Difference between revisions of "Bentinck John Davies Yelverton"

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[[Admiral (Royal Navy)|Admiral]] '''Bentinck John Davies Yelverton''', C.B., Royal Navy, Retired (28 October, 1862 – 7 January, 1959) was an officer in the [[Royal Navy]] during the [[First World War]].
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[[File:Yelverton, NPG x165262.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Admiral Bentinck J. D. Yelverton, 1917.<br><small>© National Portrait Gallery, London.</small>]]
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[[Admiral (Royal Navy)|Admiral]] '''Bentinck John Davies Yelverton''', {{Post-Nominals|country=GBR-cats|C.B.m}}, R.N., Retired (28 October, 1862 &ndash; 7 January, 1959), born '''Bentinck John Davies''', was an officer in the [[Royal Navy]] during the [[First World War]].
  
 
==Early Life & Career==
 
==Early Life & Career==
Bentinck John Davies Yelverton was born Bentinck John Davies at Penzance, Cornwall, on 28 October, 1862, the son of Rowland Augustus Griffith Davies, a solicitor and Justice of the Peace, and Pauline Cecilia Louisa Anna Davies, née Yelverton.  His father died on 4 September, 1864, whilst Mayor of Penzance.<ref>West Penwith Resources: [http://west-penwith.org.uk/pzb.htm Penzance.]</ref>  He entered the [[Royal Navy]] and was appointed as a {{NavCadRN}} to the training ship [[H.M.S. Britannia (Training Ship)|''Britannia'']] at Dartmouth on 15 January, 1876.  He came thirty-eighth in order of merit out of forty-two candidates who passed the examination for naval cadetships.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Saturday, 4 December, 1875.  Issue '''28490''', col A, p. 6.</ref>  On 21 December, 1877, he was appointed to the ''Shannon'' on the [[Pacific Station]].  On 20 September, 1878, he was rated {{MidRN}}, and on 30 October, 1879, was appointed to the ''Comus'' on the [[China Station]].
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Bentinck John Davies Yelverton was born Bentinck John Davies at Penzance, Cornwall, on 28 October, 1862, the son of Rowland Augustus Griffith Davies, a solicitor and Justice of the Peace, and Pauline Cecilia Louisa Anna Davies, née Yelverton.  His father died on 4 September, 1864, whilst Mayor of Penzance.<ref>West Penwith Resources: [http://west-penwith.org.uk/pzb.htm Penzance.]</ref>  He entered the [[Royal Navy]] and was appointed as a {{NavCadRN}} to the training ship [[H.M.S. Britannia (Training Ship)|''Britannia'']] at Dartmouth on 15 January, 1876.<ref name=sr135>ADM 196/42. f. 135.</ref> He was placed thirty-eighth in order of merit out of forty-two candidates who passed the examination for naval cadetships.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Saturday, 4 December, 1875.  Issue '''28490''', col A, p. 6.</ref>  He left ''Britannia'' on 20 December, 1877, having gained three months' time for {{MidRN}} for conduct.<ref>ADM 196/20.  f. 403.</ref>  On 21 December, 1877, he was appointed to the ''Shannon'' on the [[Pacific Station (Royal Navy)|Pacific Station]].  On 20 September, 1878, he was rated Midshipman, and on 30 October, 1879, was appointed to the ''Comus'' on the [[China Station]]. He passed his Seamanship examination with a First Class certificate and was promoted to the rank of Acting {{SubRN}} on 20 September, 1882.<ref name=sr135/>  He returned home in the ''Rocket'', and was appointed to ''Excellent'' for examinations for the rank of {{LieutRN}}. 
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On 12 January he qualified as a Navigator for other than first class ships, and on 15 January was Navigating Officer of ''Forrester''.  He was promoted to the rank of {{LieutRN}} on 30 September, 1885.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/25516/pages/4599 no. 25516.  p. 4599.]  2 October, 1885.</ref>
  
Yelverton was promoted to the rank of {{LieutRN}} on 30 September, 1885.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/25516/pages/4599 no. 25516.  p. 4599.]  2 October, 1885.</ref>
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In 1886, Yelverton was awarded the [[Royal Humane Society's Bronze Medal]].{{NLApr87|p. 598}}
  
 
Yelverton was promoted to the rank of {{CommRN}} on 30 June, 1898.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/26983/pages/3984 no. 26983.  p. 3984.]  1 July, 1898.</ref>
 
