Admiral of the Fleet Lord Keyes of Zeebrugge, Dover GCB KCB KCMG DSO

Churchill's Admiral in Two World Wars: Admiral of the Fleet Lord Keyes of Zeebrugge & Dover GCB KCVO CMG DSO

by Jim Crossley

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5771 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	216 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Early Life and Career

Roger Keyes was born on October 4, 1872, in Plympton, Devon, England. He was the son of Admiral Sir Thomas Keyes and Lady Keyes. Keyes entered the Royal Navy in 1885 at the age of 13. He served with distinction in a number of roles, including as a torpedo officer and gunnery officer. In 1900, Keyes was promoted to commander and given command of the destroyer HMS Boxer.

World War I

At the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Keyes was given command of the 6th Destroyer Flotilla. He led his flotilla in a number of successful operations, including the sinking of the German cruiser SMS Emden in 1914. In 1915, Keyes was promoted to captain and given command of the battlecruiser HMS Tiger. He participated in the Battle of Jutland in 1916, where he was awarded the Distinguished Service Free Download (DSO).

In 1917, Keyes was given command of the Dover Patrol. He was responsible for defending the English Channel against German submarines and raiders. Keyes developed a number of innovative tactics to combat the German threat, including the use of Q-ships and coastal motor boats. Keyes's efforts were successful in preventing the Germans from achieving their objectives in the Channel.

Interwar Years

After the war, Keyes was promoted to rear admiral and served in a number of staff positions. In 1925, he was appointed commander-in-chief of the Mediterranean Fleet. Keyes held this position until 1928, when he was promoted to admiral.

In 1930, Keyes was appointed First Sea Lord of the Admiralty. He held this position until 1935, when he was replaced by Admiral Sir Ernle Chatfield. Keyes was a controversial figure as First Sea Lord. He was a strong advocate for naval expansion and clashed with the government on a number of issues.

World War II

At the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Keyes was recalled to active duty. He was given command of the Nore Command, which was responsible for the defense of the Thames Estuary. Keyes also served as a member of the War Cabinet.

In 1940, Keyes was promoted to Admiral of the Fleet. He was given command of the Home Fleet, which was responsible for the defense of the British Isles. Keyes led the Home Fleet in a number of successful operations, including the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck in 1941.

In 1942, Keyes was appointed Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean. He was responsible for planning and executing the Allied invasion of North Africa. Keyes's efforts were successful in driving the Germans out of North Africa and opening up the Mediterranean Sea to Allied shipping.

Later Life

After the war, Keyes retired from the Royal Navy. He was created a baron in 1945 and a viscount in 1952. Keyes died on December 26, 1959, at the age of 87.

Legacy

Admiral of the Fleet Lord Keyes was one of the most distinguished British naval officers of the 20th century. He was a brilliant tactician and a fearless leader. Keyes's contributions to the Royal Navy and to the Allied victory in World War II were immense.

Bibliography

* Keyes, Roger. Naval Memoirs. London: Thornton Butterworth, 1934. * Roskill, Stephen. Admiral of the Fleet Lord Keyes of Zeebrugge. London: Collins, 1951. * Warner, Oliver. Admiral of the Fleet Lord Keyes. London: Sidgwick and Jackson, 1967.

Churchill's Admiral in Two World Wars: Admiral of the Fleet Lord Keyes of Zeebrugge & Dover GCB KCVO CMG DSO

by Jim Crossley

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5771 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	216 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE