Difference between revisions of "Edward Francis Bruen"

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==Early Life & Career==
 
==Early Life & Career==
Bruen was promoted to the rank of {{LieutRN}} on 30 June, 1889.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/25969/pages/4738 no. 25969.  p. 4738.]  30 August, 1889.</ref>
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Bruen was promoted to the rank of {{LieutRN}} on 30 June, 1889.{{Gaz|25969|4738|30 August, 1889}}
  
Bruen was promoted to the rank of {{CommRN}} on 30 June, 1901.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/27335/pages/4780 no. 27335. p. 4780.]  19 July, 1901.</ref>
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Bruen was promoted to the rank of {{CommRN}} on 30 June, 1901.{{Gaz|27335|4780|19 July, 1901}}
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Bruen was appointed in command of {{UK-2Pandora|f=t}} on 10 June, 1904, but then whisked away to command the despatch vessel {{UK-1Surprise}} on 6 February, 1905, to remain in her until superseded on 1 August, 1906.  He may have had a second short stint in ''Pandora'', as well.<ref>Bruen Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579087}} f. 418.</ref>
  
 
==Captain==
 
==Captain==
Bruen was promoted to the rank of {{CaptRN}} on 30 June, 1906.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/27927/pages/4466 no. 27927.  p. 4466.]  29 June, 1906.</ref>
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Bruen was promoted to the rank of {{CaptRN}} on 30 June, 1906.{{Gaz|27927|4466|29 June, 1906}}
  
In 1907, he assumed command of the {{UK-Amphitrite|f=t}}, remaining in her until September 1908.{{MackieRNW}}
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On 20 August 1907, he was appointed in command of the {{UK-Amphitrite|f=t}}, remaining in her until September 1908.<ref name=f418>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 418.</ref>
  
He was appointed as captain of the {{UK-Highflyer|f=t}} on 19 September, 1908.<ref>''The Navy List'' (October, 1908).  p. 327.</ref>
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He was appointed as captain of the {{UK-Highflyer|f=t}} on 19 September, 1908.{{NLOct08|p. 327}}
  
He was appointed command of the {{UK-Powerful|f=t}} on 31 December, 1910<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 418.</ref>
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He was appointed command of the {{UK-Powerful|f=t}} on 31 December, 1910.<ref name=f418/>
  
Bruen was appointed in command of the {{UK-Drake|f=t}} in November 1912.{{MackieRNW}}
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Bruen was appointed in command of the {{UK-Drake|f=t}} in January, 1912,{{MackieRNW}} leaving her in March, 1913.<ref name=f418/>
  
He was appointed in command of the {{UK-Bellerophon|f=t}} on 18 August, 1913.<ref>''The Navy List'' (December, 1914).  p. 280.</ref>
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He was appointed in command of the {{UK-Bellerophon|f=t}} on 18 August, 1913.{{NLDec14|p. 280}}
  
 
==Great War==
 
==Great War==
Bruen was still in command of ''Bellerophon'' at the [[Battle of Jutland]] on 31 May, 1916.  [[H.M.S. Bellerophon at the Battle of Jutland|His report on the proceedings]] details the battle from her perspective.  He was appointed to ''Victory'' on 31 August for command of the new battleship [[H.M.S. Resolution (1915)|''Resolution'']], which commissioned in September.  On 16 September he was commended for his service at Jutland.<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 418.</ref>
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Bruen commanded ''Bellerophon'' at the [[Battle of Jutland]] on 31 May, 1916 as part of the {{UK-BS|4}}.  [[H.M.S. Bellerophon at the Battle of Jutland|His report on the proceedings]] details the battle from her perspective.  He was appointed to ''Victory'' on 31 August for command of the new battleship {{UK-Resolution}}, which commissioned in September.  On 16 September he was commended for his service at Jutland.<ref name=f418/>
  
