Martin Dunbar-Nasmith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Martin Eric Dunbar-Nasmith
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Captain Martin Eric Nasmith by Ambrose McEvoy
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| Born | 1 April 1883 Barnes, Surrey, England |
| Died | 29 June 1965 (aged 82) Elgin, Moray, Scotland |
| Buried |
Elgin Cemetery, Linkwood Road, New Elgin
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1898–1946 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | Flag Officer-In-Charge, London (1942–45) Western Approaches Command (1939–41) Plymouth Command (1938–41) Commander-in-Chief, East Indies (1932–35) HMS Iron Duke (1921–23) HMS Ambrose (1917–18) HMS Vulcan (1917) HMS J4 (1916–17) HMS E11 (1914–16) HMS Arrogant (1912–14) HMS D4 (1911–12) HMS C7 (1907–08) HMS A4 (1905) |
| Battles/wars | First World War Russian Civil War Second World War
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| Awards | Victoria Cross Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George Order of St. Olav (Norway) Polonia Restituta (Poland) Legion of Honour (France) Order of Orange Nassau (Netherlands) Croix de Guerre (France) Cross of Liberty II/2 (Estonia) |
| Relations | Sir James Dunbar-Nasmith (son) Rear Admiral David Dunbar-Nasmith (son) |
| Other work | Vice Chairman Imperial War Graves Commission (1948–54) Deputy Lieutenant and Vice-Lord Lieutenant Morayshire Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom (1954–62) |
Admiral Sir Martin Eric Dunbar-Nasmith (born Martin Eric Nasmith) was a brave officer in the Royal Navy. He was born on April 1, 1883, and passed away on June 29, 1965. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery given to British and Commonwealth forces. In 1923, he added "Dunbar" to his last name.
Contents
Martin Nasmith was born in Barnes, England. He went to Eastman's Royal Naval Academy in Winchester. Later, he studied at HMS Britannia in Dartmouth. He joined the Royal Navy in 1898, ready for a life at sea.
A Royal Submarine Trip
In 1912, a special event happened. King George V wanted to experience a submarine dive. He boarded HMS D4, a submarine commanded by then-Lieutenant Nasmith. They went underwater for about 10 to 15 minutes. The King was very interested in how everything worked, especially the periscope.
This trip was even more special because the King's second son, Prince Albert (who later became King George VI), was also on board. Winston Churchill, who would become a famous prime minister, was there too. Nasmith later wondered what would have happened if his submarine had sunk that day!
Bravery in the First World War
During the First World War, Martin Dunbar-Nasmith was a lieutenant commander. He showed incredible courage in the Sea of Marmara in 1915. He commanded HMS E11, a submarine.
From May 20 to June 8, 1915, Lieutenant-Commander Nasmith and his crew in HMS E11 were very successful. They destroyed many enemy ships. These included a large Turkish gunboat, two transport ships, an ammunition ship, and three supply ships. They also sank four other vessels.
After finishing his mission, Nasmith heard about a coal ship heading to Istanbul. He knew coal was vital for the city. So, he bravely turned his submarine back.
When the coal ship reached the docks, a crowd gathered, excited for the much-needed coal. But as soon as the ship docked, it suddenly exploded! Nasmith had managed to sneak in and sink it. He then safely slipped away again.
Daring Submarine Missions
Nasmith continued his missions in the Sea of Marmara for three months. He was very clever. When he ran low on torpedoes, he set them to float after their run. This way, he could get them back if they missed their target.
Once, he even captured a sailing boat called a dhow. He tied it to his submarine's conning tower to hide his submarine. Then, he used small guns to capture an ammunition ship. His submarine was the first enemy ship to enter the Golden Horn in over 500 years! He also attacked a railway bridge.
For their bravery, Nasmith's first officer, Guy D'Oyly-Hughes, and second officer, Robert Brown, received the Distinguished Service Cross. The rest of the crew received the Distinguished Service Medal. Nasmith was quickly promoted to commander and then to captain.
After the First World War, Nasmith continued his important work. He was in charge of a group of British submarines in the Baltic Sea. He also became the Senior Naval Officer in Reval (now Tallinn).
He was the captain of HMS Iron Duke from 1921 to 1923. Later, he became the Commandant of the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, where young officers are trained. He then became Rear Admiral Submarines.
Nasmith held many high-ranking positions. He was Commander-in-Chief, East Indies and later Second Sea Lord. When the Second World War began in 1939, he was in charge of naval operations in Plymouth and the Western Approaches. He retired from the Royal Navy in 1946.
After retiring, Sir Martin continued to serve. He became the Vice Chairman of the Imperial War Graves Commission. This group helps look after the graves of soldiers who died in wars. He also held a special ceremonial role as Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom.
Sir Martin Eric Dunbar-Nasmith passed away in 1965 at the age of 83. He is buried in Elgin cemetery.
Family Life
In 1920, Martin Nasmith married Beatrix Justina Dunbar-Dunbar-Rivers. They had two sons, Rear-Admiral David Dunbar-Nasmith and Professor Sir James Dunbar-Nasmith, who became an architect. They also had a daughter.
Remembering a Hero
Sir Martin Eric Dunbar-Nasmith is remembered for his bravery and service.
- On April 11, 2015, a special blue plaque was placed at his birthplace in Barnes. These plaques mark places where famous people lived or worked.
- On June 25, 2015, the Royal Navy held a ceremony in Rothes, Scotland. A special paving stone was unveiled at the war memorial to honor his Victoria Cross. Local residents and primary school children attended to pay tribute to him.
- Nasmith's Victoria Cross medal is on display at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth.
