Difference between revisions of "Edwyn Sinclair Alexander-Sinclair, Twelfth Laird of Freswick"

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Edwyn Sinclair Alexander was born at Malta on 12 December, 1865, the second son of Captain John Hobhouse Inglis Alexander, C.B., Royal Navy, and Isabella Barbara.  He entered the [[Royal Navy]] and joined the entered the [[Royal Navy]] as a {{NavCadRN}}, being appointed to the training ship [[H.M.S. Britannia (Training Ship)|''Britannia'']] at Dartmouth on 15 January, 1879.  He left ''Britannia'' on 23 December, 1880, and on 24 December was appointed to the battleship ''Iron Duke'', flagship on the [[China Station]].  He was rated {{MidRN}} on 24 August, 1881, and on 19 December, 1882, he was appointed to her sister-ship ''Audacious''.  On 25 July, 1884, he was appointed to the battleship ''Sultan'' in the [[Channel Squadron (Royal Navy)|Channel Squadron]], where he remained until 23 September, 1885, when he joined the corvette ''Active'' of the [[Training Squadron (Royal Navy)|Training Squadron]].  He was appointed Acting {{SubRN}} on 6 January, 1886, and confirmed in the rank on 6 May.<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 361.</ref>  
 
Edwyn Sinclair Alexander was born at Malta on 12 December, 1865, the second son of Captain John Hobhouse Inglis Alexander, C.B., Royal Navy, and Isabella Barbara.  He entered the [[Royal Navy]] and joined the entered the [[Royal Navy]] as a {{NavCadRN}}, being appointed to the training ship [[H.M.S. Britannia (Training Ship)|''Britannia'']] at Dartmouth on 15 January, 1879.  He left ''Britannia'' on 23 December, 1880, and on 24 December was appointed to the battleship ''Iron Duke'', flagship on the [[China Station]].  He was rated {{MidRN}} on 24 August, 1881, and on 19 December, 1882, he was appointed to her sister-ship ''Audacious''.  On 25 July, 1884, he was appointed to the battleship ''Sultan'' in the [[Channel Squadron (Royal Navy)|Channel Squadron]], where he remained until 23 September, 1885, when he joined the corvette ''Active'' of the [[Training Squadron (Royal Navy)|Training Squadron]].  He was appointed Acting {{SubRN}} on 6 January, 1886, and confirmed in the rank on 6 May.<ref>ADM 196/42.  f. 361.</ref>  
  
He was promoted to the rank of {{LieutRN}} on 1 January, 1890.<ref>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/26007/pages/7553 no. 26007.  p. 7553.]  31 December, 1889.</ref> On 18 February he was appointed Flag Lieutenant to Rear-Admiral [[Richard Edward Tracey|Tracey]], Rear-Admiral Second-in-Command of the [[Channel Squadron (Royal Navy)|Channel Squadron]].<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Saturday, 8 February, 1890.  Issue '''32930''', col B, pg. 6.</ref>  On 12 September he was reappointed to the ''Alexandra'' as Flag Lieutenant to Tracey's successor, Rear-Admiral [[Loftus Francis Jones|Loftus F. Jones]].<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 10 September, 1890.  Issue '''33113''', col E, pg. 7.</ref>
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He was promoted to the rank of {{LieutRN}} on 1 January, 1890.{{Gaz|26007|7553|31 December, 1889}} On 18 February he was appointed Flag Lieutenant to Rear-Admiral [[Richard Edward Tracey|Tracey]], Rear-Admiral Second-in-Command of the [[Channel Squadron (Royal Navy)|Channel Squadron]].<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Saturday, 8 February, 1890.  Issue '''32930''', col B, p. 6.</ref>  On 12 September he was reappointed to the ''Alexandra'' as Flag Lieutenant to Tracey's successor, Rear-Admiral [[Loftus Francis Jones|Loftus F. Jones]].<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 10 September, 1890.  Issue '''33113''', col E, p. 7.</ref>
  
He was appointed to ''Victory'' on 3 August, 1897, as Flag Lieutenant to Admiral [[Michael Culme-Seymour, Third Baronet|Sir Michael Culme-Seymour, Bart.]]<ref>"Naval & Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Tuesday, 27 July, 1897.  Issue '''35266''', col F, pg. 10.</ref>
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He was appointed to ''Victory'' on 3 August, 1897, as Flag Lieutenant to Admiral [[Michael Culme-Seymour, Third Baronet|Sir Michael Culme-Seymour, Bart.]]<ref>"Naval & Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Tuesday, 27 July, 1897.  Issue '''35266''', col F, p. 10.</ref>
  
