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[[Admiral of the Fleet (Royal Navy)|Admiral]] {{SIR}} '''John Michael de Robeck''', First Baronet, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., Royal Navy (10 June, 1862 – 20 January, 1928) was an officer of the [[Royal Navy]] during the [[First World War]].  He is perhaps most notable for his command of the [[Eastern Mediterranean Squadron (Royal Navy)|Eastern Mediterranean Squadron]] during the abortive attempts to force the Dardanelles in 1915.  He later commanded a [[Second Battle Squadron (Royal navy)|Battle Squadron]] in the [[Grand Fleet]], and after the war ended held the commands of the Mediterranean and Atlantic Fleets.
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[[File:De Robeck, NPG x122196.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Admiral of the Fleet Sir John M. de Robeck, Bart., 1923.<br><small>© National Portrait Gallery, London.</small>]]
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[[Admiral of the Fleet (Royal Navy)|Admiral]] {{SIR}} '''John Michael de Robeck, First Baronet''', G.C.B., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., R.N. (10 June, 1862 &ndash; 20 January, 1928) was an officer of the [[Royal Navy]] during the [[First World War]].  He is perhaps most notable for his command of the [[Eastern Mediterranean Squadron (Royal Navy)|Eastern Mediterranean Squadron]] during the abortive attempts to force the Dardanelles in 1915.  He later commanded a [[Second Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|battle squadron]] in the [[Grand Fleet]], and after the war ended held the commands of the Mediterranean and Atlantic Fleets.
  
 
==Early Life & Career==
 
==Early Life & Career==
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He struck his flag in the ''Aboukir'' at Chatham on 26 July, 1914.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). ''The Times''. Monday, 27 July, 1914.  Issue '''40586''', col B, pg. 4.</ref>
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John Michael de Robeck was born at Gowran Grange, Naas, Ireland, on 10 June, 1862, one of three surviving sons of the fourth Baron de Robeck. He entered the [[Royal Navy]] as a {{NavCadRN}} on 15 July, 1875, by joining the training ship [[H.M.S. Britannia (Training Ship)|''Britannia'']] at Dartmouth. He left the ship after the usual two years, or four terms, with no time allowed for conduct or study towards promotion to {{MidRN}}, suggesting his academic performance and behaviour had been poor. This is supported by a note in his papers signed by the establishment's captain, Captain [[William Graham]], entitled "Offences of M<sup><u>r</u></sup> De Robeck to Xmas 1875." In five months he had already been given four days No. 7 punishment by the Commander, i.e. "Extra drill one hour, leave stopped, go ashore one hour with Drill Sergeant, No. 4." No. 4 was "Stand on middle deck for one hour after prayers (evening)." For 15 offences he was given No. 3 punishment, "Extra drill for one hour" fifteen times. He was also reported 15 times "for want of attention in Study"!<ref>De Robeck papers, Churchill Archives Centre, DRBK 3/1.</ref>
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He was appointed to his first ship, the {{UK-1Shannon|f=t}}, on 27 July, 1877, on the [[Pacific Station (Royal Navy)|Pacific Station]]. He was rated Midshipman on 28 July, 1878.  On 19 July, 1881, the ''Shannon'' paid off, and from 20 July to  After the usual three months' leave for such extended foreign service he was appointed to the {{UK-1Minotaur|f=t}} of the [[Channel Squadron]]. On 10 January, 1882, he transferred to the {{UK-Northumberland|f=t}} in the same squadron.<ref>De Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42/123.|}} ff. 127, 128.</ref>
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On 29 April, 1882, de Robeck was appointed to the training ship ''St. Vincent'' at Plymouth for service in the masted brig ''Martin''. From 10 July he was appointed to the ''Royal Adelaide'', flagship at Devonport. On 27 July was examined in Seamanship by Captains William Grant of the ''Royal Adelaide'' and [[Francis Mowbray Prattent|Francis M. Prattent]] of the ''Belleisle'' and Commander Alexander G. McKechnie of the ''Lion''.<ref>{{TNA|ADM 13/218.}} f. 89.</ref> Captain Grant was of course known to him. He obtained a first class certficate with 950 marks out of 1,000. From the same date he was promoted to the rank of Acting {{SubRN}}. He was then borne on the books of ''Excellent'' while studying for the rank of {{LieutRN}}. In March, 1883, he passed his so-called Navigation examination at the [[Royal Naval College, Greenwich]], with a third class and 869 marks. In May he passed in torpedo with a third class and 147 marks, and on 3 August he passed in gunnery with a second class and 570 marks.
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De Robeck was promoted to the rank of {{LieutRN}} on 30 September, 1885.{{Gaz|25516|4599|2 October, 1885}}
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He returned to the ''Britannia'' from 4 September, 1888, to 29 December, 1890, except for the period 22 July to 21 August, 1890, when he served in Torpedo Boat 86 for the annual man&oelig;uvres.
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From 25 August, 1893, to 19 April, 1895, he served in the ''Britannia'', before being superseded at his own request. After a short period on half pay he was appointed to ''Excellent'' for a short course of gunnery on 4 May, which he passed in July with a first class and 548 marks. During the man&oelig;uvres of 1895 he served as First Lieutenant of the [[H.M.S. Indefatigable (1891)|''Indefatigable'']], before being appointed to ''Vernon'' for a short course in torpedo, which he passed in November with a first class and 316 marks. On 12 November he was appointed to the ''Cordelia'' on the [[North America and West Indies Station]] as First and Gunnery Lieutenant. In March 1896 Commodore [[Maurice Archibald Bourke|The Honourable Maurice A. Bourke]] wrote to the effect that "I cannot speak too highly of the admirable tact & judgement he displayed on occasion of riots at Basseterre [Guadeloupe] in command of landing party". In May, 1897, the Commander-in-Chief, Vice-Admiral [[James Elphinstone Erskine|James E. Erskine]], specially recommended de Robeck for promotion, and he was accordingly promoted to the rank of {{CommRN}} on 22 June.{{Gaz|26865|3443|22 June, 1897}}
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In mid-1899, he was in command of the {{UK-Angler|f=t}} and commanding the destroyers of the [[Chatham Flotilla]].{{ARTS1899|p. 63}}
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==Captain==
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De Robeck was promoted to the rank of {{CaptRN}} on 1 January, 1902.{{Gaz|27393|3|3 January, 1902}}
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He was appointed Captain of the {{UK-Carnarvon|f=t}} in August 1906.
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He was appointed in command of the battleship {{UK-Dominion}} on 25 January, 1908.{{NLOct08|p. 301}}
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==Flag Rank==
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De Robeck was promoted to the rank of {{RearRN}} on 1 December, 1911, vice [[Herbert Whitmore Savory|Savory]].{{Gaz|28562|9446|15 December, 1911}}
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He struck his flag in the {{UK-Aboukir|f=t}} at Chatham on 26 July, 1914.{{NMI|Monday, 27 July, 1914.  Issue '''40586''', col B, p. 4}}
  