Yelverton was promoted to the rank of {{CommRN}} on 30 June, 1898.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/26983/pages/3984 no. 26983.  p. 3984.]  1 July, 1898.</ref>
  
 
==Captain==
 
==Captain==
On 15 August, 1905, Yelverton was appointed to command {{UK-Ariadne|f=tp}}.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Friday, 18 August, 1905.  Issue '''37789''', col A, p. 8.</ref>
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On 24 September, 1904, Yelverton was appointed to ''President'' for the [[Royal Naval War College|war course]] at Greenwich, where he obtained a Third Class passCompleting this on 20 February, 1905, he was appointed on the same say to ''Firequeen'' for the month-long Senior Officers' Signal Course, and thence for a series of Gunnery and Torpedo courses.<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 135.</ref>
  
Yelverton was appointed to command {{UK-Talbot}} on 6 November, 1906.<ref>''The Navy List'' (October, 1908)p. 381.</ref>
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He was appointed to ''Pembroke'', additional, for trials of the {{UK-Jupiter}} on 17 July, 1905.  On 15 August he was appointed to command {{UK-Ariadne|f=tp}}, a nucleus crew ship at Portsmouth, which command he held until 6 November, 1906.<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 135.</ref>  Rear-Admiral [[Charles Henry Cross|Charles H. Cross]], commanding the [[Portsmouth Reserve Division]], wrote that, "Judging from the one cruise he has been with me I consider him trustworthy & with good nerve & judgement."<ref>ADM 196/88f. 48.</ref>
  
He served as captain of the {{UK-Vengeance|f=t}} from November 1908{{MackieRNW}} until he was appointed in command of {{UK-Bulwark}} on 24 March, 1909.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices)''The Times''Monday, 15 March, 1909. Issue '''38907''', col B, p. 9.</ref>
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Yelverton was appointed to command {{UK-Talbot}} on 6 November, 1906, where he remained until 6 November, 1908, bar a brief Signal Course at Portsmouth between 21 January and 8 February, 1907.<ref>ADM 196/42f. 135.</ref> In January, 1907, Rear-Admiral [[Edward Harpur Gamble|Edward H. Gamble]], commanding the [[Devonport Reserve Division]], wrote of him that, "Although only a short time with me in Reserve Squadron, from my former experience of him he is a zealous officer with good judgement."  The Commander-in-Chief, [[Channel Fleet (Royal Navy)|Channel Fleet]], Admiral [[Charles William de la Poer Beresford, First Baron Beresford|Lord Charles Beresford]], wrote of him in November, 1908:
  
On 18 March, 1912, Yelverton was appointed in command of {{UK-Terrible|f=p}}, and a group of ships in reserve.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Tuesday, 12 March, 1912Issue '''39844''', col F, p. 13.</ref>  On 1 July he was appointed to {{UK-RoyalArthur|f=p}} and in command of a group of ships of the Third Fleet.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Saturday, 29 June, 1912.  Issue '''39938''', col F, p. 6.</ref>
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<blockquote>Zealous, good judgement, very good physical qualitiesA very good officer who keeps his ship in good man of war order. Recommended for advancement.<ref>ADM 196/88. f. 48.</ref></blockquote>
  
He was appointed in command of the {{UK-Aboukir|f=t}} in October 1912.{{MackieRNW}}
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Yelverton was appointed to ''President'' for the war course on 6 November, 1908,<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 135.</ref> but did not complete it.<ref>ADM 203/99.  f. 32.</ref>  He was appointed in command of the {{UK-Vengeance|f=t}} in the [[Home Fleet (Royal Navy)|Home Fleet]] on 27 November, 1908. On 24 March, 1909, he was appointed in command of {{UK-Bulwark|f=t}} in the Channel Fleet, which soon after became part of the Home Fleet.  He gave up command of ''Bulwark'' on 1 March, 1910.<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 135.</ref>  The fleet Commander-in-Chief, Admiral [[William Henry May|Sir William H. May]], noted that:
  