Bruen was promoted to the rank of {{RearRN}} on 28 September, 1917, vice [[Charles Frederick Thorp|Thorp]].<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30332/pages/10505 no. 30332p. 10505.]  12 October, 1917.</ref> He was superseded in command of ''Resolution'' on 1 November, and was was appointed to H.M.S. ''President'', additional, on the 9th for Special Service with the [[Plans Division (Royal Navy)|Director of Plans]].<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 418.</ref>
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Bruen was referred to as "Tiny" by some sailors due to his small stature.  As to temperament, he was judged "completely unemotional"; a placidity perhaps best exemplified by an incident on 6 March, 1917,{{KindellROH2|p. 330 records the death, from "illness" of R.M.A. Captain Seymour Cruddas on that date}} as the ''Bellerophon'' prepared to leave on a sweep:{{ArthurTrueGlory|Midshipman Brian de Courcy-Ireland, quoted on pp. 63-4.}}
 +
<blockquote><em>
 +
We were waiting to weigh anchor when a commander came up to Captain Bruen, I could see that he was rattledThe captain was watching the flagship through his glasses, waiting for the signal to come downThe commander said, "Captain, I beg your pardon, sir, I'm sorry to report that the Captain of Marines has just shot himself," and then he said, "No, he's not shot himself, sir, he's cut his throat." Captain Bruen just lowered his glasses, slowly looked at the commander and said, "Oh, cut his throat has he, cut it badly?"  The commander said, "I'm sorry, sir, I'm afraid he's dead."  "Oh, he's dead is he?  Well, see to it, Commander, will you."  And then he returned his gaze to the flagship and in the same voice said, "Signal, weigh anchor."</em>
 +
</blockquote>
  
On 21 February, 1918, he was appointed in command of the [[Second Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Second Cruiser Squadron]] of the Grand Fleet.  For his services in command of the Second Cruiser Squadron,<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 418.</ref> on the occasion of the King's birthday 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 3 June.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30723/supplements/6527 (Supplement) no. 30723.  p. 6527.]  3 June, 1918.</ref>
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Bruen was promoted to the rank of {{RearRN}} on 28 September, 1917, vice [[Charles Frederick Thorp|Thorp]].{{Gaz|30332|10505|12 October, 1917}}  He was superseded in command of ''Resolution'' on 1 November, and was was appointed to H.M.S. ''President'', additional, on the ninth for Special Service with the [[Plans Division (Royal Navy)|Director of Plans]].<ref name=f418/>
 +
 
 +
On 21 February, 1918, he was appointed in command of the {{UK-CS|2}} of the Grand Fleet.  For his services in command of the Second Cruiser Squadron,<ref name=f418/> on the occasion of the King's birthday 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 3 June.{{GazSup|30723|6527|3 June, 1918}}  He struck his flag at 2CS on 1 February, 1919.<ref name=f418/>
  
 
==Post-War==
 
==Post-War==
 
Bruen became Rear-Admiral Commanding Portsmouth Reserve on 1 February, 1919, flying his flag in ''Achilles''.  On 10 February he transferred his flag to [[H.M.S. St. Vincent (1908)|''St. Vincent'']], and struck his flag on 23 April.<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 418.</ref>
 
Bruen became Rear-Admiral Commanding Portsmouth Reserve on 1 February, 1919, flying his flag in ''Achilles''.  On 10 February he transferred his flag to [[H.M.S. St. Vincent (1908)|''St. Vincent'']], and struck his flag on 23 April.<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 418.</ref>
  
After taking the Senior Officers' Course from 1 March to 1 May, 1920,<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 203.</ref> on 1 May Bruen was appointed [[Naval Equipment Department (Royal Navy)|Director of Naval Equipment]] in succession to Rear-Admiral [[Edward Montgomery Phillpotts|Edward M. Phillpotts]].<ref>"Naval Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Friday, 16 April, 1920.  Issue '''42386''', col D, p. 19.</ref>  He was superseded in the position on 16 May, 1922,<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 203.</ref> and was promoted to the rank of {{ViceRN}} on 16 November, 1922, vice [[Vivian Henry Gerald Bernard|Bernard]].<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32769/pages/8213 no. 32769.  p. 8213.]  21 November, 1922.</ref>
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After taking the Senior Officers' Course from 1 March to 1 May, 1920,<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 203.</ref> on 1 May Bruen was appointed [[Department of the Director of Naval Equipment|Director of Naval Equipment]] in succession to Rear-Admiral [[Edward Montgomery Phillpotts|Edward M. Phillpotts]].<ref>"Naval Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Friday, 16 April, 1920.  Issue '''42386''', col D, p. 19.</ref>  He was superseded in the position on 16 May, 1922,<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 203.</ref> and was promoted to the rank of {{ViceRN}} on 16 November, 1922, vice [[Vivian Henry Gerald Bernard|Bernard]].{{Gaz|32769|8213|21 November, 1922}}
  
He was placed on the Retired List at his own request on 1 October, 1924.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32981/pages/7327 no. 32981.  p. 7327.]  10 October, 1924.</ref> He was advanced to the rank of {{AdmRN}} on the Retired List on 1 August, 1927.<ref>''The London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33300/pages/5105 no. 33300.  p. 5105.]  5 August, 1927.</ref>
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He was placed on the Retired List at his own request on 1 October, 1924.{{Gaz|32981|7327|10 October, 1924}} He was advanced to the rank of {{AdmRN}} on the Retired List on 1 August, 1927.{{Gaz|33300|5105|5 August, 1927}}
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
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{{refend}}
 
{{refend}}
  
 
{{TabAppts}}
 
{{Appt
 
|[[Second Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding,<br>Second Cruiser Squadron]]|[[Reginald Godfrey Otway Tupper|Sir Reginald G. O. Tupper]]|1918 &ndash; 1919|Command Abolished
 
}}
 
{{TabEnd}}
 
[[Category:People with old TabAppts]]
 
 
<div name=fredbot:appts>{{TabApptsBegin}}
 
<div name=fredbot:appts>{{TabApptsBegin}}
 
{{TabNaval}}
 
{{TabNaval}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Francis William Kennedy|Francis W. Kennedy]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Amphitrite (1898)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Amphitrite'']]'''<br>1907{{MackieRNW}} &ndash; ?|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Hubert Grant-Dalton|Hubert Grant-Dalton]]'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Charles Joseph Thaddeus Dormer, Fourteenth Baron Dormer|The Hon. Charles J. T. Dormer]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Pandora (1900)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Pandora'']]'''<br>10 Jun, 1904<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579087}} f. 418.</ref> &ndash; Dec, 1904<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/88.|D8115498}} f. 123.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Adolphus Huddlestone Williamson|Adolphus H. Williamson]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Cecil Spencer Hickley|Cecil S. Hickley]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Highflyer (1898)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Highflyer'']]'''<br>19 Sep, 1908{{NLOct08|p. 327}} &ndash; ?|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Arthur Russell Hulbert|Arthur R. Hulbert]]'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edwyn Sinclair Alexander-Sinclair, Twelfth Laird of Freswick|Edwyn S. Alexander-Sinclair]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Surprise (1885)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Surprise'']]'''<br>6 Feb, 1905<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579087}} f. 418.</ref> &ndash; 1 Aug, 1906<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579087}} f. 418.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Philip Francklin|Philip Francklin]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Cecil Irby Prowse|Cecil I. Prowse]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Powerful (1895)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Powerful'']]'''<br>31 Dec, 1910<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 418.</ref> &ndash; ?|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Edmund Radcliffe Pears|Edmund R. Pears]]'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Francis William Kennedy|Francis W. Kennedy]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Amphitrite (1898)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Amphitrite'']]'''<br>20 Aug, 1907{{NLJan08|p. 276-7}}<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 210/418.</ref> &ndash; 27 Sep, 1908<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 210/418.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Arthur Halsey|Arthur Halsey]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Charles Duncan Johnson|Charles D. Johnson]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Drake (1901)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Drake'']]'''<br>Jan, 1912<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 418.</ref>{{NLMar13|p. 303}} &ndash; ?|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Henry Cyril Royds Brocklebank|Henry C. R. Brocklebank]]'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Charles Tuthill Borrett|Charles T. Borrett]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. St. George (1892)|Captain of H.M.S. ''St. George'']]'''<br>25 Jun, 1908<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 210/418.</ref> &ndash; 19 Sep, 1908<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 210/418.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Guy Lutley Sclater|Guy L. Sclater]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Charles Lionel Vaughan-Lee|Charles L. Vaughan-Lee]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Bellerophon (1907)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Bellerophon'']]'''<br>18 Aug, 1913<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 418.</ref> &ndash; ?|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Hugh Dudley Richards Watson|Hugh D. R. Watson]]'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Cecil Spencer Hickley|Cecil S. Hickley]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Highflyer (1898)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Highflyer'']]'''<br>19 Sep, 1908{{NLJul09|p. 327}} &ndash; 11 Jan, 1910<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 210/418.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Arthur Russell Hulbert|Arthur R. Hulbert]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''?'''