Conolly Abel Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vice-Admiral
Sir Conolly Abel Smith
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Vice Admiral Abel Smith in 1960.
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| Born | 3 December 1899 Branston, Lincolnshire, England |
| Died | 3 December 1985 (aged 86) Galashiels, Scotland |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1912–1958 |
| Rank | Vice-Admiral |
| Commands held | No. 403 Flight FAA No. 408 Flight FAA Fighter Squadron 802 FAA HMS London HMS Condor (RNAS Arbroath) HMS Biter HMS Heron (RNAS Yeovilton) HMS Triumph HMY Britannia |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order Companion of the Order of the Bath Mentioned in Despatches |
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Vice-Admiral Sir Edward Michael Conolly Abel Smith (born December 3, 1899 – died December 3, 1985) was a brave officer in the Royal Navy. He served his country during both the First World War and the Second World War. He was also known as Conolly Abel Smith.
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About Conolly Abel Smith's Family
Conolly Abel Smith was the second son of Eustace Abel Smith. His father was a banker from a place called Branston, Lincolnshire. His mother was Aileen Geta Katherine Conolly. Her father was Colonel John Augustus Conolly, who won a very special award called the Victoria Cross.
Conolly Abel Smith started his naval training very young. In September 1912, when he was just 13, he joined the Royal Naval College, Osborne. He then continued his studies at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.
Early Years and Flying
From 1915, he served on a large warship called Princess Royal. He slowly moved up the ranks, becoming a sub-lieutenant in 1918 and a lieutenant in 1920.
In 1924, Abel Smith joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) to learn how to fly. At that time, the RAF managed all naval aviation. He trained at No. 1 Flying Training School.
After his training, he became a Flight Commander. He served on the aircraft carrier Hermes in a region called the China Station. He continued to rise through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant-commander in 1928.
Leading Squadrons and Ships
From 1929, he served on the heavy cruiser Cumberland. Then, in 1930, he moved to the aircraft carrier Glorious in the Mediterranean Fleet. Here, he led both No. 408 Flight and Fighter Squadron 802 FAA. He was promoted to commander in 1933.
In 1936, Abel Smith became the commanding officer of the cruiser London in the Mediterranean. In 1939, he worked for the Admiralty in London. He also served as a Naval Equerry to King George VI. This meant he was a personal assistant to the King.
Service During World War II
In August 1939, just before the Second World War began, he was appointed Commander (Flying) on the aircraft carrier HMS Courageous. Sadly, this ship was sunk by a German U-boat in September 1939. Many sailors lost their lives.
He was promoted to captain in 1940. From 1940, he commanded HMS Condor, which was a Royal Naval Air Station in Arbroath. In 1942, he took command of the escort carrier Biter. He was recognized for his efforts during the invasion of North Africa, known as "Operation Torch".
Later, he returned to shore duty. He commanded HMS Heron (RNAS Yeovilton). From 1944 to 1946, he worked at the British Embassy, Washington, D.C. as a Naval Attaché. This role involved representing the Royal Navy in the United States.
Post-War and Royal Service
After the war, in 1946, Abel Smith became the flag captain of the aircraft carrier Triumph. In 1949, he was promoted to rear-admiral.
A very special role came in 1953. He was appointed Flag Officer, Royal Yachts (FORY). This meant he was the commanding officer of the Royal Yacht HMY Britannia. He was also in charge of other warships when the Queen or other members of the royal family were on board. He became a vice-admiral in 1952.
Abel Smith retired from the Navy in 1958. He then became the Lord Lieutenant of Selkirkshire, a role he held until 1975. He also served as a Justice of the Peace and continued to be an Extra Naval Equerry to Queen Elizabeth II.
Personal Life
On December 28, 1932, Conolly Abel Smith married Lady Mary Elizabeth Carnegie. They were married at St Andrew's Church in Brechin. They had one daughter, born in 1936, and one son, born in 1939.
Awards and Honours
Conolly Abel Smith received several important awards and honours during his career:
- Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB), awarded in 1951.
- Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO), awarded in 1958.
- Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO), awarded in 1954.
- Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO), awarded in 1946.
He also received honours from other countries:
- Commander 1st class of the Order of the Dannebrog from Denmark in 1957.
- Grand Cross of the Military Order of Aviz from Portugal in 1957.
- Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olav from Norway in 1955.