In February 1913 he was appointed as captain of {{UK-GoodHope}}, but he was relieved in August 1914.{{MackieRNW}}
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<blockquote>Captain Yelverton is a very good practical officer [who] handles his ship very well & is a thorough disciplinarian.  He gives great promise of making a good Flag officer & I should be pleased to have him in any fleet with me.<ref>ADM 196/88.  f. 48.</ref></blockquote>
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On 1 March, 1910, Yelverton was appointed to ''Fisgard'' as [[Inspecting Captain of Mechanical Training Establishments]].  He was superseded after two years on 1 March, 1912.<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 135.</ref>  The [[Portsmouth Station|Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth]], Admiral [[Arthur William Moore|Sir Arthur W. Moore]], described Yelverton as a "zealous and capable officer," whilst Their Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty expressed their appreciation at the efficiency and good organisation of the mechanical training establishments which they considered due to "zeal & ability with which Captain Yelverton has carried out the duties of Inspecting Captain."<ref>ADM 196/88.  f. 48.</ref>
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On 4 March, 1912, Yelverton was appointed to ''President'' for the war course at Portsmouth.<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 135.</ref>  Again, he didn't complete it<ref>ADM 203/99.  f. 50.</ref> as on 18 March, 1912, he was appointed in command of {{UK-Terrible|f=p}}, and a group of ships in reserve of the Fourth Division, Home Fleet.<ref name=sr135/>  On 1 July he was appointed to {{UK-RoyalArthur|f=p}} and in command of a group of ships of the Third Fleet, [[Home Fleets (Royal Navy)|Home Fleets]]. He transferred to {{UK-Aboukir|f=t}} in a similar capacity on 22 October, 1912, and to {{UK-GoodHope|f=t}} on 1 February, 1913.  He commanded ''Good Hope'' during the 1913 man&oelig;uvres.  In November, 1912, Rear-Admiral [[Arthur Yerbury Moggridge|Arthur Y. Moggridge]] wrote of Yelverton that he, "Has shown much zeal, tact, judgement, & firmness as S.O.T.F. at Portsmouth."  Rear-Admiral [[Reginald Godfrey Otway Tupper|Reginald G. O. Tupper]] wrote of him a year later, "Has been most zealous & has afforded me great assistance in improving the general readiness for war & cleanliness & efficiency of 3<sup><u>rd</u></sup> Fleet of Portsmouth Division during my year here."<ref>ADM 196/88.  f. 48.</ref>
  
 
==Great War==
 
==Great War==
Yelverton was appointed in command of the cruiser {{UK-Suffolk}} on 19 August, 1914.<ref>''The Navy List'' (October, 1915).  p. 398''d-k''.</ref> On 17 July, 1915, he was promoted to the rank of {{RearRN}}, vice [[Robert Hamilton Anstruther|Anstruther]],<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29236/pages/7073 no. 29236.  p. 7073.]  20 July, 1915.</ref> and in accordance with the provisions of the [[Order in Council of 8 December, 1903]], he was placed on the Retired List at his own request on 18 July.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29236/pages/7075 no. 29236.  p. 7075.]  20 July, 1915.</ref>  In recognition of his services during the war he was appointed an Additional Member of the Third Class, or Companion, in the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (C.B.) on 22 June, 1916.<ref>''Edinburgh Gazette'': [http://www.edinburgh-gazette.co.uk/issues/12956/pages/1165 no. 12956.  p. 1165.]  27 June, 1916.</ref>  On 18 September he was appointed to H.M.S. ''President'' as Senior Naval Officer, Folkestone, where he would remain until 21 October, 1919.<ref>ADM 196/20.  Book 8.  f. 693.</ref>
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Yelverton was appointed in command of the cruiser {{UK-1Suffolk}} on 19 August, 1914.{{NLOct15|p. 398''d-k''}}  
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On 17 July, 1915, he was promoted to the rank of {{RearRN}}, vice [[Robert Hamilton Anstruther|Anstruther]],<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29236/pages/7073 no. 29236.  p. 7073.]  20 July, 1915.</ref> and in accordance with the provisions of the [[Order in Council of 8 December, 1903]], he was placed on the Retired List at his own request on 18 July.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29236/pages/7075 no. 29236.  p. 7075.]  20 July, 1915.</ref>  In recognition of his services during the war he was appointed an Additional Member of the Third Class, or Companion, in the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (C.B.) on 22 June, 1916.<ref>''The Edinburgh Gazette'': [http://www.edinburgh-gazette.co.uk/issues/12956/pages/1165 no. 12956.  p. 1165.]  27 June, 1916.</ref>   
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On 18 September, 1916 he was appointed to H.M.S. ''President'' to serve as [[Senior Naval Officer, Folkestone]], where he would remain until 21 October, 1919.<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42/131.|D7579046}} f. 135.</ref>
  
