Charles Little (Royal Navy officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Charles Little
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Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Little in 1937, Commander-in-Chief of the China Station
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| Born | 14 June 1882 |
| Died | 20 June 1973 (aged 91) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1897–1945 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | HMS Fearless HMS Cleopatra HMS Iron Duke China Station |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire |
Admiral Sir Charles James Colebrooke Little (born 14 June 1882 – died 20 June 1973) was a very important officer in the Royal Navy. He rose through the ranks to become the Second Sea Lord, a top job in the British Navy. This role meant he was in charge of all naval personnel.
Contents
Sir Charles Little started his naval journey in 1897. He joined the Royal Navy at the training ship Britannia. This was like a special school for future naval officers.
Serving in World War I
He fought in World War I. During this time, he was in command of two important ships and groups:
- The cruiser HMS Fearless
- The Submarine Flotilla of the Grand Fleet (a large group of warships)
He led these from 1916 to 1918.
After the First World War
After World War I ended, Sir Charles Little continued his impressive career.
- He commanded another cruiser, HMS Cleopatra, in the Baltic Sea.
- In 1920, he became the Director of the Trade Division at the Admiralty. This meant he helped manage naval trade matters.
- He then became Captain of the Fleet for the Mediterranean Station in 1922.
- In 1924, he worked as a Senior Staff Officer at the Royal Naval War College. This college trained officers in naval strategy.
- He took command of the battleship HMS Iron Duke in 1926.
- In 1927, he became the Director of the Royal Naval Staff College.
- He led the 2nd Battle Squadron in 1930.
- In 1931, he became the Rear Admiral Submarines. This made him a top leader for all submarines.
Rising to the Top
Sir Charles Little's career kept moving up.
- In 1932, he was made Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff.
- He was promoted to vice-admiral in 1933.
- In 1936, he became the Commander-in-Chief of the China Station. This was a very important command far from home.
- By 1938, he reached the high position of Second Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Personnel. In this role, he helped create a special training center for torpedoes and electrical work at Roedean School in Brighton.
Serving in World War II
Sir Charles Little also served during World War II.
- In 1941, he became the Head of the British Joint Staff Mission in Washington D. C.. This meant he worked with American leaders.
- In 1942, he became Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth. This was a major naval base in the UK.
- He retired from the Navy in 1945, after a long and distinguished career.
Sir Charles Little lived in Thakeham in West Sussex after his retirement.