Alexander-Sinclair was promoted to the rank of {{CommRN}} on 11 January, 1901.<ref>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/27266/pages/310 no. 27266.  p. 310.]  15 January, 1901.</ref>
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Alexander-Sinclair was promoted to the rank of {{CommRN}} on 11 January, 1901.{{Gaz|27266|310|15 January, 1901}}
  
 
==Captain==
 
==Captain==
Alexander-Sinclair was promoted to the rank of {{CaptRN}} on 30 June, 1905.<ref>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/27812/pages/4557 no. 27812.  p. 4557.]  30 June, 1905.</ref>
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Alexander-Sinclair was promoted to the rank of {{CaptRN}} on 30 June, 1905.{{Gaz|27812|4557|30 June, 1905}}
  
He was appointed a Member of the Fourth Class of the Royal Victorian Order (M.V.O.) dated 1 October, 1908.<ref>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/28184/pages/7295 no. 28184.  p. 7295.]  9 October, 1908.</ref>
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He was appointed a Member of the Fourth Class of the Royal Victorian Order (M.V.O.) dated 1 October, 1908.{{Gaz|28184|7295|9 October, 1908}}
  
On 1 September, 1913, he was appointed in command of [[H.M.S. Temeraire (1907)|''Temeraire'']].<ref>''Navy List'' (December, 1914)p. 384.</ref>
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In February 1910, he assumed command of the {{UK-Bellona|f=t}}.{{MackieRNW}}  With her as his flagship, he was acting as Captain (D) of the {{UK-DF|2}} later that year.<ref>"The Mobilization of the Fleet" ''The Times''.  Monday, 27 June, 1910.</ref>
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On 1 September, 1913, he was appointed in command of {{UK-Temeraire}}.{{NLDec14|p. 384}}
  
 
==Great War==
 
==Great War==
On 8 February, 1915, Alexander-Sinclair was appointed {{Com2RN}} Commanding the [[First Light Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|First Light Cruiser Squadron]], and he hoisted his broad pendant in the ''Galatea'' on 16 February.<ref>''Supplement to the Monthly Navy List'' (March, 1915).  p. 6.</ref>
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Although he was accorded blame in the affair, Alexander-Sinclair was able to live down the loss of confidential books from {{UK-Temeraire}} some time in 1914 and remained in command until 8 February, 1915, when he was appointed {{Com2RN}} Commanding the {{UK-LCS|1}}, hoisting his broad pendant in the {{UK-1Galatea}} on 16 February.{{SMNLMar15|p. 6}}
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The Admiralty expressed "surprise and displeasure" that a Court of Enquiry of which Alexander-Sinclair was president did not assign blame for an explosion which occurred aboard {{UK-Cordelia|f=p}} on 1 March, 1915.
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Alexander-Sinclair commanded 1 L.C.S. at the [[Battle of Jutland]], one of three such squadrons screening the [[Battle Cruiser Fleet]].
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In the King's Birthday Honours of 3 June, 1916, Alexander-Sinclair 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.).{{GazSup|29608|5553|2 June, 1916}}  
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On 5 December 1916, he was reappointed in command of {{UK-LCS|1}}, now as a {{Com1RN}}.
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On 26 April, 1917, he was promoted to the rank of {{RearRN}},{{Gaz|30037|3955|27 April, 1917}} and on 7 July he was appointed Rear-Admiral Commanding, {{UK-LCS|6}} with his flag in {{UK-Cardiff}}.
  
In the King's Birthday Honours of 3 June, 1916, Alexander-Sinclair 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.).<ref>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29608/supplements/5553 (Supplement) no. 29608.  p. 5553.]  2 June, 1916.</ref>. On 26 April, 1917, he was promoted to the rank of {{RearRN}},<ref>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30037/pages/3955 no. 30037.  p. 3955.]  27 April, 1917.</ref> and on 11 July he was appointed Rear-Admiral Commanding, [[Sixth Light Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Sixth Light Cruiser Squadron]] with his flag in the ''Cardiff''.<ref>''Supplement to the Monthly Navy List'' (November, 1918).  p. 5.</ref>
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The Admiralty issued the following: "Credit is due for the successful results of operations on the 31st October, to the 2nd November, 1917, when a German Auxiliary Cruiser and several Trawlers were sunk in the Kattegat. Their Lordships' appreciation expressed."<ref>User Sadsac.</ref>
  
