Examples of Confidential Reporting on Captains and Flag Officers
(War Course below)
Source: PRO: ADM 196/89 Folio 123 - Summary of confidential reports
This series show summaries of reports made by commanding officers on individual officers, partially in relation to their suitability for promotion. In total it covers the years approximately from 1893 to 1944. These are grouped by highest rank attained and the seniority in that rank, so basic information from service sheets or the Navy List is required to find particular officers.
The following are excerpts of reports made on Captain Cecil Fox R.N., who was Captain 3rd Destroyer Flotilla on 5th August 1914. On this first day of the Great War his flotilla (along with elements of the 1st Destroyer Flotilla) intercepted and sank the German minelayer HILFSTREUMINENDAMPFER B off Aldeburgh. Unfortunately, on returning to Harwich the following morning he led his charge over the mines laid by the Germans the day before and lost his flagship, the light cruiser AMPHION. One commissioned officer and 150 men from AMPHION and numerous enemy Prisoners of War were killed: with many more wounded. Although initially returning as Captain 3DF Cecil Fox was quietly brought ashore a few months later. There he remained for the rest of the conflict and was subsequently pensioned off as a Rear Admiral in May 1922. For much more on the above operation please see Len Barnett: 'A "Well Known" Incident Reassessed - The German Attempted Mining of the Thames in August 1914' in The Mariner's Mirror Volume 89 Number 2 May 2003.
Please note that appointments and dates are also shown on the original documents, but for the sake of brevity have been left off here.
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Rank |
REMARKS |
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Lieutenant |
Experienced in Destroyer work and Training Service |
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Commander |
June 07 An offr of marked ability, who has loyally performed his duties as junior Comr of Flotilla: Comr Skipwith. The Rear Admiral (D) concurs |
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Nov 08 Was in commd of destroyer as leader of a squadron. A v.g. + useful offr with a thorough knowledge of Destroyers. Would do very well in a "Scout": Physically strong. Recommended for advancement. Comre Bayley. Sir F. Bridgeman concurs + recom for a "Scout" |
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Aug 10 Very able, zealous v.g. judgement v.g. physical qualities. Strongly recomd for early promtn. Excellent leader of T.B.D.s great knowledge of Destroyer service. Captain Paine |
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June 11 War Course - 1st class Cert |
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Captain |
5.12.16 Capt of Training Ship always in good order Sir G. Warrender |
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31.7.18 As a Staff Officer lacks powers of organisation and initiative. Would do better in command of a ship. Admiral Sir A E Bethell |
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7.3.21 Infd further sea employmt not possible + that it is also impossible to make any exception in promotion regns CW 2776/21 |
There is also a notation of being married on the 29th March 1916.
Source: PRO: ADM 203/99 - War Course 1904-14
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p.26
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Roger J.B. Keys, MVO |
Captain |
Good, keen, 2nd course on S.C.* |
* Staff College
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