Difference between revisions of "Alexander Edward Bethell"
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==Early Life & Career== | ==Early Life & Career== | ||
| − | Bethell joined the central ironclad battery ship [[H.M.S. Hercules (1868)|''Hercules'']] as a Sub-Lieutenant on 10 June, 1878, but stayed only until 16 August. Captain Fisher noted that Bethell conducted himself "with sobriety to my entire satisfaction."<ref>Service chit in Bethell I/1/3 at Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives.</ref> | + | Bethell was born in London. He joined the central ironclad battery ship [[H.M.S. Hercules (1868)|''Hercules'']] as a Sub-Lieutenant on 10 June, 1878, but stayed only until 16 August. Captain Fisher noted that Bethell conducted himself "with sobriety to my entire satisfaction."<ref>Service chit in Bethell I/1/3 at Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives.</ref> |
| − | Bethell was promoted to the rank of {{LieutRN}} with seniority of 14 August, 1878. | + | Bethell was promoted to the rank of {{LieutRN}} with seniority of 14 August, 1878.{{Gaz|24614|4647|16 August, 1878}} |
For the last two weeks in September, 1878, Bethell was an officer on [[H.M.S. Atalanta (1878)|H.M.S. ''Atalanta'']] on her first training voyage to the West Indies.<ref>The Atalanta. ''The Times'' (London, England), Wednesday, Aug 25, 1880; pg. 4; Issue 29969.</ref><ref>Service chit in Bethell I/1/3 at Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives.</ref> He returned to Britain soon enough, for he studied to qualify as a torpedo officer in {{UK-Vernon}} from 30 September 1879 until the end of the following June. He served as Lieutenant (T) in ''Swiftsure'' from March 1881 (1882? 1883?) until May 1885, spending his last month commanding second-class torpedo boats.<ref>Service chits in Bethell I/1/3 at Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives.</ref> | For the last two weeks in September, 1878, Bethell was an officer on [[H.M.S. Atalanta (1878)|H.M.S. ''Atalanta'']] on her first training voyage to the West Indies.<ref>The Atalanta. ''The Times'' (London, England), Wednesday, Aug 25, 1880; pg. 4; Issue 29969.</ref><ref>Service chit in Bethell I/1/3 at Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives.</ref> He returned to Britain soon enough, for he studied to qualify as a torpedo officer in {{UK-Vernon}} from 30 September 1879 until the end of the following June. He served as Lieutenant (T) in ''Swiftsure'' from March 1881 (1882? 1883?) until May 1885, spending his last month commanding second-class torpedo boats.<ref>Service chits in Bethell I/1/3 at Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives.</ref> | ||
| − | Bethell was promoted to the rank of {{CommRN}} on 31 December, 1891. | + | Bethell was promoted to the rank of {{CommRN}} on 31 December, 1891.{{Gaz|26239|3|1 January, 1892}} |
| − | Bethell was promoted to the rank of {{CaptRN}} on 30 June, 1898. | + | Bethell was promoted to the rank of {{CaptRN}} on 30 June, 1898.{{Gaz|26983|3983|1 July, 1898}} |
On 6 April 1903, Bethell was appointed [[Assistant Director of Torpedoes (Royal Navy)|Assistant Director of Torpedoes]], a role he would remain in until 21 December 1906.<ref name=Blond167>Blond. ''Technology and Tradition''. p. 167.</ref> | On 6 April 1903, Bethell was appointed [[Assistant Director of Torpedoes (Royal Navy)|Assistant Director of Torpedoes]], a role he would remain in until 21 December 1906.<ref name=Blond167>Blond. ''Technology and Tradition''. p. 167.</ref> | ||
| − | For services in Somaliland Bethell was appointed an Additional Member of the Third Class, or Companion, of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (C.M.G.) on 6 September, 1904. | + | For services in Somaliland Bethell was appointed an Additional Member of the Third Class, or Companion, of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (C.M.G.) on 6 September, 1904.{{Gaz|27711|5776|6 September, 1904}} |
==1906 Radiotelegraphic Conference and aftermath== | ==1906 Radiotelegraphic Conference and aftermath== | ||
| Line 22: | Line 22: | ||
