Geoffrey Blake (Royal Navy officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Geoffrey Blake
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Sir Geoffrey Blake
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| Born | 16 September 1882 Alverstoke, Hampshire, England |
| Died | 18 July 1968 (aged 85) Chelsea, London, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1897–1938 1940–1945 |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
| Commands held | Battlecruiser Squadron (1936–37) New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy (1929–32) HMS Queen Elizabeth (1921–23) |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order Mentioned in Despatches Order of Saint Anna (Russia) Legion of Merit (United States) |
Sir Geoffrey Blake (born 16 September 1882 – died 18 July 1968) was a very important officer in the Royal Navy, which is the United Kingdom's navy. He reached the high rank of Vice Admiral. From 1932 to 1935, he held a top position called the Fourth Sea Lord. This role involved managing supplies and transport for the entire navy.
Contents
Geoffrey Blake was born in a place called Alverstoke in Hampshire, England. His parents were Thomas Blake and Fanny Leatry. When he was a boy, he went to Winchester College. In 1897, at the age of 15, he joined the Royal Navy. This was the start of his long and successful career at sea.
Serving in World War I
Blake played a part in the First World War. He was the gunnery commander aboard a large warship called HMS Iron Duke. This meant he was in charge of the ship's powerful guns. He fought in the famous Battle of Jutland, which was one of the biggest naval battles in history.
Important Roles Between Wars
After the First World War, Blake took on many different important jobs. In 1919, he became a naval attaché in Washington D. C.. This meant he was a naval expert who worked at the British embassy in the United States. He helped connect the British and American navies.
Later, he commanded another famous warship, HMS Queen Elizabeth. He also worked at the Royal Navy Staff College, which is where naval officers learn advanced strategies. He became the director of this college in 1926.
In 1929, he moved to New Zealand. There, he led the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. This was a big responsibility, showing his leadership skills.
From 1932 to 1935, Blake served as the Fourth Sea Lord and Chief of Supplies and Transport. This was a very senior role. He was responsible for making sure the entire Royal Navy had all the food, fuel, weapons, and other supplies it needed. He also managed how these supplies were moved around the world.
In 1936, he became the Vice Admiral commanding the Battlecruiser Squadron. He was also second-in-command of the Mediterranean Fleet. His flag, which showed his rank, was on the famous warship HMS Hood.
Serving in World War II
Sir Geoffrey Blake continued to serve during the Second World War. From 1940, he worked as an Additional Assistant Chief of Naval Staff. This meant he helped plan and organize naval operations.
From 1942 to 1945, he was a Flag Officer. In this role, he worked closely with the United States Navy in Europe. He helped make sure the British and American navies worked well together during the war.
Later Life and Retirement
After he retired from the Royal Navy, Sir Geoffrey Blake took on a special ceremonial role. He became the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod. This is a very old and important position in the British Parliament.
Family Life
In 1911, Geoffrey Blake married Jean St. John Carr. They had two daughters together. One of their daughters later married a well-known historian named John Ehrman.