 
==Great War==
 
==Great War==
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De Robeck was, however, an officer whose services could not be dispensed with, and on the mobilization of the naval forces he was immediately chosen to command the ninth cruiser squadron, which was commissioned from the reserve.  He hoisted his flag in the [[H.M.S. Amphitrite (1898)|''Amphitrite'']].  His command of Cruiser Force I was dated 1 August.  This squadron was ordered to patrol one of the mid-Atlantic areas, with its base at Finisterre. The new admiral's special duty was to protect British merchant ships and to harry those of the enemy. During his period of duty on that station he captured first the North German Lloyd liner Schlesien and then the Græcia.
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He hoisted his flag in the {{UK-Amphitrite|f=t}} of [[Cruiser Force I]] in August.
  
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As soon as the decision of the War Cabinet to send a naval expedition to the Dardanelles was communicated to the Admiralty early in 1915, De Robeck was appointed as second-in-command to Vice-Admiral (Sir) Sackville Carden [q.v.] , to whom this difficult enterprise had been confided. He hoisted his flag in the battleship Vengeance in time to take part in the bombardment of the outer forts of the Dardanelles, an operation which was made in the middle of February and lasted several days. The bombardment was quite ineffective, as has since been revealed, but plans for further naval operations were immediately drawn up. The two officers co-operated with conspicuous success in this task, and when Carden had to return home in March owing to ill-health De Robeck, with the full concurrence of Vice-Admiral Rosslyn Wemyss, who was also on the station and was his senior, was chosen to take over the command of all the naval forces engaged in the operations against the Dardanelles. So complete had been the confidence between Carden and De Robeck that when the former had gone home, the latter expressed himself well satisfied with Carden's plans for the reduction of the forts at the Narrows. This movement was carried out on 18 March. Owing to the prolonged opportunity for mine-laying which the enemy had enjoyed, the three battleships Irresistible, Ocean, and Bouvet (French) were sunk, and little progress was made towards the admiral's objective. The ill success of this plan was not without its effect on the mind of De Robeck, who, with a clear appreciation of the situation, resisted strenuously the proposal that a further attempt should be made to force the Straits with naval forces, unsupported by the army which had been assembled under General Sir Ian Hamilton. Events had convinced him that military co-operation was essential. Unfortunately a month elapsed before the joint operation could be carried out (25 April). The military expedition, which was placed under the command of General Sir Charles Carmichael Monro [q.v.] , proved a failure in spite of the loyal co-operation of the fleet; and its ill success was subsequently the matter of a controversy in which, however, De Robeck, who had shown marked ability as a leader, was in no way involved. His work and that of the forces under his command was in fact highly praised, and by none more unreservedly than by Sir Ian Hamilton, who wrote in his first dispatch (20 May 1915): ‘Throughout the events I have chronicled, the Royal Navy has been father and mother to the Army. Not one of us but realizes how much he owes to Vice-Admiral de Robeck; to the warships, French and British; to the destroyers, mine-sweepers, picket-boats, and to all their dauntless crews, who took no thought of themselves, but risked everything to give their soldier comrades a fair run in at the enemy.’ De Robeck was indeed fortunate in winning the approval of all who were in any way associated with the disastrous attempt to force the Dardanelles, and when the withdrawal of the army was decided upon he retained the supreme command of the Allied naval forces which carried out on the night of 8–9 January 1916, with consummate success and with relatively small loss of life, this most difficult operation.  On 1 January, 1916, he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (K.C.B.).<ref>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29423/supplements/80 (Supplement) no. 29423.  p. 80.]  31 December, 1915.</ref>
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On 1 January, 1916, he was appointed an Additional Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, in the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (K.C.B.).{{GazSup|29423|80|31 December, 1915}}
  