 
==Post-War==
 
==Post-War==
 
He was advanced to the rank of {{ViceRN}} on the Retired List on 3 November, 1919,<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/31632/pages/13545 no. 31632.  p. 13545.]  7 November, 1919.</ref> and to {{AdmRN}} on 1 August, 1924.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32963/pages/5954 no. 32963.  p. 5954.]  8 August, 1924.</ref>  He died at his home at Great Brookham, Surrey, on 7 January, 1959, aged ninety-six.
 
He was advanced to the rank of {{ViceRN}} on the Retired List on 3 November, 1919,<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/31632/pages/13545 no. 31632.  p. 13545.]  7 November, 1919.</ref> and to {{AdmRN}} on 1 August, 1924.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32963/pages/5954 no. 32963.  p. 5954.]  8 August, 1924.</ref>  He died at his home at Great Brookham, Surrey, on 7 January, 1959, aged ninety-six.
 
==Footnotes==
 
{{reflist}}
 
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
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==Service Records==
 
==Service Records==
 
{{refbegin}}
 
{{refbegin}}
*{{TNA|ADM 196/88.|}}
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*{{TNA|ADM 196/88.|D8115423}}
*{{TNA|ADM 196/42.|}}
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*{{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579046}}
*{{TNA|ADM 196/20.|}}
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*{{TNA|ADM 196/20.|D7590650}}
 
{{refend}}
 
{{refend}}
  
 
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<div name=fredbot:appts>{{TabApptsBegin}}
{{TabAppts}}  <!-- add appointments below using the proper Appt templates, e.g. ApptCapt -- manual additions may omit valuable categorizations, etc -->
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{{TabNaval}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Cecil Fiennes Thursby|Cecil F. Thursby]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. St. Vincent (1815)|Captain of Training Ship H.M.S. ''St. Vincent'']]'''<br>9 Jan, 1902<ref>''Naval & Military intelligence'' The Times (London). Friday, 10 January, 1902. (36661), p. 8.</ref><ref>Day of month taken from predecessor.  Thursby Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}} f. 658.</ref><ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref> &ndash; 30 Jun, 1904|Succeeded by<br>'''[[George Cuthbert Cayley|George C. Cayley]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[James Startin|James Startin]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Jupiter (1895)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Jupiter'']]'''<br>17 Jul, 1905<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref> &ndash; 15 Aug, 1905<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Herbert Augustus Warren|Herbert A. Warren]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Archibald Gordon Henry Wilson Moore|A. Gordon H. W. Moore]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Ariadne (1898)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Ariadne'']]'''<br>15 Aug, 1905<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref> &ndash; 6 Nov, 1906<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Edward Francis Benedict Charlton|Edward F. B. Charlton]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Herbert Charles Campbell Da Costa|Herbert C. C. Da Costa]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Talbot (1895)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Talbot'']]'''<br>6 Nov, 1906<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref> &ndash; 6 Nov, 1908<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Bertram Mordaunt Chambers|Bertram M. Chambers]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[William Edmund Goodenough|William E. Goodenough]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Vengeance (1899)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Vengeance'']]'''<br>27 Nov, 1908<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref> &ndash; 24 Mar, 1909<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Edward Guy Wright Davy|Edward G. W. Davy]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Robert Falcon Scott|Robert F. Scott]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Bulwark (1899)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Bulwark'']]'''<br>24 Mar, 1909{{NLJan10|p. 288}}<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref> &ndash; 1 Mar, 1910<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Cunningham Robert de Clare Foot|Cunningham R. de C. Foot]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edmund Hyde Smith|Edmund H. Smith]]'''|'''[[Inspecting Captain of Mechanical Training Establishments|Inspecting Captain of Mechanical Training Establishments]]'''<br>1 Mar, 1910<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref> &ndash; 1 Mar, 1912<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Robert Edmund Ross Benson|Robert E. R. Benson]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Joseph Ridgway Bridson|Joseph R. Bridson]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Terrible (1895)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Terrible'']]'''<br>18 Mar, 1912<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref> &ndash; 1 Jul, 1912<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Charles Pipon Beaty-Pownall|Charles P. Beaty-Pownall]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[George Bennett Weston Young|George B. W. Young]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Royal Arthur (1891)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Royal Arthur'']]'''<br>1 Jul, 1912<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref>{{NLAug12|p. 369}} &ndash; 22 Oct, 1912<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[John Frederick Ernest Green|John F. E. Green]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Alfred Ernle Montacute Chatfield, First Baron Chatfield|A. Ernle M. Chatfield]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Aboukir (1900)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Aboukir'']]'''<br>22 Oct, 1912<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref> &ndash; 1 Feb, 1913<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Reginald Louis Crichton|Reginald L. Crichton]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Reginald Louis Crichton|Reginald L. Crichton]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Good Hope (1901)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Good Hope'']]'''<br>1 Feb, 1913<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref> &ndash; 15 Jul, 1913<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Vernon Harry Stuart Haggard|Vernon H. S. Haggard]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Philip Francklin|Philip Francklin]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Suffolk (1903)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Suffolk'']]'''<br>19 Aug, 1914<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref>{{NLOct15|p. 398''d-k''}} &ndash; 25 Aug, 1916<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 135.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Christopher Russell Payne|Christopher R. Payne]]'''}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Pennant Athelwold Iremonger Lloyd|Pennant A. I. Lloyd]]'''|'''[[Folkestone|Senior Naval Officer, Folkestone]]'''<br>18 Sep, 1916<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42/131.|D7579046}}  f. 135.</ref> &ndash; 21 Oct, 1919<ref>Yelverton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42/131.|D7579046}}  f. 135.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''?'''}}
 