 
==Post-War Commands==
 
==Post-War Commands==
Alexander-Sinclair was appointed an Additional Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, in the Military Division of the Order of the Bath (K.C.B.) on 1 January, 1919.<ref>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/31099/supplements/106 (Supplement) no. 31099.  p. 106.]  1 January, 1919.</ref>
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Alexander-Sinclair was appointed an Additional Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, in the Military Division of the Order of the Bath (K.C.B.) on 1 January, 1919.{{GazSup|31099|106|1 January, 1919}}
  
Alexander-Sinclair was promoted to the rank of {{ViceRN}} on 4 April, 1922, vice [[Robert Stewart Phipps Hornby|Phipps Hornby]].<ref>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/32668/pages/2934 no. 32668.  p. 2934.]  11 April, 1922.</ref>
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Alexander-Sinclair was promoted to the rank of {{ViceRN}} on 4 April, 1922, vice [[Robert Stewart Phipps Hornby|Phipps Hornby]].{{Gaz|32668|2934|11 April, 1922}}
  
On 4 October, 1926, he was promoted to the  rank of {{AdmRN}}, vice [[Montague Edward Browning|Browning]].<ref>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33209/pages/6440 no. 33209.  p. 6440.]  8 October, 1926.</ref>  
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On 4 October, 1926, he was promoted to the  rank of {{AdmRN}}, vice [[Montague Edward Browning|Browning]].{{Gaz|33209|6440|8 October, 1926}}  
  
Alexander-Sinclair was appointed [[First and Principal Naval Aide-de-Camp]] to King George V on 23 May, 1930.<ref>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33608/pages/3233 no. 33608.  p. 3233.]  23 May, 1930.</ref> He was placed on the Retired List on 12 December.<ref>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33670/pages/8076 no. 33670.  p. 8076.]  16 December, 1930.</ref> In the King's Birthday Honours of 3 June of that year, Alexander-Sinclair was appointed an Ordinary member of the First Class, or Knight Grand Cross, in the Military Division of the Order of the Bath (G.C.B.).<ref>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/33611/supplements/3475 (Supplement) no. 33611.  p. 3475.]  3 June, 1918.</ref>
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Alexander-Sinclair was appointed [[First and Principal Naval Aide-de-Camp]] to King George V on 23 May, 1930.{{Gaz|33608|3233|23 May, 1930}} He was placed on the Retired List on 12 December.{{Gaz|33670|8076|16 December, 1930}} In the King's Birthday Honours of 3 June of that year, Alexander-Sinclair was appointed an Ordinary member of the First Class, or Knight Grand Cross, in the Military Division of the Order of the Bath (G.C.B.).{{GazSup|33611|3475|3 June, 1918}}
  
==Footnotes==
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==See Also==
{{reflist}}
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{{refbegin}}
 +
* [[First L.C.S. (Royal Navy) at the Battle of Jutland]]
 +
{{refend}}
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 
{{refbegin}}
 
{{refbegin}}
*"Admiral Sir Edwyn S. Alexander-Sinclair" (Obituaries).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 14 November, 1945.  Issue '''50299''', col E, pg. 7.
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*"Admiral Sir Edwyn S. Alexander-Sinclair" (Obituaries).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 14 November, 1945.  Issue '''50299''', col E, p. 7.
 
{{refend}}
 
{{refend}}
  
 
==Service Records==
 
==Service Records==
 
{{refbegin}}
 
{{refbegin}}
*The National Archives.  [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=8556876&queryType=1&resultcount=2 ADM 196/88.]
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*{{TNA|ADM 196/88.|D8115470}}
*The National Archives.  [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7894545&queryType=1&resultcount=1 ADM 196/42.]
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*{{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579078}}
 
{{refend}}
 
{{refend}}
  
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==
{{WP|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwyn_Alexander-Sinclair}}
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{{refbegin}}
 
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{{WP|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwyn_Alexander-Sinclair}}
{{TabAppts}}
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{{refend}}
  
