Ragnar Colvin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Ragnar Colvin
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Robert Menzies and Admiral Ragnar Colvin at HMAS Perth march, 1940
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| Born | 7 May 1882 Whitehall, London |
| Died | 22 February 1954 (aged 71) Royal Hospital Haslar, Hampshire |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1896–1944 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | Chief of the Australian Naval Staff (1937–41) Royal Naval College, Greenwich (1934–37) 2nd Battle Squadron (1932–33) HMS Revenge (1924–25) HMS Caradoc (1919–21) |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire Companion of the Order of the Bath |
Admiral Sir Ragnar Musgrave Colvin (born May 7, 1882 – died February 22, 1954) was an important officer in the Royal Navy. He is best known for leading the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) when Second World War began.
Contents
Early Life
Ragnar Colvin was born in Whitehall, London, England. His family had a long history of serving in the British Empire as soldiers and administrators. This background likely influenced his decision to join the navy.
Colvin began his naval journey in 1896. He joined the Royal Navy as a cadet at HMS Britannia. This was a special school for future naval officers.
Early Promotions
He quickly moved up the ranks. By 1901, he was an acting sub-lieutenant. The next year, he served on HMS Foam in the Mediterranean Sea. He became a lieutenant six years later. In 1904, he became a specialist in gunnery, which meant he was an expert in naval weapons. In 1913, he was promoted to commander.
World War I Service
During the First World War, Colvin served as an Executive Officer. This is a senior role on a ship. He was on the cruiser HMS Hibernia. He also served on the battleship HMS Revenge. In 1916, he took part in the Battle of Jutland. This was one of the largest naval battles in history. By December 1917, he became a captain. He also worked at the British Admiralty, which was the main office for the Royal Navy.
After the War
After World War I, Colvin continued his service. He commanded the cruiser HMS Caradoc in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. From 1922 to 1924, he was a Naval Attaché in Tokyo. A naval attaché is an officer who works in an embassy in another country. Their job is to share information about naval matters.
He later returned to HMS Revenge. He became the Flag Captain for the Commander-in-Chief of the Atlantic Fleet. In 1927, he led the Naval Tactical School in Portsmouth. This school taught officers about naval strategy.
Rising Through the Ranks
Colvin was promoted to rear admiral in 1929. He became the Chief of Staff for the Atlantic Fleet. In 1932, he was honored with the Companion of the Order of the Bath award. He then commanded the 2nd Battle Squadron.
In 1934, he became a vice admiral. He was made president of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. He also commanded the Royal Naval War College. These were important leadership roles in naval education. In 1937, he received another high honor, becoming a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.
In 1937, Admiral Colvin was chosen to be the Chief of Naval Staff for the Royal Australian Navy. Under his leadership, the Royal Australian Navy grew stronger. He helped expand their fleet of ships. He also made sure the navy played a big part in Australia's military plans.
When Second World War started, Colvin was active in planning naval operations with other countries. However, his health began to decline in 1940. He resigned from his role in Australia the next year. Colvin then returned to London. From 1942 to 1944, he worked as a Naval Advisor to the Australian High Commission. This office helps represent Australia in the United Kingdom.
Family
In 1918, Ragnar Colvin married Sibyl Kays. They had two children:
- John Horace Ragnar Colvin (1922–2003) was an Ambassador to Mongolia. He also worked as a spy for the Secret Intelligence Service. His son, Mark Colvin, became a well-known Australian journalist.
- Mrs. Prudence (Prue) Balfour married Colin James Balfour, a Commander in the Royal Navy. They had two children, James and Belinda.
