Charles Lambe
- This article is about the Admiral of the Fleet. For Charles Lambe's stepfather, the Royal Naval Air Service and RAF officer, see Charles Laverock Lambe.
| Sir Charles Lambe | |
|---|---|
 Admiral of the Fleet Sir Charles Lambe Crown Copyright |
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| Born | 20 December 1900 Stalbridge, Dorset |
| Died | 29 August 1960 (aged 59) Newport-on-Tay, Fife |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/branch |  Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1917 - 1960 |
| Rank | Admiral of the Fleet |
| Commands held | Far East Fleet |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Commander of the Royal Victorian Order |
Admiral of the Fleet Sir Charles Lambe GCB, CVO (20 December 1900 – 29 August 1960) was a senior officer in the Royal Navy, serving as First Sea Lord from 1959 to 1960.
[edit]
Charles Lambe began joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1914 and was posted as a midshipman to HMS Emperor of India in 1917.[1] In 1926 he decided to specialize in torpedos and, after attendending the Staff College, he became equerry to the King in 1936.[1]
During the Second World War he commanded HMS Dunedin, went on to hold several staff appointments before taking command of HMS Illustrious in the Pacific.
After the War he was appointed Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff and then went on to be Flag Officer, Flying Training in 1947.[1] He was appointed Commander 3rd Aircraft Carrier Squadron in 1949 and Flag Officer Aircraft Carriers for the Home Fleet in 1951.[1] In 1950 he offered a place on the Home Fleet's spring cruise to the composer Lennox Berkeley who was composing Nelson, an opera based on the life of Lord Nelson; the route of the cruise passed through the waters of the Battle of Trafalgar. Lambe, who was an able pianist, had Berkely's cabin fitted up with a pair of grand pianos so that they could play piano duets during the voyage.
Lambe went on to be Commander-in-Chief, Far East Station in 1953 and Second Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Personnel in 1955.[1]
He was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Fleet in 1958 and served as First Sea Lord from 1959 to 1960.[1] He died in office.
[edit] References
- Warner O. (1969). Admiral of the Fleet: The life of Sir Charles Lambe. Sidgwick & Jackson Ltd. ISBN 0-28335-293-0
- Heathcote T.A. (2002). The British Admirals of the Fleet 1734 - 1995. Pen & Sword Ltd. ISBN 0-85052-835-6
| Military offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Sir Guy Russell |
Commander-in-Chief, Far East Fleet 1953–1954 |
Succeeded by Sir Charles Norris |
| Preceded by Sir Guy Russell |
Second Sea Lord 1955–1957 |
Succeeded by Sir Deric Holland-Martin |
| Preceded by Sir Ralph Edwards |
Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Fleet 1958–1959 |
Succeeded by Sir Alexander Bingley |
| Preceded by Lord Mountbatten |
First Sea Lord 1959–1960 |
Succeeded by Sir Caspar John |
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