Bethell was the chief Admiralty representative in the British delegation at the 1906 Radiotelegraphic Conference, held in Berlin in October 1906. The conference was called to discuss the first international regulations of wireless communications and had been preceded by a preliminary conference held in Berlin in 1903. The British delegation were eight in number and one of the largest in number after Germany. They were represented by three representatives from the Post Office; three representatives from the Admiralty; and two representatives from the War Office. Bethell was representing the Admiralty in his then position as Assistant Director of Naval Ordnance, a role he would hold until December 1906.<ref name=Blond167/> Bethell would also give evidence before the 1907 Select Committee hearing, called in order to determine whether Britain would ratify the Convention and hence agree to the first international wireless regulations.<ref name=select>Select Committee on Radiotelegraphic Convention. ''Report from the Select Committee on Radiotelegraphic Convention; together with the Proceedings of the Committee, Minutes of Evidence, and Appendix'' (London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1907).</ref> By a narrow vote, ratification would be agreed upon and Britain would sign up to the Radiotelegraphic Convention.<ref name=select/> | Bethell was the chief Admiralty representative in the British delegation at the 1906 Radiotelegraphic Conference, held in Berlin in October 1906. The conference was called to discuss the first international regulations of wireless communications and had been preceded by a preliminary conference held in Berlin in 1903. The British delegation were eight in number and one of the largest in number after Germany. They were represented by three representatives from the Post Office; three representatives from the Admiralty; and two representatives from the War Office. Bethell was representing the Admiralty in his then position as Assistant Director of Naval Ordnance, a role he would hold until December 1906.<ref name=Blond167/> Bethell would also give evidence before the 1907 Select Committee hearing, called in order to determine whether Britain would ratify the Convention and hence agree to the first international wireless regulations.<ref name=select>Select Committee on Radiotelegraphic Convention. ''Report from the Select Committee on Radiotelegraphic Convention; together with the Proceedings of the Committee, Minutes of Evidence, and Appendix'' (London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1907).</ref> By a narrow vote, ratification would be agreed upon and Britain would sign up to the Radiotelegraphic Convention.<ref name=select/> | ||
| − | In December 1906, Bethell completed his appointment as [[Assistant Director of Torpedoes (Royal Navy)|Assistant Director of Torpedoes]] and was appointed captain of {{UK- | + | In December 1906, Bethell completed his appointment as [[Assistant Director of Torpedoes (Royal Navy)|Assistant Director of Torpedoes]] and was appointed captain of {{UK-1Hindustan}} until January of 1908. |
==Home Fleet and Flag Rank== | ==Home Fleet and Flag Rank== | ||
| − | On 10 January, 1908 Bethell was appointed Chief of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief, [[Home Fleet (Royal Navy)|Home Fleet]], Vice-Admiral [[Francis Charles Bridgeman Bridgeman|Francis C. B. Bridgeman]].<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). ''The Times''. Saturday, 21 December, 1907. Issue '''38522''', col B, p. 10.</ref> On 1 March, he was promoted to the rank of {{RearRN}}, vice [[Gerald Walter Russell|Russell]]. | + | On 10 January, 1908 Bethell was appointed Chief of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief, [[Home Fleet (Royal Navy)|Home Fleet]], Vice-Admiral [[Francis Charles Bridgeman Bridgeman|Francis C. B. Bridgeman]].<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). ''The Times''. Saturday, 21 December, 1907. Issue '''38522''', col B, p. 10.</ref> On 1 March, he was promoted to the rank of {{RearRN}}, vice [[Gerald Walter Russell|Russell]].{{Gaz|28115|1496|3 March, 1908}} |
==Director of Naval Intelligence== | ==Director of Naval Intelligence== | ||
| Line 40: | Line 40: | ||
<blockquote>Sir Alexander Bethell is specially qualified for the presidency of the War College from the fact that he has filled for a considerable period the position of Director of Naval Intelligence, which under the old system corresponded as nearly as possible to that of Chief of the War Staff. It is proposed that a very close connection shall exist between the War College and the War Staff in London. We do not want unnecessarily to widen the circle of officers who are privy to Admiralty secrets. Sir A. Bethell knows everything and can therefore guide the College in the right directions in tactical and strategic teaching without disclosing anything that ought to be kept secret. it is desirable to know everything in order to understand what to conceal. It is also desirable that the heads of the War Staff and War College should be able mutually to help each other.