Cecil Burney, First Baronet: Difference between revisions

From The Dreadnought Project
Jump to navigationJump to search
(add RN/RNR/RNVR categories)
 
(130 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[Admiral of the Fleet (Royal Navy)|Admiral of the Fleet]] Sir '''Cecil Burney''', G.C.B., G.C.M.G. ([[15 May]], [[1858]] – [[5 June]], [[1929]]) was an officer of the [[Royal Navy]] during the [[First World War]].
[[File:Burney as Admiral, IWM Q 71928.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Admiral of the Fleet Sir Cecil Burney, Bart., as an Admiral.<br><small>Photo: Imperial War Museum. © IWM (Q 71928).</small>]]


Burney was born in Jersey on 15 May, 1858, the second son of Captain Charles Burney R.N., for many years superintendent of Greenwich Hospital school, and his wife, Catherine Elizabeth, daughter of Charles Jones, of La Ferrière, Jersey.  He was educated at the [[Royal Naval Academy, Gosport]], and entered the ''Britannia'' as a naval cadet in July, 1871. He went to sea as a [[Midshipman (Royal Navy)|Midshipman]] in October, 1873, served for three years in the flagships of the Pacific and American stations, and was promoted [[Sub-Lieutenant (Royal Navy)|Sub-Lieutenant]] in October, 1877.  The next three years were spent in educational courses and in short appointments in the troop ship ''Serapis'' and in the royal yacht, from which he was promoted to the rank of [[Lieutenant (Royal Navy)|Lieutenant]].  He then joined the corvette ''Carysfort'', one of the vessels of [[Richard James Meade, 4th Earl of Clanwilliam|Lord Clanwilliam's]] detached squadron, which was afterwards merged into the Mediterranean Fleet during the Egyptian campaign of 1882This gave Burney an opportunity of war service ashore, and he was in charge of a Gatling gun at the actions of Tell al-Mahuta and Qassasin in August, 1882.  In the same year he accompanied the mission led by Charles Warren across the desert in order to capture the Arabs who had seized and murdered Professor Edward Henry Palmer, Captain William John Gill, and Lieutenant Harold Charrington; he also took part in the operations against Osman Digna near Suakin in 1884.
[[Admiral of the Fleet (Royal Navy)|Admiral of the Fleet]] {{SIR}} '''Cecil Burney''', First Baronet, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., Royal Navy (15 May, 1858 &ndash; 5 June, 1929) was an officer of the [[Royal Navy]] during the [[First World War]].   


Burney next spent two years in the gunnery schools at Portsmouth and Devonport.  Then followed over five and a half years' service as Gunnery Lieutenant in the North American, reserve, and channel squadrons.  On promotion to [[Commander (Royal Navy)|Commander]] in January, 1893 he was appointed to the ''Hawke'' and served in the Mediterranean for three years; and in 1896 he went to Portland in command of the boys' training establishment in the ''Boscawen'' and ''Minotaur'' for three and a half years until September, 1899.  He was promoted [[Captain (Royal Navy)|Captain]] in January, 1898.  After commanding the ''Hawke'' in the naval manœuvres of 1900, he commissioned the ''Sappho'' for service on the South-East coast of America, but was soon transferred to the Cape station during the South African WarHis ship struck the Durban bar when in the charge of a pilot on 3 May, 1901, and Burney had to bring her homeIn May, 1902 he became [[Flag-Captain]] to Rear-Admiral [[George Lambart Atkinson-Willes|Atkinson-Willes]] in the Home Fleet, and remained with him and his successor, Rear-Admiral [[Edmund Samuel Poë|Poë]], until June, 1904.  He then spent a year (1904–5) in command of the ex-Chilean battleship [[HMS Triumph (1903)|''Triumph'']] in the [[British Channel Fleet|Channel Fleet]].  His successful work in training boys at Portland led to his appointment in July, 1905 to the ''Impregnable'' as inspecting captain of all boys' training ships, a post that he held until his promotion to Flag Rank in 1909.  He thus spent, in all, six years in supervising the training of boys.
==Early Life & Naval Career==
Cecil Burney was born in Jersey on 15 May, 1858, the son of Charles Burney, a Master in the Royal Navy and later Superintendent of Greenwich Hospital School.  He was educated in France up to the age of ten and was fluent in French.<ref>Luard Committeep. 31Q. 806-807.</ref> He entered the Navy as a Naval Cadet in the training ship [[H.M.S. Britannia (Training Ship)|''Britannia'']] at Dartmouth on 15 July, 1871.