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The abandonment of the Dardanelles coincided with a number of changes in the command of the grand fleet, owing to the recall of Admiral Sir John Jellicoe to the Admiralty as first sea lord and his relief by Admiral Sir David Beatty, who had hitherto commanded the battle-cruiser fleet. This reorganization of the high command in the North Sea offered an opportunity of giving De Robeck further employment, and he was made vice-admiral commanding the second battle squadron, hoisting his flag in the George V on 3 December 1916. He retained his command on being promoted to the substantive rank of vice-admiral in 1917, and his association with the grand fleet continued until May 1919, when it ceased to exist as a unified command.
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He was placed in command of the {{UK-BS|2}} on 3 December, 1916 and commanded this formation through 22 March, 1919.<ref>De Robeck Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42/123.|}} ff. 285.</ref>
  
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De Robeck was one of the senior officers who subsequently received the special thanks of parliament for his war services, being given a grant of £10,000 and created a baronet in 1919, besides being gazetted G.C.M.G. (1919) and G.C.B. (1921). In 1919 De Robeck was chosen as commander-in-chief of the Mediterranean fleet, hoisting his flag in the Iron Duke, which had been the flagship of Admiral Jellicoe at the battle of Jutland. It was an appropriate appointment, for no one of his rank was better qualified to act as high commissioner at Constantinople, the additional duty which was assigned to him pending the conclusion of a separate treaty of peace with Turkey.  On 24 March, 1920, he had been promoted to the rank of {{AdmRN}}, vice [[William Lowther Grant|Grant]].<ref>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/3186/pages/4474 no. 3186.  p. 4474.]  16 April, 1920.</ref>  His period of duty in the Mediterranean was otherwise uneventful. On relinquishing this command in April 1922 he was appointed in August commander-in-chief of the Atlantic fleet, his flagship being the Queen Elizabeth, which had been Admiral Beatty's flagship when he took over the command of the grand fleet.
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He was confirmed in the rank of Vice-Admiral on 17 May, 1917, vice [[Frederick Charles Doveton Sturdee, First Baronet|Sturdee]].{{Gaz|30084|4942|22 May, 1917}}
  
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De Robeck's resignation of this command in 1924 marked the end of his sea career, although he remained on the active list and was promoted to admiral of the fleet in November 1925. On coming ashore De Robeck was able once more to take part in sport of all kinds. He was a keen follower of hounds, as well as a good shot, and owing to his sustained interest in cricket he was elected president of the Marylebone Cricket Club in 1925, being the first naval officer to hold that position.
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He was chastised for sending a telegram protesting the appointment of his navigating Cdr. [[John Sharpey Schäfer|Schäfer]] to the {{UK-Gaillardia|f=t}} in November 1917.<ref>De Robeck Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42/123.|}} f. 285.</ref>
  
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De Robeck married in 1922 Hilda Maud, daughter of Colonel Augustus Henry Macdonald-Moreton, Coldstream Guards, of Hillgrove, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, and widow of Colonel Sir Simon Macdonald Lockhart, fifth baronet. There were no children of the marriage, and the baronetcy became extinct on the death of De Robeck, which took place suddenly at his house in London on 20 January, 1928.
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==Post-War & Retirement==
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On 24 March, 1920, he was promoted to the rank of {{AdmRN}}, vice [[William Lowther Grant|Grant]].{{Gaz|3186|4474|16 April, 1920}}
  