<br><br>I was agreeably surprised by the readiness of Sir A. Bethell to give up his lucrative East Indian command and know he is willing to do so, subject to the King's approval, only to get nearer the front line in case of trouble. In spite of his unimpressive manner he is an officer of first-rate ability. I am quite sure no better appointment is within reach at the present time.<ref>''Winston S. Churchill. Companion Volume II. Part 3''. pp. 1674-1675.</ref></blockquote> | <blockquote>Sir Alexander Bethell is specially qualified for the presidency of the War College from the fact that he has filled for a considerable period the position of Director of Naval Intelligence, which under the old system corresponded as nearly as possible to that of Chief of the War Staff. It is proposed that a very close connection shall exist between the War College and the War Staff in London. We do not want unnecessarily to widen the circle of officers who are privy to Admiralty secrets. Sir A. Bethell knows everything and can therefore guide the College in the right directions in tactical and strategic teaching without disclosing anything that ought to be kept secret. it is desirable to know everything in order to understand what to conceal. It is also desirable that the heads of the War Staff and War College should be able mutually to help each other.<br><br>I was agreeably surprised by the readiness of Sir A. Bethell to give up his lucrative East Indian command and know he is willing to do so, subject to the King's approval, only to get nearer the front line in case of trouble. In spite of his unimpressive manner he is an officer of first-rate ability. I am quite sure no better appointment is within reach at the present time.<ref>''Winston S. Churchill. Companion Volume II. Part 3''. pp. 1674-1675.</ref></blockquote> | ||
| − | He was promoted to the rank of {{ViceRN}} on 10 May, 1913, vice [[Charles Henry Adair|Adair]]. | + | He was promoted to the rank of {{ViceRN}} on 10 May, 1913, vice [[Charles Henry Adair|Adair]].{{Gaz|28718|3438|13 May, 1913}} On the occasion of King George V's birthday he was appointed an Ordinary Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, in the Military Division of the Order of the Bath (K.C.B.) on 22 June, 1914.{{GazSup|28842|4876|22 June, 1914}} |
==Great War== | ==Great War== | ||
On 17 January, 1915, Bethell was appointed in command of the Channel Fleet in succession to Vice-Admiral [[Lewis Bayly|Sir Lewis Bayly]].<ref>"Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11<sup><u>th</u></sup> November, 1918, and Which Have Now Ceased to Exist." The National Archives. ADM 6/461. Unnumbered folio.</ref> On the following day the Prime Minister, Herbert H. Asquith, wrote to Venetia Stanley: "Winston tells me that they have recalled Lewis Bayly from the command of the Channel Fleet as a consequence of his loss of 'Formidable', & have put Admiral Bethell in his place. It is rather disquieting, for Bayly was supposed to be almost the pick of our younger Admirals. Bethell, whom I used to see on the C.I.D., is to my thinking no flier. We really seem to have better reserves in the way of Commanders in the Army than in the Navy."<ref>Quoted in Gilbert. ''Winston S. Churchill. Volume III. Companion Part I''. p. 427.</ref> | On 17 January, 1915, Bethell was appointed in command of the Channel Fleet in succession to Vice-Admiral [[Lewis Bayly|Sir Lewis Bayly]].<ref>"Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11<sup><u>th</u></sup> November, 1918, and Which Have Now Ceased to Exist." The National Archives. ADM 6/461. Unnumbered folio.</ref> On the following day the Prime Minister, Herbert H. Asquith, wrote to Venetia Stanley: "Winston tells me that they have recalled Lewis Bayly from the command of the Channel Fleet as a consequence of his loss of 'Formidable', & have put Admiral Bethell in his place. It is rather disquieting, for Bayly was supposed to be almost the pick of our younger Admirals. Bethell, whom I used to see on the C.I.D., is to my thinking no flier. We really seem to have better reserves in the way of Commanders in the Army than in the Navy."<ref>Quoted in Gilbert. ''Winston S. Churchill. Volume III. Companion Part I''. p. 427.</ref> | ||
| − | He was promoted to the rank of {{AdmRN}} on 10 June, 1916. | + | He was promoted to the rank of {{AdmRN}} on 10 June, 1916.{{GazSup|29621|5828|13 June, 1916}} Upon relinquishing the command at Plymouth he was appointed an Additional Member of the First Class, or Knight Grand Cross, of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (G.C.M.G.) on 2 August, 1918.{{Gaz|30825|9109|2 August, 1918}} He was placed on the Retired List ostensibly at his own request on 1 September.{{Gaz|30887|10549|6 September, 1918}} |