Burney's first appointment to Flag Rank was in the Plymouth division of the Home Fleet for one year.  From February, 1911, when he took command of the 5th Cruiser Squadron, he was continuously on full pay for nine years.  At the end of 1911 he took command of the [[British Atlantic Fleet|Atlantic Fleet]], with the acting rank of [[Vice-Admiral (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral]]; he transferred to the [[British 3rd Battle Squadron|3rd Battle Squadron]] in 1912, shortly before reaching confirmed Vice-Admiral's rank.  This squadron was on special service in the Mediterranean, and the disturbances that arose in Montenegro and Albania at the close of the second Balkan war led to the dispatch, arranged by the British foreign secretary, Sir Edward Grey, of an international naval force to Antivari on the Montenegrin coast in April, 1913.  Burney's squadron was sent in order to secure that an Englishman should be senior officer of the combined fleet.  Burney took command and handled the highly delicate and difficult situation, in which his firm manner and rugged mien stood him in good stead, with great ability, and he received a special commendation both from the Foreign Office and from the [[Admiralty]].  He had to secure unanimity of action between the naval forces of the five powers represented, as well as resolve the differences between the turbulent Balkan states ashore. He established a pacific blockade of the coast during April and May of 1913, and then from May to November commanded the international force occupying Scutari, which the Montenegrins had captured, until the trouble was finally settled by the conclusion of peace.  He was created K.C.B. in the summer of 1913, and on the termination of the Scutari affair he was gazetted K.C.M.G.
Burney was promoted to the rank of {{LieutRN}} from the ''Victoria and Albert'' with seniority of 30 August, 1879.{{Gaz|24758|5309|2 September, 1879}}


On his return to England at the end of 1913 Burney took over the command of the Second and Third fleets, then in partial reserve, and the early part of 1914 was occupied in preparing for the test mobilization of that summer.  On the outbreak of the [[First World War]] in August these fleets were organized as the Channel Fleet, with the duty of protecting the channel from enemy raids.  In December, 1914 Burney went to the [[British 1st Battle Squadron|1st Battle Squadron]] of the [[British Grand Fleet|Grand Fleet]], as second-in-command under [[John Rushworth Jellicoe, 1st Earl Jellicoe|Jellicoe]].  At the [[Battle of Jutland]] ([[31 May]], [[1916]]) his squadron was the rear of the line, and was more heavily engaged than the rest of the battleships of the main fleet. His flagship, the [[HMS Marlborough (1912)|''Marlborough'']], was torpedoed, and during the night he transferred his flag to the [[HMS Revenge (1915)|''Revenge'']].  He was promoted [[Admiral (Royal Navy)|Admiral]] a few days after the Battle of Jutland, and was made G.C.M.G. for his services in the action.  Jellicoe had complete confidence in Burney, but that confidence was not shared by many other Flag-Officers, who were apprehensive that Burney might succeed to command of the Grand Fleet.  He was regarded as overcautious, lacking in initiative, and burdened by ill health.
Burney was promoted to the rank of {{CommRN}} on 1 January, 1893.{{Gaz|26359|2|2 January, 1893}}