{{TabEnd}}
 
{{TabEnd}}
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</div name=fredbot:appts>
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==Footnotes==
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{{reflist}}
  
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Yelverton, Bentinck}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Yelverton, Bentinck}}
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{{CatPerson|UK|1862|1959}}
 
{{CatPerson|UK|1862|1959}}
 
{{CatBritannia|January, 1876}}
 
{{CatBritannia|January, 1876}}
[[Category:Inspecting Captains of Mechanical Training Establishments]]
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{{CatAdm|UK}}
{{CatAdmiral|UK}}
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Revision as of 09:13, 28 April 2020

Admiral Bentinck J. D. Yelverton, 1917.
© National Portrait Gallery, London.

Admiral Bentinck John Davies Yelverton, C.B., R.N., Retired (28 October, 1862 – 7 January, 1959), born Bentinck John Davies, was an officer in the Royal Navy during the First World War.

Early Life & Career

Bentinck John Davies Yelverton was born Bentinck John Davies at Penzance, Cornwall, on 28 October, 1862, the son of Rowland Augustus Griffith Davies, a solicitor and Justice of the Peace, and Pauline Cecilia Louisa Anna Davies, née Yelverton. His father died on 4 September, 1864, whilst Mayor of Penzance.[1] He entered the Royal Navy and was appointed as a Naval Cadet to the training ship Britannia at Dartmouth on 15 January, 1876.[2] He was placed thirty-eighth in order of merit out of forty-two candidates who passed the examination for naval cadetships.[3] He left Britannia on 20 December, 1877, having gained three months' time for Midshipman for conduct.[4] On 21 December, 1877, he was appointed to the Shannon on the Pacific Station. On 20 September, 1878, he was rated Midshipman, and on 30 October, 1879, was appointed to the Comus on the China Station. He passed his Seamanship examination with a First Class certificate and was promoted to the rank of Acting Sub-Lieutenant on 20 September, 1882.[2] He returned home in the Rocket, and was appointed to Excellent for examinations for the rank of Lieutenant.

On 12 January he qualified as a Navigator for other than first class ships, and on 15 January was Navigating Officer of Forrester. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 30 September, 1885.[5]

In 1886, Yelverton was awarded the Royal Humane Society's Bronze Medal.[6]

Yelverton was promoted to the rank of Commander on 30 June, 1898.[7]

Captain

On 24 September, 1904, Yelverton was appointed to President for the war course at Greenwich, where he obtained a Third Class pass. Completing this on 20 February, 1905, he was appointed on the same say to Firequeen for the month-long Senior Officers' Signal Course, and thence for a series of Gunnery and Torpedo courses.[8]

