Lionel Preston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Lionel Preston
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|---|---|
| Born | 27 September 1875 |
| Died | 21 September 1971 (aged 95) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1888–1935 1939–1945 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | Imperial Defence College (1933–35) 3rd Cruiser Squadron (1926–29) HMS Eagle (1923–25) HMS Lupin (1916–17) HMS Hollyhock (1915–16) HMS Skipjack (1914–15) HMS Jason (1913–14) HMS Highflyer (1913) HMS Swiftsure (1913) HMS Wolverine (1910–12) HMS Tartar (1910) HMS Bruizer (1905–07) |
| Battles/wars | Boxer Rebellion First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Mentioned in Despatches Legion of Honour (France) |
Sir Lionel George Preston (born September 27, 1875 – died September 21, 1971) was an important officer in the Royal Navy, which is the United Kingdom's navy. He held a high position called Fourth Sea Lord from 1930 to 1932.
Contents
Lionel Preston began his journey in the Royal Navy in 1888. He joined as a cadet, which is like a trainee officer. He started his training aboard a ship named HMS Prince of Wales.
In March 1900, he was assigned to a smaller warship called a sloop, the HMS Rosario. His ship was sent to China in June of that year. There, he helped respond to the Boxer Rebellion, a conflict in China.
During the First World War, from 1914 to 1917, Preston was in charge of a group of ships that cleared mines. These ships were part of the Grand Fleet, a very large naval force. After this, he became the Director of the Minesweeping Division at the British Admiralty, which is like the navy's headquarters.
After World War I and High Command
After the First World War, Preston was responsible for clearing mines from British waters. From 1919, he commanded ships that protected fishing areas and trained sailors in minesweeping.
In 1920, he became the Commanding Officer of the Royal Navy Signal School in Portsmouth. This school taught sailors how to communicate using signals. Later, in 1923, he took command of the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle.
Preston was given command of the 3rd Cruiser Squadron in 1926. In 1930, he became the Fourth Sea Lord and Chief of Supplies and Transport. This was a very important role, overseeing supplies and transport for the entire navy.
In 1933, he became the Commandant of the Imperial Defence College. This college trained top military leaders. He was promoted to full admiral on March 1, 1934, and then retired in 1935.
Service in World War II
Even after retiring, Preston returned to serve in the Second World War. He advised on how to clear mines. Later, as the Director of Small Vessels Pool, he managed the small boats used during the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940. This was a huge operation to rescue soldiers from France.
He retired again in 1945 after the war ended.
After his second retirement, Sir Lionel Preston became the Chairman of Titanine Limited. This company made special finishes for aircraft. He lived in Dunstable, England.
Preston also wrote a book called Sea And River Painters of the Netherlands in the Seventeenth Century. This shows he had an interest in art history.
Family Life
Sir Lionel Preston was married twice. His first wife was Emily Elizabeth Bryant. They had a son together, who was born in 1902.