In November, 1916, when Jellicoe was appointed [[First Sea Lord]], Burney joined the [[Board of Admiralty]] as [[Second Sea Lord]]However, the prime minister, Lloyd George, and Sir [[Eric Campbell-Geddes|Eric Geddes]], who became [[First Lord of the Admiralty]] in July, 1917, grew anxious to replace him by a younger, and in their opinion more efficient, manConsequently, and despite Jellicoe's effort to keep him, when the board was reorganized the following September, Burney was relieved. Shortly afterwards he was appointed [[Commander-in-Chief, Coast of Scotland]] at Rosyth; there he remained until appointed in March, 1919 to be [[Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth]].  A year later, owing to prolonged ill health, he was relieved of the command at his own request. He was promoted [[Admiral of the Fleet (Royal Navy)|Admiral of the Fleet]] in the following November, created a baronet for his war services in January 1921, and promoted to G.C.B. in 1922He died at his home, Upham House, Upham, Hampshire, on [[5 June]], [[1929]]. He was buried at Brookwood cemetery five days later.
He was promoted to the rank of {{CaptRN}} on 1 January, 1898.{{Gaz|26924|7854|31 December, 1897}} After commanding the {{UK-Hawke|f=t}} in the naval manœuvres of 1900, he commissioned the {{UK-Sappho|f=t}} for service on the South-East coast of America, but was soon transferred to the Cape station during the South African War.  His ship struck the Durban bar when in the charge of a pilot on 3 May, 1901, and Burney had to bring her home.  On 27 May, 1902, he was appointed in command of the {{UK-1Resolution|f=t}},<ref>"Naval & Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices)''The Times''.  Saturday, 3 May, 1902.  Issue '''36758''', col B, p. 14.</ref> as [[Flag Captain]] to Rear-Admiral [[George Lambart Atkinson-Willes|Atkinson-Willes]], Second-in-Command of the [[Home Fleet (Royal Navy)|Home Fleet]], and on 16 September he was appointed to {{UK-EmpressOfIndia}} in the same capacity.<ref>"Naval & Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 27 August, 1902.  Issue '''36857''', col B, p. 4.</ref>  He remained with him and his successor, Rear-Admiral [[Edmund Samuel Poë|Poë]], until June, 1904He then spent a year (1904–5) in command of the ex-Chilean {{UK-Triumph|f=t}} in the [[Channel Fleet (Royal Navy)|Channel Fleet]].  His successful work in training boys at Portland led to his appointment in July, 1905 to the ''Impregnable'' as inspecting captain of all boys' training shipsOn 17 October, 1906, he was appointed a [[Naval Aide-de-Camp]] to King Edward VII, vice [[Robert Swinburne Lowry|Lowry]].{{Gaz|27959|7017|19 October, 1906}}


Burney married in 1884 Lucinda Marion (d. 1944), second daughter of George Richards Burnett, of London; they had one son and two daughters.  His son, Commander Charles Dennistoun Burney R.N. (1888 – 1968), who succeeded to the baronetcy, invented during the First World War the paravane, a device for protecting ships against mines, and subsequently was a major supporter of projects for the commercial development of airships.  His daughter Sybil Katherine Neville-Rolfe (1885–1955) was founder of the Eugenics Society.
==Flag Rank==
Burney was promoted to the rank of {{RearRN}} on 10 October, 1907.{{Gaz|28068|6813|11 October, 1907}} His first appointment to Flag Rank was to relieve [[John Denison]] as Rear-Admiral Commanding the Devonport Division, {{HF}} on 4 January, 1909.<ref>''Hazell's Annual, 1910''.  p. 199.</ref>  From 16 February, 1911, when he took command of the {{UK-CS|5}}, Burney was continuously on full pay for nine years.


[[Category:Personalities|Burney, Cecil]]
At the end of 1911 he took command of the [[Atlantic Fleet (Royal Navy)|Atlantic Fleet]], with the acting rank of [[Vice-Admiral (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral]]; he transferred to the {{UK-BS|3}} in 1912.  On 20 September 1912 he was confirmed in the rank of {{ViceRN}}, vice [[Alfred Leigh Winsloe|Winsloe]].{{Gaz|28647|7022|24 September, 1912}}
[[Category:Royal Navy Admirals of the Fleet|Burney, Cecil]]
 
[[Category:Royal Navy Flag Officers|Burney, Cecil]]
Burney's 3 B.S. was on special service in the Mediterranean, and the disturbances that arose in Montenegro and Albania at the close of the second Balkan war led to the dispatch, arranged by the British foreign secretary Sir Edward Grey, of an international naval force to Antivari on the Montenegrin coast in April, 1913.  Burney's formation was sent in order to ensure that an Englishman should be senior officer of the combined fleet.  He took command and handled the highly delicate and difficult situation, in which his firm manner and rugged mien stood him in good stead, and he received a special commendation both from the Foreign Office and from the [[Admiralty]] for his performance.  He had to secure unanimity of action between the naval forces of the five powers represented, as well as resolve the differences between the turbulent Balkan states ashore.  He established a pacific blockade of the coast during April and May of 1913, and then from May to November commanded the international force occupying Scutari, which the Montenegrins had captured, until the trouble was finally settled by the conclusion of peace.  On the occasion of the King's birthday he was appointed an Ordinary Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, in the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (K.C.B.) on 3 June, 1913.{{GazSup|28724|3903|3 June, 1913}}  On the termination of the Scutari affair he was gazetted K.C.M.G.
 