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There is a portrait-drawing of de Robeck by Francis Dodd in the Imperial War Museum, South Kensington.
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He 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.) on 1 January, 1921.{{GazSup|32178|4|1 January, 1921}}
  
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==Footnotes==
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He was advanced to the rank of {{FleetRN}} on 24 November, 1925, vice [[Cecil Burney, First Baronet|Burney]].{{Gaz|33110|7950|1 December, 1925}}  He died in London on 20 January, 1928 at his residence at 5 Southwick Crescent.<ref>De Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42/123.|}} ff. 285.</ref>
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{{reflist}}
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There is a portrait-drawing of de Robeck by Francis Dodd in the Imperial War Museum, South Kensington.
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 
{{refbegin}}
 
{{refbegin}}
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*"Sir John de Robeck" (Obituaries).  ''The Times''.  Saturday, 21 January, 1928.  Issue '''44796''', col B, pg. 12.
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*"Sir John de Robeck" (Obituaries).  ''The Times''.  Saturday, 21 January, 1928.  Issue '''44796''', col B, p. 12.
 
{{refend}}
 
{{refend}}
  
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==Service Records==
 
==Service Records==
 
{{refbegin}}
 
{{refbegin}}
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*The National Archives.  [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7917545&queryType=1&resultcount=4 ADM 196/42.]
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*{{TNA|ADM 196/87.|D8115362}}
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*The National Archives.  [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=7906069&queryType=1&resultcount=4 ADM 196/20.]
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*{{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D8112172}}
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*{{TNA|ADM 196/20.|D7590592}}
 
