third Sea Lord (1866–1868)

Controller of the Navy (1848–1868)

Third Lord and Controller of the Navy (1868–1872)

Controller of the Navy (1872–1882)

Additional Naval Lord and Controller of the Navy (1882–1904)

Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy (1904–1912)

Third Sea Lord (1912–1918)

Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy (1918–)

Naval Assistant to the Third Sea Lord (and Controller of the Navy)

Dates of appointment given:

Footnotes

  1. The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. II. p. 9.
  2. See docket "Instructions for Controller of the Navy" dated 16 February, 1860. TNA, ADM 1/5741.
  3. The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. III. pp. 254-256.
  4. The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. III. pp. 362-364.
  5. The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. III. p. 366.
  6. The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. III. pp. 369-370.
  7. The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. IV. pp. 136-137.
  8. "Distribution of Business" in docket "Distribution of Business: Board of Admiralty" dated 24 April, 1882. The National Archives. The National Archives. ADM 1/6330.
  9. "Distribution of Business Between the Various Members of the Board of Admiralty Showing the Successive Changes Made Between 1885 and the Present Time." 1890. C.—6199. Copy in Greene papers. National Maritime Museum. GEE/2.
  10. The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. IX. pp. 122-123.
  11. The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. IX. p. 258.
  12. The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. X. p. 263.
  13. "Memorandum by the First Lord on the Redistribution of Admiralty Business." p. 6. Greene papers. National Maritime Museum. GEE/2.
  14. The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. XI. pp. 1707-1709.
  15. The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. XII. pp. 248-250.
  16. "Precis of the Division & General Mode of Conducting the Business of the Admiralty at Whitehall." Dated 21 June, 1844. The National Archives. ADM 1/5543.
  17. Greene Papers. National Maritime Museum. GEE/2.
  18. Greene Papers. National Maritime Museum. GEE/2.
  19. "Distribution of Business" in docket "Distribution of Business: Board of Admiralty" dated 24 April, 1882. The National Archives. ADM 1/6330.
  20. Docket "Table of distribution of business of Members of Board, & Secretaries" dated 13 July, 1885. The National Archives. ADM 116/3392.
  21. Docket "Table of Distribution of Business amongst Members of Board & Secretaries" dated 11 January, 1889. The National Archives. ADM 116/3392.
  22. "Distribution of Business Between the Various Members of the Board of Admiralty Showing the Successive Changes Made Between 1885 and the Present Time." 1890. C.—6199. Copy in Greene Papers. National Maritime Museum. GEE/2.
  23. Docket "Revised Table of Distribution of Admiralty Board Business 16 April 1908." The National Archives. ADM 116/3392.
  24. Docket "Revised Table of Distribution of Admiralty Business" dated 1 August 1912. The National Archives. ADM 116/3392.
  25. Docket "Revised Table of Distribution of Admiralty Business" dated 1 August 1912. The National Archives. ADM 116/3392.
  26. Greene papers. National Maritime Museum. GEE/2.
  27. Greene papers. National Maritime Museum. GEE/2.
  28. A List of Lords Hugh Admiral and Commissioners for executing that Office, which have been from time to time appointed, since the year 1660. p. 37.
  29. Walker Service record. The National Archives. ADM 196/37/1314.
  30. Robinson service record. The National Archives. ADM 196/37/735.
  31. A List of Lords Hugh Admiral and Commissioners for executing that Office, which have been from time to time appointed, since the year 1660. p. 37.
  32. A List of Lords Hugh Admiral and Commissioners for executing that Office, which have been from time to time appointed, since the year 1660. p. 38.
  33. A List of Lords Hugh Admiral and Commissioners for executing that Office, which have been from time to time appointed, since the year 1660. p. 38.
  34. A List of Lords Hugh Admiral and Commissioners for executing that Office, which have been from time to time appointed, since the year 1660. p. 38.
  35. Hall service record. The National Archives. ADM 196/36/1482.
  36. Stewart service record. The National Archives. ADM 196/37/1010.
  37. Brandreth service record. The National Archives. ADM 196/36/346.
  38. Hopkins Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/36. f. 271/644.
  39. Hopkins Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/36. f. 271/644.
  40. Wilson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/86. f. 59. Source does not indicate the day of month, however.
  41. Wilson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/86. f. 59.
  42. Jackson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 685.
  43. Jellicoe Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/87. p. 27.
  44. Briggs Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. p. 654.
  45. Briggs Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. p. 654.
  46. The Naval Staff of the Admiralty. p. 125.
  47. The Naval Staff of the Admiralty. p. 125.
  48. Tudor Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 90.
  49. Tudor Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 90.
  50. The Naval Staff of the Admiralty. p. 126.
  51. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  52. Halsey Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 243.
  53. The Naval Staff of the Admiralty. p. 126.
  54. Bartolomé Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 208.
  55. Nicholson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 214.
  56. Nicholson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/88. f. 77.
  57. Field Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. p. 178.
  58. Fuller Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. p. 460.
  59. Fuller Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 460.
  60. "Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Thursday, 30 April, 1925. Issue 43949, col E, p. 10.
  61. Chatfield Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 346.
  62. "Naval, Military, and Air Force" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Wednesday, 31 October, 1928. Issue 45038, col F, p. 25.
  63. "The Services" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Tuesday, 1 March, 1932. Issue 46010, col F, p. 10.
  64. "The Services" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Monday, 23 April, 1934. Issue 46735, col C, p. 7.
  65. Daniel Service Record. The National Archives. 196/56/148. f. 150.
  66. Denny Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/119/2. f. 4.
  67. Denny Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/119/2. f. 4.
  68. Denny Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/119/2. f. 4.
  69. Jellicoe Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 693.
  70. Leveson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 472.
  71. Leveson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 472.
  72. Madden Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 83.
  73. Madden Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 83.
  74. Duff Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 80.
  75. Duff Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 80.
  76. De Chair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 259.
  77. De Chair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 259. Date inferred from commissioning of Colossus
  78. Hall Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 78.
  79. Hall Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 40/78.
  80. Greatorex Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 30.
  81. Greatorex Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 16/30.