On his return to England at the end of 1913 Burney took over the command of the Second and Third fleets, then in partial reserve, and the early part of 1914 was occupied in preparing for the test mobilization of that summer.
 
==Great War==
On the outbreak of the [[First World War]] in August these fleets were organized as the Channel Fleet, with the duty of protecting the channel from enemy raids.  In December, 1914 Burney went to the {{UK-BS|1}} of the [[Grand Fleet]].  His son-in-law, Commander [[Charles Frederick Ballard|Charles F. Ballard]], was amongst those killed when the {{UK-Formidable|f=y}} was sunk by submarine on 1 January, 1915.  The Rear-Admiral in the {{UK-BS|4}}, [[Alexander Ludovic Duff|Alexander L. Duff]], saw him on 8 January and noted in his diary that, "He is naturally terribly depressed."<ref>Diary entry for 8 January, 1915.  Duff Papers.  National Maritime Museum.  DFF/15.</ref>
 
At the [[Battle of Jutland]] 31 May, 1916 his squadron was the rear of the line, and was more heavily engaged than the rest of the battleships of the main fleet. His flagship, the {{UK-Marlborough}}, was torpedoed, and during the night he transferred his flag to the {{UK-Revenge}}.  He was promoted {{AdmRN}} on 9 June, 1916,{{GazSup|29621|5828|13 June, 1916}}  On 15 September he was advanced to be an Additional Member of the First Class, or Knight Grand Cross, in the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (G.C.M.G.) for his services at Jutland, dated 31 May.{{GazSup|29751|9071|15 September, 1916}}
 
In November, 1916, when Jellicoe was appointed [[First Sea Lord]], Burney joined the [[Board of Admiralty]] as [[Second Sea Lord]].  However, the prime minister, Lloyd George, and [[Eric Campbell Geddes|Sir Eric C. Geddes]], who became [[First Lord of the Admiralty]] in July, 1917, grew anxious to replace him by a younger, and in their opinion more efficient, man.  Consequently, and despite Jellicoe's effort to keep him, when the board was reorganized the following September, Burney was relieved.  On 6 September he was appointed to ''President'' for Special Service.  On 13 October he was appointed [[Commander-in-Chief, Coast of Scotland]] at Rosyth in place of the recently-deceased Admiral [[Frederick Tower Hamilton|Sir Frederick T. Hamilton]].<ref>ADM 196/38.  f. 181.</ref>
 
Upon Burney's relief as Second Sea Lord, Jellicoe wrote a letter to Geddes outlining Burney's achievements:
 