{{refend}}
 
{{refend}}
  
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<div name=fredbot:appts>{{TabApptsBegin}}
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{{TabNaval}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''?'''|'''[[H.M. T.B. 86 (1889)|Captain of H.M. T.B. 86]]'''<br>22 Jul, 1890<ref>"Naval Intelligence".  ''The Times''.  Friday, 19 July, 1890.  Issue '''33068''', col C, p. 12.</ref> &ndash; 21 Aug, 1890<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}} f. 346.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[John Derwent Allen|John D. Allen]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[William Fane De Salis|William F. De Salis]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Haughty (1895)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Haughty'']]'''<br>20 Nov, 1897<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 128.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Marcus Rowley Hill|Marcus R. Hill]]'''}}
 +
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''New Command'''|'''[[H.M.S. Angler (1897)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Angler'']]'''<br>20 Nov, 1897{{NLOct98|p. 224}}|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Charles Tibbits|Charles Tibbits]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[William Fane De Salis|William F. De Salis]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Desperate (1896)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Desperate'']]'''<br>before 9 Mar, 1898{{NMI|8 Oct. 1897, p. 9}} &ndash; 1898|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Cuthbert Godfrey Chapman|Cuthbert G. Chapman]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''?'''|'''[[H.M.S. Mermaid (1898)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Mermaid'']]'''<br>? &ndash; 28 Nov, 1899<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 128.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Mark Edward Frederic Kerr|Mark E. F. Kerr]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''?'''|'''[[H.M.S. Pyramus (1897)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Pyramus'']]'''<br>1 Jun, 1900<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 64/128.</ref>{{NLJan01|p. 296}} &ndash; 1901{{NLJan01|p. 296}}<ref>Grant Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.|}} f. 31.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Alfred Ernest Albert Grant|Alfred E. A. Grant]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edward Stanley Adeane|Edward S. Adeane]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Warrior (1860)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Warrior'']]'''<br>16 Jul, 1902<ref>De Robeck Service Record ADM 196/42.</ref> &ndash; 30 May, 1903<ref>De Robeck Service Record ADM 196/42.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''?'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Frederick Fogarty Fegen|Frederick F. Fegen]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Leander (1882)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Leander'']]'''<br>21 Jan, 1904<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 64/128.</ref> &ndash; 1 Jun, 1904<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 64/128.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Seymour Elphinstone Erskine|Seymour E. Erskine]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[George John Scott Warrender, Seventh Baronet|Sir George J. S. Warrender, Bart.]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Carnarvon (1903)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Carnarvon'']]'''<br>1 Aug, 1906{{NLJan08|p. 291}}<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 128.</ref> &ndash; 25 Jan, 1908<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 128.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Robert John Prendergast|Robert J. Prendergast]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Arthur Thomas Stuart|Arthur T. Stuart]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Dominion (1903)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Dominion'']]'''<br>25 Jan, 1908{{NLJan10|p. 301}}<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 128.</ref> &ndash; 25 Jan, 1910<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 128.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Morgan Singer|Morgan Singer]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Herbert Whitmore Savory|Herbert W. Savory]]'''|'''[[Training Service (Royal Navy)|Inspecting Captain of Boys' Training Ships]]'''<br>15 Feb, 1911<ref>"Naval Appointments" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Tuesday, 11 January, 1911.  Issue '''39496''', col B, p. 8.</ref> &ndash; 21 Dec, 1911<ref>de Robeck service record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 128.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Edmund Radcliffe Pears|Edmund R. Pears]]'''<br><small>as '''Inspecting Captain of Boys' Training Establishments'''</small>}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''New Appointment'''|'''[[Admiral of Patrols|Admiral of Patrols]]'''<br>8 Apr, 1912<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 128.</ref> &ndash; 1 May, 1914<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 128.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[George Alexander Ballard|George A. Ballard]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''?'''|'''[[Eighth Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding, Eighth Cruiser Squadron]]'''<br>26 Jul, 1914<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Monday, 27 July, 1914.  Issue '''40586''', col B, p. 4.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''?'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''New Command'''|'''[[Ninth Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding, Cruiser Force I]]'''<br>1 Aug, 1914{{SMNLSep14|p. 5}} &ndash; 7 Feb, 1915<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 128.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Archibald Gordon Henry Wilson Moore|Sir A. Gordon H. W. Moore]]'''<br><small>as '''Rear-Admiral Commanding, Ninth Cruiser Squadron'''</small>}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Sackville Hamilton Carden|Sackville H. Carden]]'''|'''[[Eastern Mediterranean Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding, Eastern Mediterranean Squadron]]'''<br>17 Mar, 1915{{UKCeased|f. 32}} &ndash; 19 Jun, 1916<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 128.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Cecil Fiennes Thursby|Sir Cecil F. Thursby]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Edward Eden Bradford|Sir Edward E. Bradford]]'''|'''[[Third Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding, Third Battle Squadron]]'''<br>19 Jul, 1916{{UKCeased|p. 4}} &ndash; 1 Dec, 1916|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Herbert Leopold Heath|Sir Herbert L. Heath]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Thomas Henry Martyn Jerram|Sir T. H. Martyn Jerram]]'''|'''[[Second Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding, Second Battle Squadron]]'''<br>3 Dec, 1916{{UKCeased|f. 3}} &ndash; 22 Mar, 1919<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 128.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Henry Francis Oliver|Sir Henry F. Oliver]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Somerset Arthur Gough-Calthorpe|The Hon. Sir Somerset A. Gough-Calthorpe]]'''|'''[[Mediterranean Station|Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Station]]'''<br>26 Jul, 1919{{UKCeased|p. 32}} &ndash; 15 May, 1922<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 285.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Osmond de Beauvoir Brock|Sir Osmond de B. Brock]]'''}}
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{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Charles Edward Madden, First Baronet|Sir Charles E. Madden]]'''|'''[[Atlantic Fleet (Royal Navy)|Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet]]'''<br>15 Aug, 1922<ref>"Flag Command Changes" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 21 December, 1921.  Issue '''42909''', col D, p. 14.</ref> &ndash; 15 Aug, 1924<ref>de Robeck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 285.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Henry Francis Oliver|Sir Henry F. Oliver]]'''}}
 +
{{TabEnd}}
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</div name=fredbot:appts>
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==Footnotes==
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{{reflist}}
  
