andrew cunningham
(7 January 1883 – 12 June 1963)
Sir Andrew Browne Cunningham was a senior Royal Navy officer who served with distinction through two World Wars, primarily in World War II.
Joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1897.
Served as a destroyer captain in World War I (specifically in Gallipoli).
Given command of the battleship HMS Rodney in 1930.
Promoted to flag rank (rear admiral) in 1933.
In 1936, he was promoted to vice-admiral, and in 1937 was made second-in-command of the Mediterranean Fleet aboard HMS Hood.
Three years later, he was made full commander in chief of the same Mediterranean Fleet aboard HMS Warspite and led it through the naval battles of Calabria (July 1940) and Cape Matapan (March 1941). He was also responsible for the night air raid on Taranto (November 1940) that heavily damaged three Italian battleships (and may have even influenced Japanese plans for Pearl Harbor).
Promoted to admiral in 1940, then to Admiral of the Fleet in 1943, assuming the role of the First Sea Lord (equivalent to Navy Secretary).
Retired from active service in May 1946, ennobled as the 1st Viscount of Hyndhope.
Commands held
- HMS Rodney
- Royal Navy Battlecruiser Squadron (concurrent as XO Mediterranean Fleet)
- Mediterranean Fleet (XO aboard HMS Hood, CINC aboard HMS Warspite)
- First Sea Lord