|'''[[H.M.S. Resolution (1915)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Resolution'']]'''<br>31 Aug, 1916{{NLDec16|p. 397''i''}} &ndash; ?|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Brian Herbert Fairbairn Barttelot|Brian H. F. Barttelot]]'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Marcus Rowley Hill|Marcus R. Hill]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Hawke (1891)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Hawke'']]'''<br>24 Jun, 1910<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 210/418.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Ralph Philip Clutton|Ralph P. Clutton]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Reginald Godfrey Otway Tupper|Reginald G. O. Tupper]]'''|'''[[Second Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron]]'''<br>21 Feb, 1918{{UKCeased|f. 21}} &ndash; ?|Succeeded by<br>'''Command Abolished'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Cecil Irby Prowse|Cecil I. Prowse]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Powerful (1895)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Powerful'']]'''<br>31 Dec, 1910<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 418.</ref>{{NLApr11|p. 357}} &ndash; 1912<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 418.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Charles Duncan Johnson|Charles D. Johnson]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''New Command'''|'''[[Reserve Fleet (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding, Portsmouth Reserve]]'''<br>1 Feb, 1919<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 418.</ref> &ndash; ?|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Cole Cortlandt Fowler|Cole C. Fowler]]'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Charles Duncan Johnson|Charles D. Johnson]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Drake (1901)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Drake'']]'''<br>Jan, 1912<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 418.</ref>{{NLMar13|p. 303}} &ndash; 12 Mar, 1913<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 418.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Henry Cyril Royds Brocklebank|Henry C. R. Brocklebank]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edward Montgomery Phillpotts|Edward M. Phillpotts]]'''|'''[[Director of Naval Equipment (Royal Navy)|Director of Naval Equipment]]'''<br>1 May, 1920<ref>"Naval Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Friday, 16 April, 1920.  Issue '''42386''', col D, p. 19.</ref> &ndash; 16 May, 1922<ref>{{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 203.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Douglas Lionel Dent|Douglas L. Dent]]'''}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Charles Lionel Vaughan-Lee|Charles L. Vaughan-Lee]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Bellerophon (1907)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Bellerophon'']]'''<br>18 Aug, 1913<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 418.</ref> &ndash; 31 Aug, 1916<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 418.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Hugh Dudley Richards Watson|Hugh D. R. Watson]]'''}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''New Command'''|'''[[H.M.S. Resolution (1915)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Resolution'']]'''<br>31 Aug, 1916{{NLDec16|p. 397''i''}} &ndash; 1 Nov, 1917<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 210/418.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Brian Herbert Fairbairn Barttelot|Brian H. F. Barttelot]]'''}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Reginald Godfrey Otway Tupper|Sir Reginald G. O. Tupper]]'''<br><small>as '''Vice-Admiral Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron'''</small>|'''[[Second Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron]]'''<br>21 Feb, 1918{{UKCeased|f. 21}} &ndash; 1 Feb, 1919<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 418.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''Command Abolished'''}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''New Command'''|'''[[Reserve Fleet (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding, Portsmouth Reserve]]'''<br>1 Feb, 1919<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 418.</ref> &ndash; 23 Apr, 1919<ref>Bruen Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 210/418.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Cole Cortlandt Fowler|Cole C. Fowler]]'''}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edward Montgomery Phillpotts|Edward M. Phillpotts]]'''|'''[[Department of the Director of Naval Equipment|Director of Naval Equipment]]'''<br>1 May, 1920<ref>"Naval Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Friday, 16 April, 1920.  Issue '''42386''', col D, p. 19.</ref> &ndash; 16 May, 1922<ref>{{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 203.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Douglas Lionel Dent|Douglas L. Dent]]'''}}
 
{{TabEnd}}
 
{{TabEnd}}
 
</div name=fredbot:appts>
 
</div name=fredbot:appts>
Line 76: Line 80:
 
{{CatGunneryOfficer|UK}}
 
{{CatGunneryOfficer|UK}}
 
[[Category:Rear-Admirals Commanding, Portsmouth Reserve (Royal Navy)]]
 
[[Category:Rear-Admirals Commanding, Portsmouth Reserve (Royal Navy)]]
[[Category:Directors of Naval Equipment (Royal Navy)]]
+
{{CatAdm|UK}}
{{CatAdmiral|UK}}
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Revision as of 21:59, 27 December 2020

Admiral Edward F. Bruen as a Rear-Admiral, 1920.
© National Portrait Gallery, London.