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{| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" align="center"
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{{DEFAULTSORT:De Robeck, John Michael}}
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|-
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| colspan="3" align="center" style="background:#CEDFF2" | '''Naval Offices'''
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−
|-
+
−
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''New Position'''
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Admiral of Patrols]]'''<br>1912 &ndash; 1914
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[George Alexander Ballard|George A. Ballard]]'''
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−
|-
+
−
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''New Command'''
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−
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Ninth Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding, Cruiser Force I]]'''<br>1914 &ndash; 1915
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Archibald Gordon Henry Wilson Moore|Sir A. Gordon H. W. Moore]]'''
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−
|-
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[Sackville Hamilton Carden|Sackville H. Carden]]'''
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Eastern Mediterranean Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding,<br>Eastern Mediterranean Squadron]]'''<br>1915 &ndash; 1916
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Cecil Fiennes Thursby|Sir Cecil F. Thursby]]'''
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|-
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[Edward Eden Bradford|Sir Edward E. Bradford]]'''
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Third Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding,<br>Third Battle Squadron]]'''<br>1916
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Herbert Leopold Heath|Herbert L. Heath]]'''
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|-
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[Thomas Henry Martyn Jerram|Sir T. H. Martyn Jerram]]'''
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Second Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding, Second Battle Squadron]]'''<br>1916 &ndash; 1919
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Henry Francis Oliver|Sir Henry F. Oliver]]'''
+
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|-
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[Somerset Arthur Gough-Calthorpe|The Hon. Sir Somerset A. Gough-Calthorpe]]'''
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Mediterranean Station|Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean]]'''<br>1919 &ndash; 1922
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Osmond de Beauvoir Brock|Sir Osmond de B. Brock]]'''
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|-
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[Charles Edward Madden, First Baronet|Sir Charles E. Madden, Bart.]]'''
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Atlantic Fleet (Royal Navy)|Commander-in-Chief,<br>Atlantic Fleet]]'''<br>1922 &ndash; 1924
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| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Henry Francis Oliver|Sir Henry F. Oliver]]'''
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|-
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|}
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[[Category:1862 births|De Robeck]]
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{{CatPerson|UK|1862|1928}}
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[[Category:1928 deaths|De Robeck]]
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{{CatBritannia|July, 1875}}
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[[Category:Personalities|De Robeck]]
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{{CatAdmOfTheFleet|UK}}
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[[Category:H.M.S. Britannia (Training Ship) Entrants of July, 1875|De Robeck]]
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[[Category:Knights Grand Cross of the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath]]
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[[Category:Inspecting Captains of Boys' Training Ships|De Robeck]]
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[[Category:Knights Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George]]
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[[Category:Admirals of Patrols|De Robeck]]  
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[[Category:Knights Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order]]
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[[Category:Rear-Admirals Commanding, Ninth Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|De Robeck]]
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{{CatRN}}
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[[Category:Vice-Admirals Commanding, Eastern Mediterranean Squadron (Royal Navy)|De Robeck]]
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[[Category:Vice-Admirals Commanding, Third Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|De Robeck]]
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[[Category:Vice-Admirals Commanding, Second Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|De Robeck]]
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[[Category:Commanders-in-Chief, Mediterranean Fleet (Royal Navy)|De Robeck]]
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[[Category:Commanders-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet (Royal Navy)|De Robeck]]
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[[Category:Royal Navy Admirals of the Fleet|De Robeck]]
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[[Category:Royal Navy Flag Officers|De Robeck]]
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Revision as of 14:00, 5 May 2024

Admiral of the Fleet Sir John M. de Robeck, Bart., 1923.
© National Portrait Gallery, London.

Admiral SIR John Michael de Robeck, First Baronet, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., R.N. (10 June, 1862 – 20 January, 1928) was an officer of the Royal Navy during the First World War. He is perhaps most notable for his command of the Eastern Mediterranean Squadron during the abortive attempts to force the Dardanelles in 1915. He later commanded a battle squadron in the Grand Fleet, and after the war ended held the commands of the Mediterranean and Atlantic Fleets.

Early Life & Career

John Michael de Robeck was born at Gowran Grange, Naas, Ireland, on 10 June, 1862, one of three surviving sons of the fourth Baron de Robeck. He entered the Royal Navy as a Naval Cadet on 15 July, 1875, by joining the training ship Britannia at Dartmouth. He left the ship after the usual two years, or four terms, with no time allowed for conduct or study towards promotion to Midshipman, suggesting his academic performance and behaviour had been poor. This is supported by a note in his papers signed by the establishment's captain, Captain William Graham, entitled "Offences of Mr De Robeck to Xmas 1875." In five months he had already been given four days No. 7 punishment by the Commander, i.e. "Extra drill one hour, leave stopped, go ashore one hour with Drill Sergeant, No. 4." No. 4 was "Stand on middle deck for one hour after prayers (evening)." For 15 offences he was given No. 3 punishment, "Extra drill for one hour" fifteen times. He was also reported 15 times "for want of attention in Study"![1]

He was appointed to his first ship, the armoured cruiser Shannon, on 27 July, 1877, on the Pacific Station. He was rated Midshipman on 28 July, 1878. On 19 July, 1881, the Shannon paid off, and from 20 July to After the usual three months' leave for such extended foreign service he was appointed to the ironclad battleship Minotaur of the Channel Squadron. On 10 January, 1882, he transferred to the ironclad battleship Northumberland in the same squadron.[2]

On 29 April, 1882, de Robeck was appointed to the training ship St. Vincent at Plymouth for service in the masted brig Martin. From 10 July he was appointed to the Royal Adelaide, flagship at Devonport. On 27 July was examined in Seamanship by Captains William Grant of the Royal Adelaide and Francis M. Prattent of the Belleisle and Commander Alexander G. McKechnie of the Lion.[3] Captain Grant was of course known to him. He obtained a first class certficate with 950 marks out of 1,000. From the same date he was promoted to the rank of Acting Sub-Lieutenant. He was then borne on the books of Excellent while studying for the rank of Lieutenant. In March, 1883, he passed his so-called Navigation examination at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, with a third class and 869 marks. In May he passed in torpedo with a third class and 147 marks, and on 3 August he passed in gunnery with a second class and 570 marks.