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;" align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[Rosslyn Erskine Wemyss, First Baron Wester Wemyss|Rosslyn E. Wemyss]]'''
+
<div name=fredbot:appts>{{TabApptsBegin}}
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Royal Naval College, Osborne|Captain of the Royal Naval College, Osborne]]'''<br>1905 &ndash; 1908
+
{{TabNaval}}
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Arthur Henry Christian|Arthur H. Christian]]'''
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Alfred Barnett Barker|Alfred B. Barker]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Violet (1897)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Violet'']]'''<br>16 Jul, 1901<ref>"The Naval Manœuvres".  ''The Times''.  Thursday, 11 July, 1901.  Issue '''36504''', col C, p. 8.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Hugh James Orr|Hugh J. Orr]]'''}}
|-
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Frederic William Dean|Frederic W. Dean]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Albatross (1898)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Albatross'']]'''<br>24 Feb, 1902<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 361.</ref> &ndash; 19 Jan, 1904<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 361.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Godfrey Marshall Paine|Godfrey M. Paine]]'''}}
 
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Heathcoat Salusbury Grant|Heathcoat S. Grant]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Surprise (1885)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Surprise'']]'''<br>19 Jan, 1904{{NLOct04|p. 380}} &ndash; Feb, 1905|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Edward Francis Bruen|Edward F. Bruen]]'''}}
{{ApptCapt
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Rosslyn Erskine Wemyss, First Baron Wester Wemyss|Rosslyn E. Wemyss]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Racer (1884)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Racer'']]'''<br>1 May, 1905{{NLMar07|p. 364}} &ndash; 16 Jul, 1908|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Arthur Henry Christian|Arthur H. Christian]]'''}}
|H.M.S. Temeraire (1907)|[[Cresswell John Eyres|Cresswell J. Eyres]]|Jan 1913 &ndash; Feb 1915|[[Allen Thomas Hunt|Allen T. Hunt]]
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Rosslyn Erskine Wemyss, First Baron Wester Wemyss|Rosslyn E. Wemyss]]'''|'''[[Royal Naval College, Osborne|Captain of Royal Naval College, Osborne]]'''<br>1 May, 1905<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 361.</ref> &ndash; 5 Aug, 1908|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Arthur Henry Christian|Arthur H. Christian]]'''}}
}}
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Walter Henry Cowan, First Baronet|Walter H. Cowan]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Sapphire (1904)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Sapphire'']]'''<br>5 Jan, 1909<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 361.</ref>{{NLJul09|p. 372}} &ndash; 8 Feb, 1910<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 361.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Herbert Edward Holmes-à-Court|Herbert E. Holmes-à-Court]]'''}}
 
