John Dundas (Royal Navy officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Dundas
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|---|---|
| Birth name | John George Lawrence Dundas |
| Born | 3 November 1893 |
| Died | 26 March 1952 (aged 58) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Navy |
| Rank | Vice-Admiral |
| Commands held | HMS Folkestone HMS Nigeria |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
Vice-Admiral John George Lawrence Dundas (born 3 November 1893, died 26 March 1952) was a very important officer in the Royal Navy, which is the United Kingdom's navy. He served during both World War I and World War II. He even helped lead the navy as the Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff from 1944 to 1945.
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John Dundas was born on 3 November 1893. He decided to join the Royal Navy when he was young, starting as a cadet in 1907. This was the beginning of his long and successful career at sea.
Dundas quickly moved up the ranks. He became a full Sub-Lieutenant in December 1914. Just one year later, he was promoted to Lieutenant. These early promotions showed his skill and dedication.
Serving in World War I
During the First World War, Dundas served on torpedo boats. He also served on a larger ship called HMS Hercules. After the war, he continued his training and studies. He was promoted to Lieutenant-Commander in December 1923. He also attended the Naval Staff College in 1924.
Between the World Wars
Dundas became a gunnery officer for the 2nd Cruiser Squadron. This meant he was in charge of the ships' guns. In 1928, he was promoted to Commander. From 1930 to 1932, he was the main gunnery officer for the Mediterranean Fleet. He also served on Valiant.
In 1935, he attended more staff training and became a captain. The next year, he studied at the Imperial Defence College. He commanded a sloop called Folkestone from 1936 to 1937. In 1938, he started working at the Admiralty, helping to plan naval operations.
Role in World War II
Just a few months after the Second World War began, Dundas was given command of the light cruiser Nigeria. He commanded this ship from 1940 to 1942. During this time, he was involved in escorting convoys that carried important supplies to Russia.
The "Dundas Zig-Zag"
While commanding Nigeria, John Dundas came up with a new way for ships to move. He called it the "Dundas zig-zag." This special maneuver helped protect ships from enemy attacks.
Later Career and Retirement
From 1942 to 1943, Dundas was the Chief of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet. He was then appointed Chief of Staff, Levant. In 1944, he was promoted to Rear-Admiral. He served as the Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff from 1944 to 1945, helping to guide the Royal Navy during the final years of the war.
John Dundas retired from the navy in 1946. Two years later, in 1948, he was given the rank of Vice-Admiral. He passed away on 26 March 1952.