De Robeck was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 30 September, 1885.[4]

He returned to the Britannia from 4 September, 1888, to 29 December, 1890, except for the period 22 July to 21 August, 1890, when he served in Torpedo Boat 86 for the annual manœuvres.

From 25 August, 1893, to 19 April, 1895, he served in the Britannia, before being superseded at his own request. After a short period on half pay he was appointed to Excellent for a short course of gunnery on 4 May, which he passed in July with a first class and 548 marks. During the manœuvres of 1895 he served as First Lieutenant of the Indefatigable, before being appointed to Vernon for a short course in torpedo, which he passed in November with a first class and 316 marks. On 12 November he was appointed to the Cordelia on the North America and West Indies Station as First and Gunnery Lieutenant. In March 1896 Commodore The Honourable Maurice A. Bourke wrote to the effect that "I cannot speak too highly of the admirable tact & judgement he displayed on occasion of riots at Basseterre [Guadeloupe] in command of landing party". In May, 1897, the Commander-in-Chief, Vice-Admiral James E. Erskine, specially recommended de Robeck for promotion, and he was accordingly promoted to the rank of Commander on 22 June.[5]

In mid-1899, he was in command of the destroyer Angler and commanding the destroyers of the Chatham Flotilla.[6]

Captain

De Robeck was promoted to the rank of Captain on 1 January, 1902.[7]

He was appointed Captain of the armoured cruiser Carnarvon in August 1906.

He was appointed in command of the battleship Dominion on 25 January, 1908.[8]

Flag Rank

De Robeck was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral on 1 December, 1911, vice Savory.[9]

He struck his flag in the armoured cruiser Aboukir at Chatham on 26 July, 1914.[10]

Great War

He hoisted his flag in the first class protected cruiser Amphitrite of Cruiser Force I in August.

On 1 January, 1916, he was appointed an Additional Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, in the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (K.C.B.).[11]

He was placed in command of the Second Battle Squadron on 3 December, 1916 and commanded this formation through 22 March, 1919.[12]

He was confirmed in the rank of Vice-Admiral on 17 May, 1917, vice Sturdee.[13]

He was chastised for sending a telegram protesting the appointment of his navigating Cdr. Schäfer to the convoy sloop Gaillardia in November 1917.[14]

Post-War & Retirement

On 24 March, 1920, he was promoted to the rank of Admiral, vice Grant.[15]

He 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.) on 1 January, 1921.[16]

He was advanced to the rank of Admiral of the Fleet on 24 November, 1925, vice Burney.[17] He died in London on 20 January, 1928 at his residence at 5 Southwick Crescent.[18]

There is a portrait-drawing of de Robeck by Francis Dodd in the Imperial War Museum, South Kensington.

Bibliography

  • "Sir John de Robeck" (Obituaries). The Times. Saturday, 21 January, 1928. Issue 44796, col B, p. 12.