<blockquote>FIRST LORD.<br><br>On the occasion of the relief of Admiral Sir Cecil Burney from the post of Second Sea Lord, I wish to bring to your notice the services rendered by him throughout his 45 years of service in the Navy, with a view to recognise these services suitably.<br><br>Since Sir Cecil Burney reached the Captains' List he has filled many important appointments with unfailing success.  As a Captain he was Inspecting Captain of [Boys'] Training Ships at the time that the Shotley Training Establishment was started; and the subsequent success of that establishment is largely due to him.  As a Rear-Admiral he served, first in a division of the Home Fleet, and later in command of the Cruiser Squadron attached to the Atlantic Fleet then under my command.  He succeeded me in the command of the Atlantic Fleet, which was consequently reconstituted as the Third Battle Squadron.  Whilst in command of that Squadron, he was sent to the Mediterranean; and at the time of the troubles between Montenegro and Albania, he was the Senior Officer of the Allied Navies acting in cooperation.  He conducted the work with conspicuous success, and was subsequently requested to take the post of Governor of Scutari and Senior Officer of the International Commission.  In this post he commanded a mixed force of soldiers and sailors belonging to Italy, Austria, France, Germany and Great Britain, besides acting as the head of the International Commission - and he was in Scutari for a little over six months in this position.<br><br>By common consent, Sir Cecil Burney carried out this difficult work with most conspicuous success; and on leaving he receiveda most complimentary telegram from H.M. Government.  He succeeded to a quite remarkable degree in winning the confidence of the [319] Albanians.<br><br>His service in Scutari unfortunately broke him down in health for some time - and he has never completely recovered, and suffers constantly from arthritis.<br><br>On return to England, he was appointed to the command of the 2nd and 3rd Divisions of the Home Fleet, and was holding that appointment on the outbreak of war.<br><br>In the early stages of the war, Sir Cecil Burney was consulted on many occasions by the then First Lord on the subject of bombarding Heligoland and Borkum with his battle squadron; and he communicated with me on the subject several times.  I was strongly opposed to a useless sacrifice of ships - and so informed the First Lord.  Sir Cecil Burney had great difficulty in convincing him as to the waste of ships and men involved in such an adventure, but he did so convince him - and in the opinion of all the Flag Officers then afloat, he was perfectly right, and we are indebted to him for this work.  I mention this as it may be that he has suffered by criticism for this action.  Events, and the trend of present oprtations, have fully justified him.<br><br>Sir Cecil Burney was appointed to the command of the First Battle Squadron in the Grand Fleet early in 1915, being relieved in the Third Battle Squadron [actually, Channel Fleet] by Sir Lewis Bayly.<br><br>From early in 1915 until December 1916, he served as my Second-in-Command in the Grand Fleet with conspicuous success.  In my absence on more than one occasion he took command.  He was a most loyal and able Second-in-Command, and possessed my entire confidence.  He was Second-in-Command on the occasion of the action off Jutland on the 31st May, 1916, and [320] he brought his Squadron into action with great ability.  His careful training of this Squadron was shown in the action.  The ships were handled exceedingly well: twenty-five torpedoes were avoided by good handling, and the shooting of the guns of the Squadron inflicted severe damage on the enemy.  The "Marlborough", Sir C. Burney's Flagship, was specially conspicuous.<br><br>I venture to submit that a record of this nature should be rewarded by a Baronetcy being conferred on Sir Cecil Burney.<br><br>Incidentally it may be mentioned that Lieutenant Burney (Sir Cecil Burney's son) has performed the most valuable services during the war by his invention of the [[Paravane|paravane]], now in almost universal use - an invention which has already saved several of H.M. Ships and several merchant ships from loss by mines.<br><br>(Intld).  J. R. J.<br><br>3/8/17.<ref>Add. MSS. 40491.  ff. 318-320.</ref></blockquote>
 
[[William Graham Greene|Sir W. Graham Greene]], the then [[Permanent Secretary to the Board of Admiralty]], later wrote of Burney:
 
<blockquote>As Second Sea Lord during the war his administrative functions did not call for much display of special abilities &mdash; My recollection is that he was a very useful member of the Board & carried out his duties in an efficient manner, but the executive direction of the Fleet & naval operations was centred in the hands of the First Sea Lord & War Staff & Burney's share in this was small.  He had of course[,] as the Member of the Board to take the place of the First Sea Ld, should the latter be absent or otherwise able to act, to keep himself acquainted with what was going on & the policy governing the action of the Fleet, but this constituted the sole claim upon him outside the ordinary duties of his office.<br>In character Burney was amiable & very easy to work with & my relations with him during the time he was at the Admiralty were of the friendliest.  I regretted his departure but his qualities would not have been appreciated by the men placed in power at the Admiralty in 1917 & in his own interests the change to the Scottish Command was in his best interests.<ref>Note on Burney of 23 January, 1935.  National Maritime Museum.  Greene Papers.  GEE 13.  ff 2-3.</ref></blockquote>
 
==Post-War==
On 15 February, 1919, Burney requested permission (subsequently granted) to be absent from Rosyth to confer with the [[Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth]], [[Stanley Cecil James Colville|The Hon. Sir Stanley C. J. Colville]], from the 18th to the 21st of February.  He  was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth in succession to Colville on 31 March.  On 12 April, 1920, he went on leave to Acqui, Italy, and was superseded ''in absentia'' on 28 April.<ref>ADM 196/38.  f. 181.</ref>  Burney was promoted to the rank of {{FleetRN}} on 24 November, 1920.{{GazSup|32150|11942|3 December, 1920}}
 
Burney was created a Baronet of the United Kingdom in recognition of his services during the war, gazetted 1 January, 1921.
 
