Hugh Binney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Admiral
Sir Thomas Hugh Binney
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| 16th Governor of Tasmania | |
| In office 24 December 1945 – 8 May 1951 |
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| Monarch | George VI |
| Premier | Robert Cosgrove Edward Brooker |
| Preceded by | Sir Ernest Clark |
| Succeeded by | Sir Ronald Cross |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Hugh Binney
9 December 1883 Douglas, Isle of Man |
| Died | 8 January 1953 (aged 69) Colchester, Essex |
| Nationality | British |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch/service | Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1897–1944 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands | Orkneys and Shetlands (1939–42) Imperial Defence College (1939) 1st Battle Squadron (1936–38) HMS Hood (1932–33) HMS Nelson (1928–30) HMS Cardiff (1922–25) |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George Distinguished Service Order |
Sir Thomas Hugh Binney (born 9 December 1883 – died 8 January 1953) was a very important officer in the Royal Navy. He later became the 16th Governor of Tasmania, serving from 1945 to 1951.
Contents
Hugh Binney was born in Douglas, Isle of Man, on 9 December 1883. His parents were Thomas Godfrey Binney and Susan Lockhart.
From a young age, Hugh knew he wanted to join the Royal Navy. When he was just 13, he started his training at the HMS Britannia in Dartmouth.
Hugh Binney served on ships from 1899 until 1914. During the First World War, he was a gunnery officer on HMS Queen Elizabeth during the Dardanelles Campaign.
He quickly moved up the ranks. By 1916, he was a Commander. In 1919, he received the Distinguished Service Order for his brave actions. In 1922, he became a Captain while serving in China.
Later, he worked at the Admiralty, which was the main office for the Royal Navy. He held important leadership roles on famous ships like HMS Nelson and HMS Hood.
Leading Fleets and War Service
In 1934, Hugh Binney was promoted to Rear Admiral. He then commanded the 1st Battle Squadron in the Mediterranean Sea.
When the Second World War began, he was leading the Imperial Defence College in London. This college trained top military leaders. In 1939, he became the senior naval officer for the Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands. He was promoted to admiral in 1942. He retired from the navy in 1944.
Serving as Governor of Tasmania
After leaving the navy, Hugh Binney was chosen to be the Governor of Tasmania, an island state in Australia. He started this important job on 24 December 1945.
He was a very popular governor and did an excellent job. Even though he was well-liked, his time as governor had some challenges. For example, he had to call an early election in 1948. This happened because the local government couldn't agree on a budget. He also dissolved the government again in 1950 due to a disagreement about a new appointment.
Hugh Binney and his wife, Elizabeth, were very involved in the community. They joined many social groups and loved the Tasmanian way of life. Hugh was a member of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania and even won a sailing competition in 1951. He finished his term as governor on 8 May 1951 and returned to England.
Later Life and Legacy
Hugh Binney received several important awards for his service. He was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1935. In 1940, he became a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath. This meant he could use "Sir" before his name.
He married Elizabeth Bride Blair-Imrie in London on 31 October 1942. They did not have children. Elizabeth was also very good at her role as the governor's wife.
In 1951, Sir Hugh Binney received another high honour, becoming a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. He passed away on 8 January 1953, after surgery. His grave is in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin in Tollesbury, England.
