Edward Neville Syfret facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Admiral Sir
Edward Neville Syfret
GCB, KBE
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Vice Admiral Syfret in his office at the Admiralty, January 1944
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| Born | 20 June 1889 Newlands, South Africa |
| Died | 10 December 1972 (aged 83) Highgate, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1904–1948 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | Home Fleet (1945–48) Force H (1942–43) 18th Cruiser Squadron (1941) HMS Rodney (1938–39) HMS Ramillies (1938) Naval Gunnery School, Devonport (1934–35) HMS Caradoc (1932–34) |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire Mentioned in Despatches Commander of the Legion of Merit (United States) Croix de guerre (France) |
| Children | 2 |
Admiral Sir Edward Neville Syfret (born June 20, 1889 – died December 10, 1972) was a very important officer in the Royal Navy. He served in both the First World War and the Second World War. He became famous for leading a vital group of ships, called a convoy, to Malta during World War II. This brave act earned him a special honor, making him a "Knight."
Contents
Edward Syfret was born in Cape Town, South Africa. He went to school at Diocesan College and then the Britannia Royal Naval College. He joined the Royal Navy in 1904.
Early in his career, he became an expert in naval gunnery, which is about how ships use their big guns. He even played cricket for the Navy against the Army in 1911 and 1912.
Serving in World War I
During the First World War, Edward Syfret was a Gunnery Officer. This meant he was in charge of the guns on several light cruisers. These ships included HMS Aurora, HMS Centaur, and HMS Curacoa.
After the war, in 1927, he became the Fleet Gunnery Officer for the Mediterranean Fleet.
Between the World Wars
In 1928, he was made a Commander and took charge of HMS Volunteer. The next year, he was promoted to Captain.
In 1932, Captain Syfret commanded HMS Caradoc. This ship was part of the China Station.
Leading in World War II
When the Second World War began, Syfret was the Captain of HMS Rodney. In 1939, he became the Naval Secretary. This was an important job helping to manage the Royal Navy.
Key Commands and Battles
In 1941, he took command of the 18th Cruiser Squadron. This group of ships was part of the Home Fleet.
He led the naval forces during Operation Ironclad in May 1942. This was an invasion of Madagascar.
Later that year, in August 1942, he was the convoy commander for Operation Pedestal. This was a very important mission to get supplies to Malta. Malta was under attack and desperately needed food and fuel.
Honors and Later Career
After the success of Operation Pedestal, Edward Syfret was recognized for his bravery. He was honored for his "dauntless resolution" in fighting through enemy attacks.
He then became the Commander of Force H later in 1942. In 1943, he was made Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. This was a very high position in the Royal Navy.
After the war ended, he became the Commander-in-Chief of the Home Fleet. He retired from the Navy in 1948.
Family Life
In 1913, Edward Syfret married Hildegarde Warner. They had two children, a son and a daughter.
