Alban Curteis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Alban Curteis
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|---|---|
| Born | 13 January 1887 |
| Died | 27 November 1961 (aged 74) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1902 – 1944 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | HMS Verity HMS Despatch HMS Nelson 2nd Cruiser Squadron 2nd Battle Squadron Senior British Naval Officer, Western Atlantic |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Commander of the Royal Victorian Order Companion of the Distinguished Service Order |
Sir Alban Thomas Buckley Curteis was an important officer in the Royal Navy. He was born on January 13, 1887, and passed away on November 27, 1961. During his career, he rose to the high rank of Admiral. He was also recognized with several special awards for his service.
Contents
Early Life and Training
Alban Curteis started his education at New Beacon School. Later, he joined HMS Britannia in Dartmouth. This was a special naval college where young people trained to become officers in the Royal Navy. He officially joined the Royal Navy in 1902, ready to serve his country at sea.
A Career at Sea
Alban Curteis had a long and active career in the navy. He served during both World War I and World War II.
Leading Ships and Squadrons
In 1922, he became the Commanding Officer of HMS Verity. This meant he was in charge of the ship and its crew. A few years later, in 1928, he became the Flag Captain of HMS Despatch. He also worked as the Chief of Staff for the Commander-in-Chief of the North America and West Indies Station. This was a big naval area covering parts of North America and the West Indies.
In 1931, he took command of HMS Nelson. He also served as Captain of the Fleet for the Home Fleet. The Home Fleet was a major part of the Royal Navy that protected the waters around Britain. From 1933, he was the Captain of the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. This was where new naval officers were trained. He returned to the Home Fleet as Captain of the Fleet in 1935. By 1938, he was the Commander of the Royal Naval Barracks at Devonport. This was a large naval base.
World War II Service
During World War II, Admiral Curteis continued to play a key role. In 1940, he became the Commander of the 2nd Cruiser Squadron. A squadron is a group of warships. The next year, in 1941, he commanded the 2nd Battle Squadron. He was also the Second-in-Command of the Home Fleet.
Operation Harpoon
In June 1942, Admiral Curteis led a very important mission called Operation Harpoon. This operation aimed to deliver vital supplies to Malta. Malta is an island that was under attack and desperately needed food and medicine. The plan was to send a group of ships, called a convoy, from Alexandria. However, the convoy faced strong attacks from the Italian navy. Many ships were lost during this dangerous mission.
Later in 1942, he was appointed the Senior British Naval Officer, Western Atlantic. This meant he was the highest-ranking British naval officer in the Western Atlantic region. He retired from the Royal Navy in 1944.
Family Life
In 1915, Alban Curteis married Helen Morrall. They had a son and a daughter together. Later, in 1941, he married Freda Morrall.