Admiral Edward Francis Bruen, C.B., R.N., Retired (7 November, 1866 – 22 November, 1952) was an officer of the Royal Navy during the First World War.

Early Life & Career

Bruen was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 30 June, 1889.[1]

Bruen was promoted to the rank of Commander on 30 June, 1901.[2]

Bruen was appointed in command of third class protected cruiser Pandora on 10 June, 1904, but then whisked away to command the despatch vessel Surprise on 6 February, 1905, to remain in her until superseded on 1 August, 1906. He may have had a second short stint in Pandora, as well.[3]

Captain

Bruen was promoted to the rank of Captain on 30 June, 1906.[4]

On 20 August 1907, he was appointed in command of the first class protected cruiser Amphitrite, remaining in her until September 1908.[5]

He was appointed as captain of the second class protected cruiser Highflyer on 19 September, 1908.[6]

He was appointed command of the first class protected cruiser Powerful on 31 December, 1910.[5]

Bruen was appointed in command of the armoured cruiser Drake in January, 1912,[7] leaving her in March, 1913.[5]

He was appointed in command of the battleship Bellerophon on 18 August, 1913.[8]

Great War

Bruen commanded Bellerophon at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May, 1916 as part of the Fourth Battle Squadron. His report on the proceedings details the battle from her perspective. He was appointed to Victory on 31 August for command of the new battleship Resolution, which commissioned in September. On 16 September he was commended for his service at Jutland.[5]

Bruen was referred to as "Tiny" by some sailors due to his small stature. As to temperament, he was judged "completely unemotional"; a placidity perhaps best exemplified by an incident on 6 March, 1917,[9] as the Bellerophon prepared to leave on a sweep:[10]

We were waiting to weigh anchor when a commander came up to Captain Bruen, I could see that he was rattled. The captain was watching the flagship through his glasses, waiting for the signal to come down. The commander said, "Captain, I beg your pardon, sir, I'm sorry to report that the Captain of Marines has just shot himself," and then he said, "No, he's not shot himself, sir, he's cut his throat." Captain Bruen just lowered his glasses, slowly looked at the commander and said, "Oh, cut his throat has he, cut it badly?" The commander said, "I'm sorry, sir, I'm afraid he's dead." "Oh, he's dead is he? Well, see to it, Commander, will you." And then he returned his gaze to the flagship and in the same voice said, "Signal, weigh anchor."

Bruen was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral on 28 September, 1917, vice Thorp.[11] He was superseded in command of Resolution on 1 November, and was was appointed to H.M.S. President, additional, on the ninth for Special Service with the Director of Plans.[5]

On 21 February, 1918, he was appointed in command of the Second Cruiser Squadron of the Grand Fleet. For his services in command of the Second Cruiser Squadron,[5] on the occasion of the King's birthday 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 3 June.[12] He struck his flag at 2CS on 1 February, 1919.[5]

Post-War

Bruen became Rear-Admiral Commanding Portsmouth Reserve on 1 February, 1919, flying his flag in Achilles. On 10 February he transferred his flag to St. Vincent, and struck his flag on 23 April.[13]

After taking the Senior Officers' Course from 1 March to 1 May, 1920,[14] on 1 May Bruen was appointed Director of Naval Equipment in succession to Rear-Admiral Edward M. Phillpotts.[15] He was superseded in the position on 16 May, 1922,[16] and was promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral on 16 November, 1922, vice Bernard.[17]

He was placed on the Retired List at his own request on 1 October, 1924.[18] He was advanced to the rank of Admiral on the Retired List on 1 August, 1927.[19]

Bibliography

  • "Admiral E. F. Bruen" (Obituaries). The Times. Tuesday, 25 November, 1952. Issue 52478, col E, p. 10.