==Retirement== | ==Retirement== | ||
| Line 51: | Line 51: | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
| − | {{WP| | + | {{WP|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Bethell}} |
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
| Line 81: | Line 81: | ||
<div name=fredbot:appts>{{TabApptsBegin}} | <div name=fredbot:appts>{{TabApptsBegin}} | ||
{{TabNaval}} | {{TabNaval}} | ||
| − | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Henry Bradwardine Jackson|Henry B. Jackson]]'''|'''[[ | + | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''?'''|'''[[H.M.S. Sandfly (1887)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Sandfly'']]'''<br>4 Jul, 1888{{NMI|Tuesday, 3 July, 1888. Issue '''32428''', col A, p. 10}} – 28 Aug, 1888|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Frederick Tower Hamilton|Frederick T. Hamilton]]'''}} |
| − | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Stanley Cecil James Colville|Stanley C. J. Colville]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Hindustan (1903)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Hindustan'']]'''<br>Dec, 1906{{ | + | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''?'''|'''[[H.M.S. Sharpshooter (1888)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Sharpshooter'']]'''<br>18 Jul, 1889{{ToL|The Naval Manœuvres|Monday, 15 July, 1889. Issue '''32751''', col F, p. 3}}|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Lionel de Lautour Wells|Lionel de L. Wells]]'''}} |
| − | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edmond John Warre Slade|Edmond J. W. Slade]]'''|'''[[Naval Intelligence Department (Royal Navy)|Director of Naval Intelligence]]'''<br>3 Mar, 1909 – | + | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Gerald Charles Langley|Gerald C. Langley]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Arethusa (1882)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Arethusa'']]'''<br>11 Jul, 1899<ref>Bethell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/19.|D7590147}} f. 480.</ref> – 22 Aug, 1899<ref>Bethell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/19.|D7590147}} f. 480.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[James Startin|James Startin]]'''}} |
| − | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edmond John Warre Slade|Edmond J. W. Slade]]'''|'''[[East Indies Station|Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station]]'''<br>23 Mar, 1912<ref>''Hazell's Annual 1913''. p. 197.</ref> | + | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Robert Henry Simpson Stokes|Robert H. S. Stokes]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Naiad (1890)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Naiad'']]'''<br>19 Mar, 1901<ref>Bethell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/19.|D7590147}} f. 480.</ref> – 5 Apr, 1903<ref>Bethell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/19.|D7590147}} f. 480.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Robert Hathorn Johnston Stewart|Robert H. J. Stewart]]'''}} |
| − | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>''' | + | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Henry Bradwardine Jackson|Henry B. Jackson]]'''|'''[[Naval Ordnance Department (Royal Navy)|Assistant Director of Torpedoes]]'''<br>6 Apr, 1903<ref>Bethell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/19.}} f. 480.</ref> – 20 Dec, 1906<ref>Bethell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/19.}} f. 480.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Bernard Currey|Bernard Currey]]'''}} |
| − | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''?'''|'''[[Sixth Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding, Sixth Battle Squadron]]'''<br>15 Jul, 1913{{CN}} | + | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Stanley Cecil James Colville|The Hon. Stanley C. J. Colville]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Hindustan (1903)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Hindustan'']]'''<br>21 Dec, 1906<ref>Bethell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/19.|D7590147}} f. 480.</ref> – 9 Jan, 1908<ref>Bethell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/19.|D7590147}} f. 480.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Somerset Arthur Gough-Calthorpe|The Hon. Somerset A. Gough-Calthorpe]]'''}} |
| − | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Henry Bradwardine Jackson|Henry B. Jackson]]'''|'''[[Seventh Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding, Seventh Battle Squadron]]'''<br>13 Jul, 1914<ref>"Naval Mobilization" (News). ''The Times''. Tuesday, 14 July, 1914. Issue '''40575''', col G, p. 16.</ref> – 8 Aug, 1914{{UKNSMonoIII|p. 10}}|Succeeded by<br>'''Command merged into {{UK-BS|8}}{{UKNSMonoIII|p. 10}}'''}} | + | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edmond John Warre Slade|Edmond J. W. Slade]]'''|'''[[Naval Intelligence Department (Royal Navy)|Director of Naval Intelligence]]'''<br>3 Mar, 1909<ref>Bethell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/19.|D7590147}} f. 480.</ref> – 7 Jan, 1912<ref>Bethell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/19.|D7590147}} f. 480.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''?'''}} |
| − | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Frederic William Fisher|Frederic W. Fisher]]'''|'''[[Royal Naval College, Greenwich|President of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich]]'''<br>24 Oct, 1914<ref>Bethell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}} f. 46.</ref> | + | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edmond John Warre Slade|Sir Edmond J. W. Slade]]'''|'''[[East Indies Station|Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station]]'''<br>23 Mar, 1912<ref>''Hazell's Annual 1913''. p. 197.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Richard Henry Peirse|Sir Richard H. Peirse]]'''}} |
| − | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Lewis Bayly|Lewis Bayly]]'''|'''[[Fifth Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral in Command, Fifth Battle Squadron]]'''<br>17 Jan, 1915{{UKCeased|f. <s>6</s>}} | + | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Henry Bradwardine Jackson|Sir Henry B. Jackson]]'''|'''[[Royal Naval War College|In Command of the Royal Naval War College]]'''<br>28 Jan, 1913<ref>Bethell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/38/107.}}</ref> – 1 Aug, 1914<ref>Bethell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/19/332.|D7590147}}</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Herbert William Richmond|Herbert W. Richmond]]'''<br><small>as '''President of the Royal Naval War College'''</small>}} |
| − | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Arthur Murray Farquhar|Arthur M. Farquhar]]'''|'''[[Admiral Commanding Coastguard and Reserves|Admiral Commanding Coastguard and Reserves]]'''<br>1 Jun, 1915{{NLDec16|p. 423}} | + | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Henry William Grant|Henry W. Grant]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Albemarle (1901)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Albemarle'']]'''<br>15 Jul, 1913<ref>Bethell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/19.|D7590147}} f. 480.</ref> – 9 Aug, 1913<ref>Bethell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/19.|D7590147}} f. 480.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Arthur Craig Waller|Arthur W. Craig]]'''}} |
| − | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[George John Scott Warrender, Seventh Baronet|George J. S. Warrender]]'''|'''[[Plymouth Station|Commander in Chief, Plymouth Station]]'''<br>7 Dec, 1916{{NLJun18|p. 3}} | + | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''?'''|'''[[Sixth Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding, Sixth Battle Squadron]]'''<br>15 Jul, 1913{{CN}}|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Charles Hope Dundas|Charles H. Dundas]]'''<br><small>as '''Rear-Admiral Commanding, Sixth Battle Squadron'''</small>}} |
| + | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Henry Bradwardine Jackson|Sir Henry B. Jackson]]'''|'''[[Seventh Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding, Seventh Battle Squadron]]'''<br>13 Jul, 1914<ref>"Naval Mobilization" (News). ''The Times''. Tuesday, 14 July, 1914. Issue '''40575''', col G, p. 16.</ref> – 8 Aug, 1914{{UKNSMonoIII|p. 10}}|Succeeded by<br>'''Command merged into {{UK-BS|8}}{{UKNSMonoIII|p. 10}}'''}} | ||
| + | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Frederic William Fisher|Sir Frederic W. Fisher]]'''|'''[[Royal Naval College, Greenwich|President of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich]]'''<br>24 Oct, 1914<ref>Bethell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}} f. 46.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Lewis Bayly|Sir Lewis Bayly]]'''}} | ||
| + | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Lewis Bayly|Sir Lewis Bayly]]'''|'''[[Fifth Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral in Command, Fifth Battle Squadron]]'''<br>17 Jan, 1915{{UKCeased|f. <s>6</s>}}|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Cecil Fiennes Thursby|Cecil F. Thursby]]'''}} | ||
| + | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Arthur Murray Farquhar|Sir Arthur M. Farquhar]]'''|'''[[Admiral Commanding Coastguard and Reserves|Admiral Commanding Coastguard and Reserves]]'''<br>1 Jun, 1915{{NLDec16|p. 423}}|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Somerset Arthur Gough-Calthorpe|The Hon. Sir Somerset A. Gough-Calthorpe]]'''}} | ||
| + | {{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[George John Scott Warrender, Seventh Baronet|Sir George J. S. Warrender, Bart.]]'''|'''[[Plymouth Station|Commander in Chief, Plymouth Station]]'''<br>7 Dec, 1916{{NLJun18|p. 3}}|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Cecil Fiennes Thursby|Sir Cecil F. Thursby]]'''}} | ||
{{TabEnd}} | {{TabEnd}} | ||
</div name=fredbot:appts> | </div name=fredbot:appts> | ||
| Line 103: | Line 108: | ||
{{CatBritannia|September, 1869}} | {{CatBritannia|September, 1869}} | ||
{{CatTorpedoOfficer|UK}} | {{CatTorpedoOfficer|UK}} | ||
| + | {{CatAdm|UK}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Category:Royal Navy Officers Educated at Burney's Royal Naval Academy]] | ||
[[Category:Chiefs of the Staff to the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet (Royal Navy)]] | [[Category:Chiefs of the Staff to the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet (Royal Navy)]] | ||
| − | |||
[[Category:Presidents of the Royal Naval War College]] | [[Category:Presidents of the Royal Naval War College]] | ||
[[Category:Vice-Admirals Commanding, Sixth Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)]] | [[Category:Vice-Admirals Commanding, Sixth Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)]] | ||
| − | + | {{CatRN}} | |
| − | + | ||
| − | {{ | + | |
Latest revision as of 18:08, 6 April 2022
Admiral THE HONOURABLE SIR Alexander Edward Bethell, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., Royal Navy (28 August, 1855 – 13 June, 1932) was an officer of the Royal Navy during the First World War.
Contents
Early Life & Career
Bethell was born in London. He joined the central ironclad battery ship Hercules as a Sub-Lieutenant on 10 June, 1878, but stayed only until 16 August. Captain Fisher noted that Bethell conducted himself "with sobriety to my entire satisfaction."[1]
Bethell was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant with seniority of 14 August, 1878.[2]
For the last two weeks in September, 1878, Bethell was an officer on H.M.S. Atalanta on her first training voyage to the West Indies.[3][4] He returned to Britain soon enough, for he studied to qualify as a torpedo officer in Vernon from 30 September 1879 until the end of the following June. He served as Lieutenant (T) in Swiftsure from March 1881 (1882? 1883?) until May 1885, spending his last month commanding second-class torpedo boats.[5]
Bethell was promoted to the rank of Commander on 31 December, 1891.[6]
Bethell was promoted to the rank of Captain on 30 June, 1898.[7]
On 6 April 1903, Bethell was appointed Assistant Director of Torpedoes, a role he would remain in until 21 December 1906.[8]
For services in Somaliland Bethell was appointed an Additional Member of the Third Class, or Companion, of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (C.M.G.) on 6 September, 1904.[9]
1906 Radiotelegraphic Conference and aftermath
Bethell was the chief Admiralty representative in the British delegation at the 1906 Radiotelegraphic Conference, held in Berlin in October 1906. The conference was called to discuss the first international regulations of wireless communications and had been preceded by a preliminary conference held in Berlin in 1903. The British delegation were eight in number and one of the largest in number after Germany. They were represented by three representatives from the Post Office; three representatives from the Admiralty; and two representatives from the War Office. Bethell was representing the Admiralty in his then position as Assistant Director of Naval Ordnance, a role he would hold until December 1906.[8] Bethell would also give evidence before the 1907 Select Committee hearing, called in order to determine whether Britain would ratify the Convention and hence agree to the first international wireless regulations.[10] By a narrow vote, ratification would be agreed upon and Britain would sign up to the Radiotelegraphic Convention.[10]
In December 1906, Bethell completed his appointment as Assistant Director of Torpedoes and was appointed captain of Hindustan until January of 1908.