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''?'''|'''[[Second Destroyer Flotilla (Royal Navy)|Captain (D), Second Destroyer Flotilla]]'''<br>5 Jan, 1909<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 361.</ref>{{NLJul09|p. 372}} &ndash; 7 Feb, 1911<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 361.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Hubert George Brand|The Hon. Hubert G. Brand]]'''}}
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;" align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[William Edmund Goodenough|William E. Goodenough]]'''
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''New Command'''|'''[[H.M.S. Bellona (1909)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Bellona'']]'''<br>8 Feb, 1910<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 361.</ref> &ndash; 7 Feb, 1911<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 361.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Hubert George Brand|The Hon. Hubert G. Brand]]'''}}
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[First Light Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding, First Light Cruiser Squadron]]'''<br>1915 &ndash; 1917
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[John de Mestre Hutchison|John de M. Hutchison]]'''|'''[[Portsmouth Station|Flag Captain, Portsmouth Station]]'''<br>24 Mar, 1911<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 361.</ref> &ndash; 1 Sep, 1913|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Richard Greville Arthur Wellington Stapleton-Cotton|Richard G. A. W. Stapleton-Cotton]]'''}}
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;" align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Walter Henry Cowan, First Baronet|Walter H. Cowan]]'''
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Richard Fortescue Phillimore|Richard F. Phillimore]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Victory (1765)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Victory'']]'''<br>28 Mar, 1911{{NLAug12|p. 393}}|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Francis Arthur Marten|Francis A. Marten]]'''}}
|-
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Cresswell John Eyres|Cresswell J. Eyres]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Temeraire (1907)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Temeraire'']]'''<br>1 Sep, 1913{{NLDec14|p. 384}} &ndash; 8 Feb, 1915<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 361.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Allen Thomas Hunt|Allen T. Hunt]]'''}}
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''New Command'''
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[James Rose Price Hawksley|James R. P. Hawksley]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Galatea (1914)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Galatea'']]'''<br>8 Feb, 1915{{NLDec16|p. 394''o''}} &ndash; 7 Jul, 1917<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 361.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Ernest Kindersley Loring|Ernest K. Loring]]'''}}
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Sixth Light Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding, Sixth Light Cruiser Squadron]]'''<br>1917 &ndash; 1919
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[William Edmund Goodenough|William E. Goodenough]]'''<br><small>as '''Commodore 2nd Class Commanding, First Light Cruiser Squadron'''</small>|'''[[First Light Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding, First Light Cruiser Squadron]]'''<br>8 Feb, 1915{{SMNLJul17|p. 6}} &ndash; 7 Jul, 1917<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 361.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Walter Henry Cowan, First Baronet|Sir Walter H. Cowan]]'''}}
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''Command Renamed'''
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''New Command'''|'''[[Sixth Light Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding, Sixth Light Cruiser Squadron]]'''<br>11 Jul, 1917{{SMNLAug17|p. 6}} &ndash; 1 Feb, 1919|Succeeded by<br>'''renamed as {{UK-LCS|3}}'''}}
|-
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Allen Thomas Hunt|Allen T. Hunt]]'''|'''[[Third Light Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding, Third Light Cruiser Squadron]]'''<br>1 Feb, 1919<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 361.</ref><ref>Hunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 354.</ref> &ndash; 5 Aug, 1919<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 361.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[George Price Webley Hope|Sir George P. W. Hope]]'''<br><small>as '''Vice-Admiral Commanding, Third Light Cruiser Squadron'''</small>}}
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[Allen Thomas Hunt|Allen T. Hunt]]'''
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Charles Lionel Vaughan-Lee|Sir Charles L. Vaughan-Lee]]'''|'''[[Portsmouth Royal Dockyard|Admiral Superintendent, Portsmouth Dockyard]]'''<br>8 Apr, 1920<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 195/42.}}  f. 194.</ref> &ndash; 3 Oct, 1922<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 195/42.}}  f. 194.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Edmund Percy Fenwick George Grant|Edmund P. F. G. Grant]]'''}}
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Third Light Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding, Third Light Cruiser Squadron]]'''<br>1919
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[William Coldingham Masters Nicholson|Sir William C. M. Nicholson]]'''|'''[[First Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding, First Battle Squadron]]'''<br>3 Oct, 1922<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  p. 194.</ref> &ndash; 14 Oct, 1924<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 361.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''Renamed as Second Battle Squadron'''}}
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;" align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[George Price Webley Hope|Sir George P. W. Hope]]'''
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Allan Frederic Everett|Sir Allan F. Everett]]'''|'''[[China Station|Commander-in-Chief, China Station]]'''<br>22 Apr, 1925<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 194.</ref> &ndash; 8 Nov, 1926<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 194.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Reginald Yorke Tyrwhitt, First Baronet|Sir Reginald Y. Tyrwhitt, Bart.]]'''}}
|-
+
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[William Edmund Goodenough|Sir William E. Goodenough]]'''|'''[[Nore Station|Commander-in-Chief at the Nore]]'''<br>16 May, 1927{{NLJul27|p. 258}}<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  p. 194.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Reginald Yorke Tyrwhitt, First Baronet|Sir Reginald Y. Tyrwhitt, Bart.]]'''}}
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[Charles Lionel Vaughan-Lee|Sir Charles L. Vaughan-Lee]]'''
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{{TabCourt}}
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Portsmouth Royal Dockyard|Admiral Superintendent of Portsmouth Dockyard]]'''<br>1920 &ndash; 1922
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[William Edmund Goodenough|Sir William E. Goodenough]]'''|'''[[First and Principal Naval Aide-de-Camp|First and Principal Naval Aide-de-Camp]]'''<br>23 May, 1930{{Gaz|33608|3233|23 May, 1930}}|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Walter Henry Cowan, First Baronet|Sir Walter H. Cowan, Bart.]]'''}}
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;" align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Edmund Percy Fenwick George Grant|Sir Edmund P. F. Grant]]'''
+
|-
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[William Coldingham Masters Nicholson|Sir William C. M. Nicholson]]'''
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[First Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding, First Battle Squadron]]'''<br>1922 &ndash; 1924
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;" align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[William Wordsworth Fisher|William W. Fisher]]'''
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|-
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[Allan Frederic Everett|Sir Allan F. Everett]]'''
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[China Station|Commander-in-Chief on the China Station]]'''<br>1925 &ndash; 1926
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;" align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Reginald Yorke Tyrwhitt, First Baronet|Sir Reginald Y. Tyrwhitt, Bart.]]'''
+
|-
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[William Edmund Goodenough|Sir William E. Goodenough]]'''
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Commander-in-Chief at the Nore]]'''<br>1927 &ndash; 1930
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;" align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Reginald Yorke Tyrwhitt, First Baronet|Sir Reginald Y. Tyrwhitt, Bart.]]'''
+
|-
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[William Edmund Goodenough|Sir William E. Goodenough]]'''
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[First and Principal Naval Aide-de-Camp]]'''<br>1930
+
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Walter Henry Cowan, First Baronet|Sir Walter H. Cowan, Bart.]]'''
+
|-
+
 