Service Records

Naval Appointments
Preceded by
The Hon. Charles J. T. Dormer
Captain of H.M.S. Pandora
10 Jun, 1904[20] – Dec, 1904[21]
Succeeded by
Adolphus H. Williamson
Preceded by
Edwyn S. Alexander-Sinclair
Captain of H.M.S. Surprise
6 Feb, 1905[22] – 1 Aug, 1906[23]
Succeeded by
Philip Francklin
Preceded by
Francis W. Kennedy
Captain of H.M.S. Amphitrite
20 Aug, 1907[24][25] – 27 Sep, 1908[26]
Succeeded by
Arthur Halsey
Preceded by
Charles T. Borrett
Captain of H.M.S. St. George
25 Jun, 1908[27] – 19 Sep, 1908[28]
Succeeded by
Guy L. Sclater
Preceded by
Cecil S. Hickley
Captain of H.M.S. Highflyer
19 Sep, 1908[29] – 11 Jan, 1910[30]
Succeeded by
Arthur R. Hulbert
Preceded by
Marcus R. Hill
Captain of H.M.S. Hawke
24 Jun, 1910[31]
Succeeded by
Ralph P. Clutton
Preceded by
Cecil I. Prowse
Captain of H.M.S. Powerful
31 Dec, 1910[32][33] – 1912[34]
Succeeded by
Charles D. Johnson
Preceded by
Charles D. Johnson
Captain of H.M.S. Drake
Jan, 1912[35][36] – 12 Mar, 1913[37]
Succeeded by
Henry C. R. Brocklebank
Preceded by
Charles L. Vaughan-Lee
Captain of H.M.S. Bellerophon
18 Aug, 1913[38] – 31 Aug, 1916[39]
Succeeded by
Hugh D. R. Watson
Preceded by
New Command
Captain of H.M.S. Resolution
31 Aug, 1916[40] – 1 Nov, 1917[41]
Succeeded by
Brian H. F. Barttelot
Preceded by
Sir Reginald G. O. Tupper
as Vice-Admiral Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron
Rear-Admiral Commanding, Second Cruiser Squadron
21 Feb, 1918[42] – 1 Feb, 1919[43]
Succeeded by
Command Abolished
Preceded by
New Command
Rear-Admiral Commanding, Portsmouth Reserve
1 Feb, 1919[44] – 23 Apr, 1919[45]
Succeeded by
Cole C. Fowler
Preceded by
Edward M. Phillpotts
Director of Naval Equipment
1 May, 1920[46] – 16 May, 1922[47]
Succeeded by
Douglas L. Dent

Footnotes

  1. The London Gazette: no. 25969. p. 4738. 30 August, 1889.
  2. The London Gazette: no. 27335. p. 4780. 19 July, 1901.
  3. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 418.
  4. The London Gazette: no. 27927. p. 4466. 29 June, 1906.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 418.
  6. The Navy List. (October, 1908). p. 327.
  7. Mackie, Colin. ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS.
  8. The Navy List. (December, 1914). p. 280.
  9. Kindell. Royal Navy Roll of Honour Part 2. p. 330 records the death, from "illness" of R.M.A. Captain Seymour Cruddas on that date.
  10. Arthur. The True Glory. Midshipman Brian de Courcy-Ireland, quoted on pp. 63-4..
  11. The London Gazette: no. 30332. p. 10505. 12 October, 1917.
  12. The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 30723. p. 6527. 3 June, 1918.
  13. ADM 196/42. f. 418.
  14. ADM 196/42. f. 203.
  15. "Naval Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Friday, 16 April, 1920. Issue 42386, col D, p. 19.
  16. ADM 196/42. f. 203.
  17. The London Gazette: no. 32769. p. 8213. 21 November, 1922.
  18. The London Gazette: no. 32981. p. 7327. 10 October, 1924.
  19. The London Gazette: no. 33300. p. 5105. 5 August, 1927.
  20. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 418.
  21. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/88. f. 123.
  22. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 418.
  23. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 418.
  24. The Navy List. (January, 1908). p. 276-7.
  25. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 210/418.
  26. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 210/418.
  27. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 210/418.
  28. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 210/418.
  29. The Navy List. (July, 1909). p. 327.
  30. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 210/418.
  31. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 210/418.
  32. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 418.
  33. The Navy List. (April, 1911). p. 357.
  34. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 418.
  35. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 418.
  36. The Navy List. (March, 1913). p. 303.
  37. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 418.
  38. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 418.
  39. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 418.
  40. The Navy List. (December, 1916). p. 397i.
  41. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 210/418.
  42. Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. f. 21.
  43. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 418.
  44. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 418.
  45. Bruen Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 210/418.
  46. "Naval Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Friday, 16 April, 1920. Issue 42386, col D, p. 19.
  47. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 203.