George Swabey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir George Swabey
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| Born | 22 January 1881 Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire |
| Died | 9 February 1952 (aged 71) Chichester, Sussex |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1895–1929 1939–1945 |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
| Commands held | New Zealand Division |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire Companion of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order |
Sir George Thomas Carlisle Parker Swabey (1881–1952) was a very important officer in the Royal Navy. He reached the high rank of Vice-Admiral. He is remembered for his service in both World War I and World War II. He also commanded the New Zealand Division.
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Early Days and Training
George Swabey was born on January 22, 1881. He joined the Royal Navy in 1895 when he was just 14 years old. He trained to become an officer at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. This was a special school for future naval leaders.
He quickly moved up the ranks. By 1900, he became a Sub-lieutenant. In 1902, he was promoted to Lieutenant. He served on a large warship called HMS Prince George. This ship was part of the Channel Fleet, which protected Britain's waters.
Serving in World War I
When World War I began, Swabey played an important role. He served on the battleship HMS Lord Nelson. He was a Naval Observation Officer. This meant he helped watch for enemy movements and plan attacks.
During the war, he took part in the Gallipoli Campaign. This was a tough battle in Turkey. For his bravery and excellent service there, he received the DSO. This is a special award for military heroes. After Gallipoli, he became the Executive Officer of HMS Lord Nelson. This made him second-in-command of the ship.
Between the World Wars
After World War I, George Swabey continued his important work. In 1921, he became the deputy director of Naval Ordnance. This role involved managing naval weapons and ammunition.
Later, in 1924, he became the captain of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. This was another important training college for naval officers. In 1926, he was given a big command. He became the commodore commanding the New Zealand Division. This meant he was in charge of all British naval forces in New Zealand. He retired from active service in 1929. However, he was promoted to Vice-Admiral in 1935, even while retired.
World War II Service
When World War II started in September 1939, Sir George Swabey was called back to duty. He served as a Commodore of Convoys starting in 1940. His job was to protect groups of merchant ships. These convoys carried vital supplies across the oceans.
From 1942, he was the Vice-Admiral in Charge at Portland Harbour. In this role, he helped plan and carry out the Normandy landings. This was a massive operation where Allied forces landed in France. He specifically helped with the plans for American forces. He then served as Naval Officer in Charge at Leith from 1944. He finally retired again in 1945 after the war ended.
Family Life
In 1920, Sir George Swabey married Lois Ridley.