Papers

Service Records

Naval Appointments
Preceded by
? 		Captain of H.M. T.B. 86
22 Jul, 1890[19] – 21 Aug, 1890[20] 		Succeeded by
John D. Allen
Preceded by
William F. De Salis 		Captain of H.M.S. Haughty
20 Nov, 1897[21] 		Succeeded by
Marcus R. Hill
Preceded by
New Command 		Captain of H.M.S. Angler
20 Nov, 1897[22] 		Succeeded by
Charles Tibbits
Preceded by
William F. De Salis 		Captain of H.M.S. Desperate
before 9 Mar, 1898[23] – 1898 		Succeeded by
Cuthbert G. Chapman
Preceded by
? 		Captain of H.M.S. Mermaid
? – 28 Nov, 1899[24] 		Succeeded by
Mark E. F. Kerr
Preceded by
? 		Captain of H.M.S. Pyramus
1 Jun, 1900[25][26] – 1901[27][28] 		Succeeded by
Alfred E. A. Grant
Preceded by
Edward S. Adeane 		Captain of H.M.S. Warrior
16 Jul, 1902[29] – 30 May, 1903[30] 		Succeeded by
?
Preceded by
Frederick F. Fegen 		Captain of H.M.S. Leander
21 Jan, 1904[31] – 1 Jun, 1904[32] 		Succeeded by
Seymour E. Erskine
Preceded by
Sir George J. S. Warrender, Bart. 		Captain of H.M.S. Carnarvon
1 Aug, 1906[33][34] – 25 Jan, 1908[35] 		Succeeded by
Robert J. Prendergast
Preceded by
Arthur T. Stuart 		Captain of H.M.S. Dominion
25 Jan, 1908[36][37] – 25 Jan, 1910[38] 		Succeeded by
Morgan Singer
Preceded by
Herbert W. Savory 		Inspecting Captain of Boys' Training Ships
15 Feb, 1911[39] – 21 Dec, 1911[40] 		Succeeded by
Edmund R. Pears
as Inspecting Captain of Boys' Training Establishments
Preceded by
New Appointment 		Admiral of Patrols
8 Apr, 1912[41] – 1 May, 1914[42] 		Succeeded by
George A. Ballard
Preceded by
? 		Rear-Admiral Commanding, Eighth Cruiser Squadron
26 Jul, 1914[43] 		Succeeded by
?
Preceded by
New Command 		Rear-Admiral Commanding, Cruiser Force I
1 Aug, 1914[44] – 7 Feb, 1915[45] 		Succeeded by
Sir A. Gordon H. W. Moore
as Rear-Admiral Commanding, Ninth Cruiser Squadron
Preceded by
Sackville H. Carden 		Vice-Admiral Commanding, Eastern Mediterranean Squadron
17 Mar, 1915[46] – 19 Jun, 1916[47] 		Succeeded by
Sir Cecil F. Thursby
Preceded by
Sir Edward E. Bradford 		Vice-Admiral Commanding, Third Battle Squadron
19 Jul, 1916[48] – 1 Dec, 1916 		Succeeded by
Sir Herbert L. Heath
Preceded by
Sir T. H. Martyn Jerram 		Vice-Admiral Commanding, Second Battle Squadron
3 Dec, 1916[49] – 22 Mar, 1919[50] 		Succeeded by
Sir Henry F. Oliver
Preceded by
The Hon. Sir Somerset A. Gough-Calthorpe 		Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Station
26 Jul, 1919[51] – 15 May, 1922[52] 		Succeeded by
Sir Osmond de B. Brock
Preceded by
Sir Charles E. Madden 		Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet
15 Aug, 1922[53] – 15 Aug, 1924[54] 		Succeeded by
Sir Henry F. Oliver

Footnotes

  1. ↑ De Robeck papers, Churchill Archives Centre, DRBK 3/1.
  2. ↑ De Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42/123. ff. 127, 128.
  3. ↑ The National Archives. ADM 13/218. f. 89.
  4. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 25516. p. 4599. 2 October, 1885.
  5. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 26865. p. 3443. 22 June, 1897.
  6. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1899. p. 63.
  7. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 27393. p. 3. 3 January, 1902.
  8. ↑ The Navy List. (October, 1908). p. 301.
  9. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 28562. p. 9446. 15 December, 1911.
  10. ↑ "Naval & Military Intelligence." The Times (London, England), Monday, 27 July, 1914. Issue 40586, col B, p. 4.
  11. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 29423. p. 80. 31 December, 1915.
  12. ↑ De Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42/123. ff. 285.
  13. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 30084. p. 4942. 22 May, 1917.
  14. ↑ De Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42/123. f. 285.
  15. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 3186. p. 4474. 16 April, 1920.
  16. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 32178. p. 4. 1 January, 1921.
  17. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 33110. p. 7950. 1 December, 1925.
  18. ↑ De Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42/123. ff. 285.
  19. ↑ "Naval Intelligence". The Times. Friday, 19 July, 1890. Issue 33068, col C, p. 12.
  20. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 346.
  21. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 128.
  22. ↑ The Navy List. (October, 1898). p. 224.
  23. ↑ "Naval & Military Intelligence." The Times (London, England), 8 Oct. 1897, p. 9.
  24. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 128.
  25. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 64/128.
  26. ↑ The Navy List. (January, 1901). p. 296.
  27. ↑ The Navy List. (January, 1901). p. 296.
  28. ↑ Grant Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 31.
  29. ↑ De Robeck Service Record ADM 196/42.
  30. ↑ De Robeck Service Record ADM 196/42.
  31. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 64/128.
  32. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 64/128.
  33. ↑ The Navy List. (January, 1908). p. 291.
  34. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 128.
  35. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 128.
  36. ↑ The Navy List. (January, 1910). p. 301.
  37. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 128.
  38. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 128.
  39. ↑ "Naval Appointments" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Tuesday, 11 January, 1911. Issue 39496, col B, p. 8.
  40. ↑ de Robeck service record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 128.
  41. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 128.
  42. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 128.
  43. ↑ "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Monday, 27 July, 1914. Issue 40586, col B, p. 4.
  44. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September 1914). p. 5.
  45. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 128.
  46. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. f. 32.
  47. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 128.
  48. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 4.
  49. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. f. 3.
  50. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 128.
  51. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 32.
  52. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 285.
  53. ↑ "Flag Command Changes" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Wednesday, 21 December, 1921. Issue 42909, col D, p. 14.
  54. ↑ de Robeck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 285.

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