Bibliography

  • Naval Staff, Training and Staff Duties Division (1929). The Naval Staff of the Admiralty. Its Work and Development. B.R. 1845 (late C.B. 3013). Copy at The National Archives. ADM 234/434.
  • The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. Vol. II. London: For Her Majesty's Stationary Office. 1864.
  • The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. Vol. III. London: For Her Majesty's Stationary Office. 1873.
  • The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. Vol. IV. London: For Her Majesty's Stationary Office. 1884.
  • The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. Vol. IX. London: For His Majesty's Stationary Office. 1908.
  • The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. Vol. X. London: For His Majesty's Stationary Office. 1914.
  • The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. 11th February 1913 to 21 December 1917. Vol. XI. London: For His Majesty's Stationary Office. 1921.
  • The Orders in Council for the Regulation of the Naval Service. Vol. XII. London: For His Majesty's Stationary Office. 1926.

Admiralty Seal.jpg
Board of Admiralty
Political Lords Commissioners
 • First Lord of the Admiralty
 • Civil Lord of the Admiralty
 • Fourth Civil Lord (1918 – 1919)
Naval Lords Commissioners
 • First Naval Lord (– 1904) • First Sea Lord (1904 – 1917) • First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff (1917 –)
 • Second Naval Lord (– 1869, 1872 – 1904) • Second Sea Lord (1904 – 1917) • Second Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Personnel (1917 –)
 • Third Naval Lord (– 1869) • Third Lord and Controller (1869 – 1872) • Third Naval Lord and Controller of the Navy (1882 – 1904) • Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy (1904 – 1912) • Third Sea Lord (1912 – 1917) • Third Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Matériel (1917 – 1918) • Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy (1918 –)
 • Junior Naval Lord (– 1904) • Fourth Sea Lord (1907 – 1917) • Fourth Sea Lord and Chief of Supplies and Transport (1917 –)
 • Fifth Sea Lord (1917) • Fifth Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Air Service (1917 – 1918)
 • Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (1917 –)
 • Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (1917 –)
 • Deputy First Sea Lord (1917 – 1919)
Civil Lords Commissioners
 • Additional Civil Lord of the Admiralty (1882 – 1885, 1912 – 1919)
 • Third Civil Lord (1918 – 1919)
 • Controller (1917 – 1918)
Secretaries to the Board
 • First Secretary to the Board of Admiralty (– 1869) • Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Admiralty (1869 – 1904) • Parliamentary and Financial Secretary to the Board of Admiralty (1904 –)
 • Additional Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Admiralty (1917 – 1918)
 • Second Secretary to the Board of Admiralty (– 1869) • Permanent Secretary to the Board of Admiralty (1869 – 1877, 1880 –)
 • Naval Secretary to the Board of Admiralty (1872 – 1882)