Robert Burnett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Robert Burnett
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Rear Admiral Robert Burnett sitting at his desk on board Destroyer Depot Ship HMS Tyne
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| Born | 22 July 1887 Old Deer, Buchan, Aberdeenshire |
| Died | 2 July 1959 (aged 71) 116 Pall Mall, Westminster, London |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1902–1950 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | Plymouth Command (1947–50) South Atlantic Station (1944–46) 10th Cruiser Squadron (1943) Home Fleet Destroyer Flotillas (1942) Royal Naval Barracks, Chatham (1939–40) HMS Amphion (1935–39) HMS Curacoa (1933) 8th Destroyer Flotilla (1931–33) HMS Keppel (1931–33) HMS Wallflower (1925–27) |
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| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order Commander of the Venerable Order of Saint John Order of Suvorov, 1st Class (USSR) Order of George I (Greece) Order of Orange-Nassau (Netherlands) |
Admiral Sir Robert Lindsay Burnett (born 22 July 1887 – died 2 July 1959) was a very important officer in the Royal Navy, the United Kingdom's navy. He was known for his bravery and leadership, especially during World War II.
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Robert Burnett joined the Royal Navy in 1902 when he was just 15 years old. He went to special schools like Eastman's Royal Naval Academy to learn how to be a naval officer.
Early in his career, Robert Burnett traveled to many parts of the world. From 1904, he served with the Navy in places like China. Later, he worked with fleets (groups of ships) in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. In 1911, he became an instructor, teaching physical training at Navy schools.
World War I: Fighting for His Country
Robert Burnett was a part of the Royal Navy during World War I (1914-1918). He took part in some important sea battles:
- The Battle of Heligoland Bight in 1914.
- The Battle of Dogger Bank in 1915.
He served on fast warships called destroyers, which were part of the Grand Fleet, a large and powerful group of British warships. Over the years, he earned promotions, moving up the ranks from lieutenant commander to captain.
Leading the Fleet in World War II
In 1933, Burnett became the Director of Physical Training and Sports for the Navy. This meant he was in charge of making sure sailors were fit and ready for action.
Rising Through the Ranks
As World War II began, Robert Burnett continued to rise in rank. In 1941, he became a rear admiral. He was put in charge of ships that laid mines (explosives in the water) and later, in 1942, he led the destroyer flotillas (groups of destroyers) of the Home Fleet, which protected the waters around Britain.
The Battle of North Cape: A Key Victory
In 1943, he became the flag officer (a senior commander) of the 10th Cruiser Squadron. His flagship, the ship he commanded from, was HMS Belfast. He led his ships in dangerous convoy escort duties in the North Sea and the cold Arctic Ocean, protecting supply ships from enemy attacks.
On 26 December 1943, Admiral Burnett played a very important role in the Battle of North Cape. In this battle, his ships helped to sink the powerful German battleship Scharnhorst. This was a major victory for the Allies.
Later Commands and Retirement
After his success, Admiral Burnett was made Commander-in-Chief of the South Atlantic Station in 1944. This meant he was in charge of all Royal Navy forces in the South Atlantic. In 1947, he became Commander-in-Chief at Plymouth, a major naval base in England.
He retired from active service in the Navy in May 1950. After his naval career, he continued to serve his country as the first director of the White Fish Authority, helping with the fishing industry.
Family Life
In 1915, Robert Burnett married Ethel Constance Shaw. They did not have any children. His younger brother, Sir Charles Burnett, also had a distinguished military career as an Air Chief Marshal in the Royal Air Force.
