Leslie Mungavin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leslie Mungavin
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| Birth name | Leslie Norman Mungavin |
| Nickname(s) | Jack Munga Khan |
| Born | 22 March 1925 Bombay, British Raj |
| Died | 1995 (aged 69–70) Wandsworth, London, England |
| Allegiance |  Pakistan |
| Service/ |
 Pakistan Navy |
| Years of service | 1945–1978 |
| Rank |   Rear-Admiral |
| Service number | PN No. 282 |
| Unit | Naval Operations Branch |
| Commands held | Vice Chief of Naval Staff Naval attaché, Pakistan Embassy, London Cmdnt Pakistan Marines |
| Battles/wars | Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 |
| Awards |  Sitara-e-PakistanSitara-i-Khidmat Sitara-e-Basalat |
| Other work | Chairman Pakistan National Shipping Corporation |
Leslie Norman Mungavin (born March 22, 1925 – died 1995) was an important admiral in the Pakistan Navy. He was a two-star admiral, which is a very high rank. He was also a diplomat, helping with relations between countries. During the war with India in 1971, he left his diplomatic job in London. He returned to Pakistan to lead naval forces in combat.
He also served as a top leader in the navy, called the Vice Chief of Naval Staff. He held this position from 1975 to 1977.
Leslie Mungavin began his naval journey in 1945. He joined the Royal Indian Navy. After the division of India in 1947, he moved to the newly formed Pakistan Navy. His career in the navy grew steadily.
He became an expert in navigation. He trained at a special naval school called HMS Dryad in the United Kingdom. In the 1950s, he commanded important ships. These included the PNS Alamgir and the Pakistan Navy's main ship, PNS Babur.
Leading in Wars
In 1964, Mungavin, who was a Commander at the time, was the captain of PNS Babur. He led his ship during the second war with India in 1965. His leadership was important during this conflict.
In 1970, Mungavin was promoted to Commodore. He was then sent to serve as a military and naval diplomat in London. He worked at the Pakistan Embassy there. His skills in talking and making agreements were so good that he received an award called the Sitara-e-Pakistan.
When the 1971 war with India started, Commodore Mungavin left his diplomatic role. He was promoted to Rear-Admiral. He then took command of the Pakistan Marines. He led them on the Western Front against India.
Later Service
In the 1970s, he was chosen to be the Vice Chief of Naval Staff. He held this high position from 1975 to 1977. Even though this role usually requires a three-star admiral, he served with a two-star rank.
In the 1980s, Rear Admiral Mungavin helped with talks with the US government. The Pakistan Navy wanted to get newer ships. He was involved in discussions about replacing their older fleet with Gearing-class destroyers. From January 1979 to April 1980, he also served as the Chairman of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation. This was a big role in managing Pakistan's shipping.
Death and Legacy
Admiral Mungavin passed away in 1995 in England. He had a special request for his burial. He asked for his body to be cremated. His ashes were then taken back to Pakistan. They were spread in the Arabian Sea.
The Pakistan Navy honored him with a full military funeral. His ashes were carried out to sea on board the PNS Babur. This was the same ship he had commanded earlier in his career. His ashes were then scattered there, a final tribute to his service.