He was appointed to Pembroke, additional, for trials of the Jupiter on 17 July, 1905. On 15 August he was appointed to command first class protected cruiser H.M.S. Ariadne, a nucleus crew ship at Portsmouth, which command he held until 6 November, 1906.[9] Rear-Admiral Charles H. Cross, commanding the Portsmouth Reserve Division, wrote that, "Judging from the one cruise he has been with me I consider him trustworthy & with good nerve & judgement."[10]

Yelverton was appointed to command Talbot on 6 November, 1906, where he remained until 6 November, 1908, bar a brief Signal Course at Portsmouth between 21 January and 8 February, 1907.[11] In January, 1907, Rear-Admiral Edward H. Gamble, commanding the Devonport Reserve Division, wrote of him that, "Although only a short time with me in Reserve Squadron, from my former experience of him he is a zealous officer with good judgement." The Commander-in-Chief, Channel Fleet, Admiral Lord Charles Beresford, wrote of him in November, 1908:

Zealous, good judgement, very good physical qualities. A very good officer who keeps his ship in good man of war order. Recommended for advancement.[12]

Yelverton was appointed to President for the war course on 6 November, 1908,[13] but did not complete it.[14] He was appointed in command of the battleship Vengeance in the Home Fleet on 27 November, 1908. On 24 March, 1909, he was appointed in command of battleship Bulwark in the Channel Fleet, which soon after became part of the Home Fleet. He gave up command of Bulwark on 1 March, 1910.[15] The fleet Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Sir William H. May, noted that:

Captain Yelverton is a very good practical officer [who] handles his ship very well & is a thorough disciplinarian. He gives great promise of making a good Flag officer & I should be pleased to have him in any fleet with me.[16]

On 1 March, 1910, Yelverton was appointed to Fisgard as Inspecting Captain of Mechanical Training Establishments. He was superseded after two years on 1 March, 1912.[17] The Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, Admiral Sir Arthur W. Moore, described Yelverton as a "zealous and capable officer," whilst Their Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty expressed their appreciation at the efficiency and good organisation of the mechanical training establishments which they considered due to "zeal & ability with which Captain Yelverton has carried out the duties of Inspecting Captain."[18]

On 4 March, 1912, Yelverton was appointed to President for the war course at Portsmouth.[19] Again, he didn't complete it[20] as on 18 March, 1912, he was appointed in command of H.M.S. Terrible, and a group of ships in reserve of the Fourth Division, Home Fleet.[2] On 1 July he was appointed to H.M.S. Royal Arthur and in command of a group of ships of the Third Fleet, Home Fleets. He transferred to armoured cruiser Aboukir in a similar capacity on 22 October, 1912, and to armoured cruiser Good Hope on 1 February, 1913. He commanded Good Hope during the 1913 manœuvres. In November, 1912, Rear-Admiral Arthur Y. Moggridge wrote of Yelverton that he, "Has shown much zeal, tact, judgement, & firmness as S.O.T.F. at Portsmouth." Rear-Admiral Reginald G. O. Tupper wrote of him a year later, "Has been most zealous & has afforded me great assistance in improving the general readiness for war & cleanliness & efficiency of 3rd Fleet of Portsmouth Division during my year here."[21]

Great War

Yelverton was appointed in command of the cruiser Suffolk on 19 August, 1914.[22]

On 17 July, 1915, he was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral, vice Anstruther,[23] and in accordance with the provisions of the Order in Council of 8 December, 1903, he was placed on the Retired List at his own request on 18 July.[24] In recognition of his services during the war he was appointed an Additional Member of the Third Class, or Companion, in the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (C.B.) on 22 June, 1916.[25]

On 18 September, 1916 he was appointed to H.M.S. President to serve as Senior Naval Officer, Folkestone, where he would remain until 21 October, 1919.[26]

Post-War

He was advanced to the rank of Vice-Admiral on the Retired List on 3 November, 1919,[27] and to Admiral on 1 August, 1924.[28] He died at his home at Great Brookham, Surrey, on 7 January, 1959, aged ninety-six.

Bibliography

  • "Adml. B. J. D. Yelverton" (Obituaries). The Times. Thursday, 8 January, 1959. Issue 54353, col D, p. 14.