{{TabEnd}}
 
{{TabEnd}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:appts>
 +
 +
==Footnotes==
 +
{{reflist}}
  
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Alexander-Sinclair}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Alexander-Sinclair}}
  
[[Category:1865 births]]
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{{CatPerson|UK|1865|1945}}
[[Category:1945 deaths]]
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{{CatBritannia|January, 1879}}
[[Category:Personalities]]
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{{CatAdm|UK}}
[[Category:H.M.S. Britannia (Training Ship) Entrants of January, 1879]]
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{{CatRN}}
[[Category:Captains of the Royal Naval College, Osborne]]
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[[Category:Captains (D), Second Destroyer Flotilla (Royal Navy)]]
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[[Category:Flag Captains to the Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth]]
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[[Category:Captains of H.M.S. Temeraire (1907)]]
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[[Category:Rear-Admirals Commanding, Third Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)]]
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[[Category:Rear-Admirals Commanding, Sixth Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)]]
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[[Category:Admirals Superintendent of Portsmouth Dockyard]]
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[[Category:Vice-Admirals Commanding, First Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)]]
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[[Category:Commanders-in-Chief on the China Station]]
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[[Category:Commanders-in-Chief at the Nore]]
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[[Category:Royal Navy Admirals]]
+
[[Category:Royal Navy Flag Officers]]
+

Latest revision as of 17:58, 6 April 2022

Admiral Sir Edwyn S. Alexander-Sinclair, as a Rear-Admiral during the First World War.
Portrait: Francis Dodd.

Admiral THE MUCH HONOURED SIR Edwyn Sinclair Alexander-Sinclair, G.C.B., M.V.O, Royal Navy (12 December, 1865 – 13 November, 1945) was an officer of the Royal Navy during the First World War.

Early Life & Career

Edwyn Sinclair Alexander was born at Malta on 12 December, 1865, the second son of Captain John Hobhouse Inglis Alexander, C.B., Royal Navy, and Isabella Barbara. He entered the Royal Navy and joined the entered the Royal Navy as a Naval Cadet, being appointed to the training ship Britannia at Dartmouth on 15 January, 1879. He left Britannia on 23 December, 1880, and on 24 December was appointed to the battleship Iron Duke, flagship on the China Station. He was rated Midshipman on 24 August, 1881, and on 19 December, 1882, he was appointed to her sister-ship Audacious. On 25 July, 1884, he was appointed to the battleship Sultan in the Channel Squadron, where he remained until 23 September, 1885, when he joined the corvette Active of the Training Squadron. He was appointed Acting Sub-Lieutenant on 6 January, 1886, and confirmed in the rank on 6 May.[1]

He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 1 January, 1890.[2] On 18 February he was appointed Flag Lieutenant to Rear-Admiral Tracey, Rear-Admiral Second-in-Command of the Channel Squadron.[3] On 12 September he was reappointed to the Alexandra as Flag Lieutenant to Tracey's successor, Rear-Admiral Loftus F. Jones.[4]

He was appointed to Victory on 3 August, 1897, as Flag Lieutenant to Admiral Sir Michael Culme-Seymour, Bart.[5]

Alexander-Sinclair was promoted to the rank of Commander on 11 January, 1901.[6]

Captain

Alexander-Sinclair was promoted to the rank of Captain on 30 June, 1905.[7]

He was appointed a Member of the Fourth Class of the Royal Victorian Order (M.V.O.) dated 1 October, 1908.[8]

In February 1910, he assumed command of the scout cruiser Bellona.[9] With her as his flagship, he was acting as Captain (D) of the Second Destroyer Flotilla later that year.[10]

On 1 September, 1913, he was appointed in command of Temeraire.[11]

Great War

Although he was accorded blame in the affair, Alexander-Sinclair was able to live down the loss of confidential books from Temeraire some time in 1914 and remained in command until 8 February, 1915, when he was appointed Commodore, Second Class Commanding the First Light Cruiser Squadron, hoisting his broad pendant in the Galatea on 16 February.[12]

The Admiralty expressed "surprise and displeasure" that a Court of Enquiry of which Alexander-Sinclair was president did not assign blame for an explosion which occurred aboard H.M.S. Cordelia on 1 March, 1915.

