Henry Hastings McWilliam
Captain Henry Hastings McWilliam, (23 May, 1894 – ) served in the Royal Navy.
Life & Career
By the time McWilliam entered the Training Establishment in 1907, his father, who had been employed in the Begal Civil Service, was deceased.[1]
McWilliam served in the heavy cruiser Australia from May 1913 through 1 February 1915. On 22 February, he was appointed to the destroyer Maori. He was fortunate to survive her loss to a mine in May 1915, but he was taken prisoner by the enemy.[2]
During his imprisonment, McWilliam was moved several times and spent five months in solitary confinement after an escape attempt. He was transferred to Holland for internment on 23 March 1918. McWilliam had been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant with a seniority of 15 May, 1916.[3]
In 1923, McWilliam was recommended for the Royal Humane Society's medal for rescuing an A.B. from drowning at Devonport. He received their Certificate on Vellum for this deed.
McWilliam was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander on 15 May, 1924.[4]
McWilliam spoke some German. His French, however, was good enough for him to serve as an acting interpreter in the language.
McWilliam was promoted to the rank of Commander on 31 December, 1929.[5]
McWilliam was promoted to the rank of Captain on 31 December, 1937.[6]
World War II
He suffered an ulcer in 1940 and had to undergo an operation.
He suffered amoebic dysentery in 1942. Following his replacement in command of Ceres, he would command the escort carrier H.M.S. Trailer (later renamed Hunter).
After completing some instrument flying lessons, McWilliam was placed on the Retired List on 8 January, 1947. He would continue to serve in a number of appointments, but with frequent medical problems. He was reverted to the Retired List on 19 November, 1950.[7]
On 27 August, 1956, he was admitted to Haslar for coronary disease.
See Also
Bibliography
| Naval Appointments | ||
| Preceded by Edmund G. Abbott |
Captain of H.M.S. Ceres 20 Sep, 1941[8] – 5 Dec, 1941[9] |
Succeeded by Harry W. V. Stephenson |
| Preceded by Harry W. V. Stephenson |
Captain of H.M.S. Ceres 30 Dec, 1941[10] – 3 Jan, 1942[11] |
Succeeded by Harry W. V. Stephenson |
Footnotes
- ↑ McWilliam Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/56/133. f. 135.
- ↑ McWilliam Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/56/133. f. 135.
- ↑ McWilliam Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/56/133. f. 135.
- ↑ McWilliam Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/56/133. f. 135.
- ↑ McWilliam Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/56/133. f. 135.
- ↑ McWilliam Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/56/133. f. 135.
- ↑ McWilliam Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/56/133. f. 135.
- ↑ Uboat.net page on the ship.
- ↑ Uboat.net page on the ship.
- ↑ Uboat.net page on the ship.
- ↑ Uboat.net page on the ship.