Service Records

Naval Appointments
Preceded by
Cecil F. Thursby
Captain of Training Ship H.M.S. St. Vincent
9 Jan, 1902[29][30][31] – 30 Jun, 1904
Succeeded by
George C. Cayley
Preceded by
James Startin
Captain of H.M.S. Jupiter
17 Jul, 1905[32] – 15 Aug, 1905[33]
Succeeded by
Herbert A. Warren
Preceded by
A. Gordon H. W. Moore
Captain of H.M.S. Ariadne
15 Aug, 1905[34] – 6 Nov, 1906[35]
Succeeded by
Edward F. B. Charlton
Preceded by
Herbert C. C. Da Costa
Captain of H.M.S. Talbot
6 Nov, 1906[36] – 6 Nov, 1908[37]
Succeeded by
Bertram M. Chambers
Preceded by
William E. Goodenough
Captain of H.M.S. Vengeance
27 Nov, 1908[38] – 24 Mar, 1909[39]
Succeeded by
Edward G. W. Davy
Preceded by
Robert F. Scott
Captain of H.M.S. Bulwark
24 Mar, 1909[40][41] – 1 Mar, 1910[42]
Succeeded by
Cunningham R. de C. Foot
Preceded by
Edmund H. Smith
Inspecting Captain of Mechanical Training Establishments
1 Mar, 1910[43] – 1 Mar, 1912[44]
Succeeded by
Robert E. R. Benson
Preceded by
Joseph R. Bridson
Captain of H.M.S. Terrible
18 Mar, 1912[45] – 1 Jul, 1912[46]
Succeeded by
Charles P. Beaty-Pownall
Preceded by
George B. W. Young
Captain of H.M.S. Royal Arthur
1 Jul, 1912[47][48] – 22 Oct, 1912[49]
Succeeded by
John F. E. Green
Preceded by
A. Ernle M. Chatfield
Captain of H.M.S. Aboukir
22 Oct, 1912[50] – 1 Feb, 1913[51]
Succeeded by
Reginald L. Crichton
Preceded by
Reginald L. Crichton
Captain of H.M.S. Good Hope
1 Feb, 1913[52] – 15 Jul, 1913[53]
Succeeded by
Vernon H. S. Haggard
Preceded by
Philip Francklin
Captain of H.M.S. Suffolk
19 Aug, 1914[54][55] – 25 Aug, 1916[56]
Succeeded by
Christopher R. Payne
Preceded by
Pennant A. I. Lloyd
Senior Naval Officer, Folkestone
18 Sep, 1916[57] – 21 Oct, 1919[58]
Succeeded by
?

Footnotes

  1. West Penwith Resources: Penzance.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  3. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Saturday, 4 December, 1875. Issue 28490, col A, p. 6.
  4. ADM 196/20. f. 403.
  5. The London Gazette: no. 25516. p. 4599. 2 October, 1885.
  6. The Navy List. (April, 1887) Corrected to 20 March, 1887. p. 598.
  7. The London Gazette: no. 26983. p. 3984. 1 July, 1898.
  8. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  9. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  10. ADM 196/88. f. 48.
  11. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  12. ADM 196/88. f. 48.
  13. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  14. ADM 203/99. f. 32.
  15. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  16. ADM 196/88. f. 48.
  17. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  18. ADM 196/88. f. 48.
  19. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  20. ADM 203/99. f. 50.
  21. ADM 196/88. f. 48.
  22. The Navy List. (October, 1915). p. 398d-k.
  23. The London Gazette: no. 29236. p. 7073. 20 July, 1915.
  24. The London Gazette: no. 29236. p. 7075. 20 July, 1915.
  25. The Edinburgh Gazette: no. 12956. p. 1165. 27 June, 1916.
  26. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42/131. f. 135.
  27. The London Gazette: no. 31632. p. 13545. 7 November, 1919.
  28. The London Gazette: no. 32963. p. 5954. 8 August, 1924.
  29. Naval & Military intelligence The Times (London). Friday, 10 January, 1902. (36661), p. 8.
  30. Day of month taken from predecessor. Thursby Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 658.
  31. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  32. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  33. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  34. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  35. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  36. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  37. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  38. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  39. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  40. The Navy List. (January, 1910). p. 288.
  41. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  42. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  43. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  44. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  45. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  46. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  47. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  48. The Navy List. (August, 1912). p. 369.
  49. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  50. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  51. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  52. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  53. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  54. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  55. The Navy List. (October, 1915). p. 398d-k.
  56. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 135.
  57. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42/131. f. 135.
  58. Yelverton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42/131. f. 135.