Home Fleet and Flag Rank
On 10 January, 1908 Bethell was appointed Chief of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet, Vice-Admiral Francis C. B. Bridgeman.[11] On 1 March, he was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral, vice Russell.[12]
Bethell was appointed to the Naval Intelligence Department, additional, on 17 February, 1909, and became Director of Naval Intelligence in succession to Rear-Admiral Edmond J. W. Slade on 3 March.[13]
He was appointed an Ordinary Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, of the Order of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (K.C.M.G.) on 1 January, 1912.[14]
East Indies
Bethell relieved Vice-Admiral Sir Edmond J. W. Slade as Commander-in-Chief on the East Indies Station on 5 February, 1912.[15]
War College
Having submitted Bethell's name for the King's approval, on 20 November, 1912, Churchill elaborated for the King's benefit on Bethell's suitability for the position:
Sir Alexander Bethell is specially qualified for the presidency of the War College from the fact that he has filled for a considerable period the position of Director of Naval Intelligence, which under the old system corresponded as nearly as possible to that of Chief of the War Staff. It is proposed that a very close connection shall exist between the War College and the War Staff in London. We do not want unnecessarily to widen the circle of officers who are privy to Admiralty secrets. Sir A. Bethell knows everything and can therefore guide the College in the right directions in tactical and strategic teaching without disclosing anything that ought to be kept secret. it is desirable to know everything in order to understand what to conceal. It is also desirable that the heads of the War Staff and War College should be able mutually to help each other.
I was agreeably surprised by the readiness of Sir A. Bethell to give up his lucrative East Indian command and know he is willing to do so, subject to the King's approval, only to get nearer the front line in case of trouble. In spite of his unimpressive manner he is an officer of first-rate ability. I am quite sure no better appointment is within reach at the present time.[16]
He was promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral on 10 May, 1913, vice Adair.[17] On the occasion of King George V's birthday he was appointed an Ordinary Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, in the Military Division of the Order of the Bath (K.C.B.) on 22 June, 1914.[18]
Great War
On 17 January, 1915, Bethell was appointed in command of the Channel Fleet in succession to Vice-Admiral Sir Lewis Bayly.[19] On the following day the Prime Minister, Herbert H. Asquith, wrote to Venetia Stanley: "Winston tells me that they have recalled Lewis Bayly from the command of the Channel Fleet as a consequence of his loss of 'Formidable', & have put Admiral Bethell in his place. It is rather disquieting, for Bayly was supposed to be almost the pick of our younger Admirals. Bethell, whom I used to see on the C.I.D., is to my thinking no flier. We really seem to have better reserves in the way of Commanders in the Army than in the Navy."[20]
He was promoted to the rank of Admiral on 10 June, 1916.[21] Upon relinquishing the command at Plymouth he was appointed an Additional Member of the First Class, or Knight Grand Cross, of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (G.C.M.G.) on 2 August, 1918.[22] He was placed on the Retired List ostensibly at his own request on 1 September.[23]
Retirement
Bethell died in a London nursing home on 13 June, 1932, aged seventy-six.[24] His funeral took place on 17 June at Combe St. Nicholas, Chard. Amongst those present were Admirals Sir Montague E. Browning and Sir George Le C. Egerton.[25]
See Also
Bibliography
- "Admiral Sir Alexander Bethell" (Obituaries). The Times. Wednesday, 15 June, 1932. Issue 46160, col C, pg. 9.