Alexander-Sinclair commanded 1 L.C.S. at the Battle of Jutland, one of three such squadrons screening the Battle Cruiser Fleet.

In the King's Birthday Honours of 3 June, 1916, Alexander-Sinclair 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.).[13]

On 5 December 1916, he was reappointed in command of First Light Cruiser Squadron, now as a Commodore, First Class.

On 26 April, 1917, he was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral,[14] and on 7 July he was appointed Rear-Admiral Commanding, Sixth Light Cruiser Squadron with his flag in Cardiff.

The Admiralty issued the following: "Credit is due for the successful results of operations on the 31st October, to the 2nd November, 1917, when a German Auxiliary Cruiser and several Trawlers were sunk in the Kattegat. Their Lordships' appreciation expressed."[15]

Post-War Commands

Alexander-Sinclair was appointed an Additional Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, in the Military Division of the Order of the Bath (K.C.B.) on 1 January, 1919.[16]

Alexander-Sinclair was promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral on 4 April, 1922, vice Phipps Hornby.[17]

On 4 October, 1926, he was promoted to the rank of Admiral, vice Browning.[18]

Alexander-Sinclair was appointed First and Principal Naval Aide-de-Camp to King George V on 23 May, 1930.[19] He was placed on the Retired List on 12 December.[20] In the King's Birthday Honours of 3 June of that year, Alexander-Sinclair was appointed an Ordinary member of the First Class, or Knight Grand Cross, in the Military Division of the Order of the Bath (G.C.B.).[21]

See Also

Bibliography

  • "Admiral Sir Edwyn S. Alexander-Sinclair" (Obituaries). The Times. Wednesday, 14 November, 1945. Issue 50299, col E, p. 7.

Service Records

See Also

Naval Appointments
Preceded by
Alfred B. Barker
Captain of H.M.S. Violet
16 Jul, 1901[22]
Succeeded by
Hugh J. Orr
Preceded by
Frederic W. Dean
Captain of H.M.S. Albatross
24 Feb, 1902[23] – 19 Jan, 1904[24]
Succeeded by
Godfrey M. Paine
Preceded by
Heathcoat S. Grant
Captain of H.M.S. Surprise
19 Jan, 1904[25] – Feb, 1905
Succeeded by
Edward F. Bruen
Preceded by
Rosslyn E. Wemyss
Captain of H.M.S. Racer
1 May, 1905[26] – 16 Jul, 1908
Succeeded by
Arthur H. Christian
Preceded by
Rosslyn E. Wemyss
Captain of Royal Naval College, Osborne
1 May, 1905[27] – 5 Aug, 1908
Succeeded by
Arthur H. Christian
Preceded by
Walter H. Cowan
Captain of H.M.S. Sapphire
5 Jan, 1909[28][29] – 8 Feb, 1910[30]
Succeeded by
Herbert E. Holmes-à-Court
Preceded by
?
Captain (D), Second Destroyer Flotilla
5 Jan, 1909[31][32] – 7 Feb, 1911[33]
Succeeded by
The Hon. Hubert G. Brand
Preceded by
New Command
Captain of H.M.S. Bellona
8 Feb, 1910[34] – 7 Feb, 1911[35]
Succeeded by
The Hon. Hubert G. Brand
Preceded by
John de M. Hutchison
Flag Captain, Portsmouth Station
24 Mar, 1911[36] – 1 Sep, 1913
Succeeded by
Richard G. A. W. Stapleton-Cotton
Preceded by
Richard F. Phillimore
Captain of H.M.S. Victory
28 Mar, 1911[37]
Succeeded by
Francis A. Marten
Preceded by
Cresswell J. Eyres
Captain of H.M.S. Temeraire
1 Sep, 1913[38] – 8 Feb, 1915[39]
Succeeded by
Allen T. Hunt
Preceded by
James R. P. Hawksley
Captain of H.M.S. Galatea
8 Feb, 1915[40] – 7 Jul, 1917[41]
Succeeded by
Ernest K. Loring
Preceded by
William E. Goodenough
as Commodore 2nd Class Commanding, First Light Cruiser Squadron
Rear-Admiral Commanding, First Light Cruiser Squadron
8 Feb, 1915[42] – 7 Jul, 1917[43]
Succeeded by
Sir Walter H. Cowan
Preceded by
New Command
Rear-Admiral Commanding, Sixth Light Cruiser Squadron
11 Jul, 1917[44] – 1 Feb, 1919
Succeeded by
renamed as Third Light Cruiser Squadron
Preceded by
Allen T. Hunt
Rear-Admiral Commanding, Third Light Cruiser Squadron
1 Feb, 1919[45][46] – 5 Aug, 1919[47]
Succeeded by
Sir George P. W. Hope
as Vice-Admiral Commanding, Third Light Cruiser Squadron
Preceded by
Sir Charles L. Vaughan-Lee
Admiral Superintendent, Portsmouth Dockyard
8 Apr, 1920[48] – 3 Oct, 1922[49]
Succeeded by
Edmund P. F. G. Grant
Preceded by
Sir William C. M. Nicholson
Vice-Admiral Commanding, First Battle Squadron
3 Oct, 1922[50] – 14 Oct, 1924[51]
Succeeded by
Renamed as Second Battle Squadron
Preceded by
Sir Allan F. Everett
Commander-in-Chief, China Station
22 Apr, 1925[52] – 8 Nov, 1926[53]
Succeeded by
Sir Reginald Y. Tyrwhitt, Bart.
Preceded by
Sir William E. Goodenough
Commander-in-Chief at the Nore
16 May, 1927[54][55]
Succeeded by
Sir Reginald Y. Tyrwhitt, Bart.
Court Appointments
Preceded by
Sir William E. Goodenough
First and Principal Naval Aide-de-Camp
23 May, 1930[56]
Succeeded by
Sir Walter H. Cowan, Bart.

