John Cyril Porte

Wing Commander John Cyril Porte, C.M.G., R.N. (26 February, 1884 – 22 October, 1919) served in the Royal Navy.

Life & Career

Porte was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 26 February, 1905. From mid-1906, he spent four years in command of two coastal submarines, at which time he was appointed to the destroyer Duncan in the Mediterranean on 9 August 1910. This was perhaps a poor choice for him, as in October 1910 he was stricken with tuberculosis and then eventually retired as unfit on 25 October, 1911 after a year's convalescence had failed to place him in good form.

Porte apparently did regain his health, and kept his hand in skill development that would prove useful during the coming war. In mid 1912 he applied to be a pilot for the years' Army manoeuvres. In September was surveyed as to his fitness for service in the Royal Flying Corps. Though he was not judged fit for entry, he was allowed to join the Naval Wing of the Reserve.

Porte was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander on 26 February, 1913. On 21 July 1913 he was appointed Flying Officer in the Reserve of Naval Wing R.F.C..

Porte was granted the acting rank of Commander on 21 January, 1915.

Following a blood illness, on 1 June 1917 Porte left England for Malta via Marseilles.

Porte was recommended by Rear-Admiral, Harwich for the "skilful way in which he led the operations in Seaplane 8689 against and enemy submarine" on 24 July, 1917. There is mention that this award was in some way delayed by "recent legal proceedings".

Porte reverted to the Retired List on 15 August, 1919. He was promoted to the rank of Wing Commander on 30 June, 1916.

Porte died "suddenly" at his residence at 8 Norfolk-terrace. His obituary describes his final rank as Lieutenant-Colonel.

See Also

• Service Records
• Wikipedia
• Colonel Porte. The Times (London, England), Monday, Oct 27, 1919; pg. 14; Issue 42241.

Naval Appointments
Preceded by ?	Captain of H.M.S. B 3 5 Jul, 1906 – 1 Jan, 1909	Succeeded by Hugh A. Williamson
Preceded by ?	Captain of H.M.S. C 38 1 Jan, 1909 – 9 Aug, 1910	Succeeded by John R. A. Codrington