Cloudesley Varyl Robinson facts for kids
Sir Cloudesley Varyl Robinson (born June 10, 1883 – died 1959) was an important officer in the Royal Navy. He was known for his long career, serving in several major conflicts and commanding various ships. He reached the high rank of Rear-Admiral.
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Cloudesley Varyl Robinson was born in Tottenham, London, in 1883. His father, Charles Napier Robinson, was also a Commander in the Royal Navy. After leaving the navy, his father became a journalist and editor.
Cloudesley followed in his father's footsteps. He joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet in January 1897. He trained at the famous naval college, HMS Britannia. He was known for being lively, even dancing a traditional hornpipe at a ceremony in 1897. He finished his training in 1899.
Early Career and World War I
In 1900, Robinson served as a midshipman on the cruiser HMS Orlando. He was stationed at the China Station during the Boxer Rebellion. During this time, he was sent ashore with important messages for Peking.
He quickly rose through the ranks. He became a sub-lieutenant in April 1902 and a lieutenant in August 1903. In August 1911, he was promoted to lieutenant-commander.
When World War I began in 1914, Robinson was part of the Grand Fleet. He served aboard HMS Achilles. By the end of 1914, he was promoted to Commander.
Gallipoli and Coastal Patrols
Commander Robinson took part in the operations at Gallipoli in 1915. He was aboard HMS Edgar. After this, he was given command of coastal patrol boats. These boats were located near Osea Island in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex. His good service was recognized when he was mentioned in dispatches in 1917.
In 1919, Robinson commanded the seaplane carrier HMS Empress. He was promoted to Captain in June 1921. In November 1921, he married Helen Marguerite Latreille in London.
Between the Wars
Captain Robinson served as Captain in Charge at Singapore from 1921 to 1923. In December 1924, he was appointed to command the light cruiser HMS Constance.
From 1926 to 1929, Robinson worked as a naval attaché. This meant he was a naval expert working at the British embassies in Tokyo and later in Peking.
He then commanded the newly changed aircraft carrier HMS Courageous. He served on this ship from 1931 to 1932. On January 5, 1933, he was promoted to Rear-Admiral. He decided to retire from the navy in 1934.
World War II and Later Life
When World War II started, Robinson was called back to duty. He was appointed as a Commodore (Second Class). From 1940 to 1943, he was second-in-command of the Naval Air Stations. For the rest of the war, he was the Flag Officer Air Stations. This meant he was in charge of all naval air bases.
He was placed back on the retired list in August 1945. In the same year, he was given a very special honor. He was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB). This meant he was given the title "Sir."
Sir Cloudesley Varyl Robinson passed away in Wandsworth, London, in 1959.