Footnotes

  1. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  2. The London Gazette: no. 26007. p. 7553. 31 December, 1889.
  3. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Saturday, 8 February, 1890. Issue 32930, col B, p. 6.
  4. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Wednesday, 10 September, 1890. Issue 33113, col E, p. 7.
  5. "Naval & Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Tuesday, 27 July, 1897. Issue 35266, col F, p. 10.
  6. The London Gazette: no. 27266. p. 310. 15 January, 1901.
  7. The London Gazette: no. 27812. p. 4557. 30 June, 1905.
  8. The London Gazette: no. 28184. p. 7295. 9 October, 1908.
  9. Mackie, Colin. ROYAL NAVY WARSHIPS.
  10. "The Mobilization of the Fleet" The Times. Monday, 27 June, 1910.
  11. The Navy List. (December, 1914). p. 384.
  12. Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1915). p. 6.
  13. The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 29608. p. 5553. 2 June, 1916.
  14. The London Gazette: no. 30037. p. 3955. 27 April, 1917.
  15. User Sadsac.
  16. The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 31099. p. 106. 1 January, 1919.
  17. The London Gazette: no. 32668. p. 2934. 11 April, 1922.
  18. The London Gazette: no. 33209. p. 6440. 8 October, 1926.
  19. The London Gazette: no. 33608. p. 3233. 23 May, 1930.
  20. The London Gazette: no. 33670. p. 8076. 16 December, 1930.
  21. The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 33611. p. 3475. 3 June, 1918.
  22. "The Naval Manœuvres". The Times. Thursday, 11 July, 1901. Issue 36504, col C, p. 8.
  23. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  24. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  25. The Navy List. (October, 1904). p. 380.
  26. The Navy List. (March, 1907). p. 364.
  27. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  28. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  29. The Navy List. (July, 1909). p. 372.
  30. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  31. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  32. The Navy List. (July, 1909). p. 372.
  33. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  34. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  35. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  36. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  37. The Navy List. (August, 1912). p. 393.
  38. The Navy List. (December, 1914). p. 384.
  39. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  40. The Navy List. (December, 1916). p. 394o.
  41. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  42. Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1917). p. 6.
  43. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  44. Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1917). p. 6.
  45. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  46. Hunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 354.
  47. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  48. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 195/42. f. 194.
  49. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 195/42. f. 194.
  50. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. p. 194.
  51. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  52. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 194.
  53. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 194.
  54. The Navy List. (July, 1927). p. 258.
  55. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. p. 194.
  56. The London Gazette: no. 33608. p. 3233. 23 May, 1930.