Papers
Service Records
- The National Archives. ADM 196/87.
- The National Archives. ADM 196/38.
- The National Archives. ADM 196/19.
| Naval Appointments | ||
| Preceded by Sir Henry B. Jackson |
Vice-Admiral Commanding, Royal Naval War College 1913 – 1914 |
Succeeded by College Suspended
|
| Preceded by Sir Lewis Bayly |
Vice-Admiral Commanding, Channel Fleet 1915 |
Succeeded by Command Disbanded
|
Footnotes
- ↑ Service chit in Bethell I/1/3 at Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 24614. p. 4647. 16 August, 1878.
- ↑ The Atalanta. The Times (London, England), Wednesday, Aug 25, 1880; pg. 4; Issue 29969.
- ↑ Service chit in Bethell I/1/3 at Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives.
- ↑ Service chits in Bethell I/1/3 at Liddell Hart Centre for Military Archives.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 26239. p. 3. 1 January, 1892.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 26983. p. 3983. 1 July, 1898.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Blond. Technology and Tradition. p. 167.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 27711. p. 5776. 6 September, 1904.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Select Committee on Radiotelegraphic Convention. Report from the Select Committee on Radiotelegraphic Convention; together with the Proceedings of the Committee, Minutes of Evidence, and Appendix (London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1907).
- ↑ "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Saturday, 21 December, 1907. Issue 38522, col B, p. 10.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 28115. p. 1496. 3 March, 1908.
- ↑ "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Thursday, 14 January, 1909. Issue 38856, col E, p. 7.
- ↑ Edinburgh Gazette: no. 12421. p. 3. 2 January, 1912.
- ↑ "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Monday, 15 January, 1912. Issue 39795, col C, p. 13.
- ↑ Winston S. Churchill. Companion Volume II. Part 3. pp. 1674-1675.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 28718. p. 3438. 13 May, 1913.
- ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 28842. p. 4876. 22 June, 1914.
- ↑ "Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918, and Which Have Now Ceased to Exist." The National Archives. ADM 6/461. Unnumbered folio.
- ↑ Quoted in Gilbert. Winston S. Churchill. Volume III. Companion Part I. p. 427.
- ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 29621. p. 5828. 13 June, 1916.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 30825. p. 9109. 2 August, 1918.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 30887. p. 10549. 6 September, 1918.
- ↑ "Admiral Sir Alexander Bethell" (Obituaries). The Times. Wednesday, 15 June, 1932. Issue 46160, col C, p. 9.
- ↑ "Funeral and Memorial Services" (Obituaries). The Times. Monday, 20 June, 1932. Issue 46164, col E, p. 15.
- ↑ "Naval & Military Intelligence." The Times (London, England), Tuesday, 3 July, 1888. Issue 32428, col A, p. 10.
- ↑ "The Naval Manœuvres." The Times (London, England), Monday, 15 July, 1889. Issue 32751, col F, p. 3.
- ↑ Bethell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 480.
- ↑ Bethell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 480.
- ↑ Bethell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 480.
- ↑ Bethell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 480.
- ↑ Bethell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 480.
- ↑ Bethell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 480.
- ↑ Bethell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 480.
- ↑ Bethell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 480.
- ↑ Bethell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 480.
- ↑ Bethell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 480.
- ↑ Hazell's Annual 1913. p. 197.
- ↑ Bethell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38/107.
- ↑ Bethell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19/332.
- ↑ Bethell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 480.
- ↑ Bethell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 480.
- ↑ "Naval Mobilization" (News). The Times. Tuesday, 14 July, 1914. Issue 40575, col G, p. 16.
- ↑ Naval Staff Monographs. Volume III. p. 10.
- ↑ Naval Staff Monographs. Volume III. p. 10.
- ↑ Bethell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 46.
- ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. f.
6. - ↑ The Navy List. (December, 1916). p. 423.
- ↑ The Navy List. (June, 1918). p. 3.
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