Willoughby Baynes Huddleston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Commander
Willoughby Baynes Huddleston
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Commander W.B. Huddleston CMG
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| Born | 1866 |
| Died | 1 May 1953 (aged 86–87) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
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Branch
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Royal Indian Marine |
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Rank
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Commander |
| Awards | CMG Stanhope Gold Medal |
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Commander Willoughby Baynes Huddleston (1866-1953) was a brave officer in the Royal Indian Marine. This was a special navy that protected India when it was part of the British Empire. He was also an important helper, called an Aide-de-Camp, for Lord Pentland. Lord Pentland was the Governor of Madras (1912–19), which means he was in charge of the Madras region in India. Madras is now known as Chennai, a big city in India. Commander Huddleston was also in charge of the port in Madras.
Contents
A Life of Adventure
Early Life and Training
Willoughby Baynes Huddleston was born in 1866. He went to school at Bedford Modern School and then trained to be a sailor at HMS Conway. This was a special ship where young people learned how to be officers in the navy.
Joining the Royal Indian Marine
In 1887, Huddleston joined the Royal Indian Marine. He helped with important surveys of the sea around India from 1888 to 1893. These surveys helped create better maps for ships.
A Heroic Rescue
In 1891, Huddleston showed great bravery. He rescued a sailor from dangerous waters where sharks were known to be. This happened off the Bay of Bengal. For his courage, he was given the Stanhope Gold Medal by the Royal Humane Society. This medal is given to people who save lives.
Becoming a Commander
By 1904, Huddleston had become a Commander in the Royal Indian Marine. He was given command of a ship called RIMS Dufferin. He even commanded this ship during the special event of King George V's Coronation. He received a medal for this important occasion.
Serving the Governor
From 1912 to 1919, Commander Huddleston worked as an Aide-de-Camp for Lord Pentland. Lord Pentland was the Governor of Madras. This job meant Huddleston was a close assistant and advisor to the Governor.
World War I Service
During World War I, Huddleston played a key role. He was the main officer in charge of moving troops and supplies by sea in Mesopotamia (a region now mostly in Iraq). This was in 1915, leading up to the Siege of Kut-al-amara. He was mentioned in official reports three times for his excellent work. He was also made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George for his service.
Family Connections
Willoughby Baynes Huddleston had a famous family. His brother was Sir Ernest Whiteside Huddleston. His nephew was Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, who was a well-known church leader. Commander Huddleston married Mary Lawrence. Her father was Sir John Strachey, who was also a very important person in India. Commander Huddleston passed away on May 1, 1953, and was survived by his daughter.