Burney was placed on the Retired List on 24 November, 1925,{{Gaz|33110|7950|1 December, 1925}} upon completing five years in the rank.  He died at his home, Upham House, Hants, on 5 June, 1929, from a combination of lobar pneumonia, tonsillitis, and osteo arthritis.  He was seventy-one years old.<ref>ADM 196/38.  f. 181.</ref>
 
==Bibliography==
{{refbegin}}
*Dictionary of National Biography.
*"Admiral of the Fleet Sir C. Burney" (Obituaries).  ''The Times''.  Thursday, 6 June, 1929.  Issue '''45222''', col A, p. 19.
{{refend}}
 
==Images==
{{refbegin}}
*[http://www.iwm.org.uk/server/show/conMediaFile.70183 1917 John Lavery portrait in the possession of the Imperial War Museum.  Catalogue Number 1254.]
{{refend}}
 
==Service Records==
{{refbegin}}
*{{TNA|ADM 196/87.|D8115275}}
*{{TNA|ADM 196/38.|D7578793}}
*{{TNA|ADM 196/20.|D7590324}}
{{refend}}
 
{{TabAppts}}
{{Appt
|[[Home Fleet (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral, Devonport Division, Home Fleet]]|[[John Denison]]|1909 &ndash; 1910|[[Arthur Archibald Campbell Galloway|Arthur A. C. Galloway]]
}}
|-
| rowspan="2" width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[John Rushworth Jellicoe, First Earl Jellicoe|Sir John R. Jellicoe]]'''
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Atlantic Fleet (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding,<br>Atlantic Fleet]]'''<br>1911 &ndash; 1912
| rowspan="2" width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Lewis Bayly|Lewis Bayly]]'''
|-
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Third Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding,<br>Third Battle Squadron]]'''<br>1912 &ndash; 1913
|-
| rowspan="2" width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''[[Frederick Tower Hamilton|Frederick T. Hamilton]]'''
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''[[Home Fleets (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding, Second and Third Fleets]]'''<br>1913 &ndash; 1914
| rowspan="2" width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''Sir Lewis Bayly'''
|-
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''Vice-Admiral Commanding,<br>Channel Fleet'''<br>1914
|-
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''Sir Lewis Bayly'''
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''Admiral Commanding,<br>First Battle Squadron'''<br>1914 &ndash; 1916
| rowspan="2" width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Succeeded by<br>'''[[Charles Edward Madden, First Baronet|Sir Charles E. Madden]]'''
|-
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| Preceded by<br>'''New Appointment'''
| width="220" style="border-bottom:1px solid grey;"  align="center"| '''Second-in-Command,<br>Grand Fleet'''<br>1915 &ndash; 1916
|-
{{TabEnd}}
[[Category:People with old TabAppts]]
<div name=fredbot:appts>{{TabApptsBegin}}
{{TabNaval}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Gerard Marmaduke Brooke|Gerard M. Brooke]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Boscawen (Boys' Training Ship)|Captain of Training Ship H.M.S. ''Boscawen'']]'''<br>2 Jan, 1896<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}}  f. 180.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Thomas Henry Martyn Jerram|Thomas H. M. Jerram]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Alexander William Chisholm-Batten|Alexander W. Chisholm-Batten]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Hawke (1891)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Hawke'']]'''<br>10 Jul, 1900{{ToL|The Naval Mobilization|11 July 1900, p. 9}}<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}} f. 84/180.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Algernon Horatio Anson|Algernon H. Anson]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Casper Joseph Baker|Casper J. Baker]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Sappho (1891)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Sappho'']]'''<br>13 Aug, 1900<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}} f. 84/180.</ref>{{NLJan01|p. 301''a''}}|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Edward Herbert Moubray|Edward H. Moubray]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[James Edward Clifford Goodrich|James E. C. Goodrich]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Resolution (1892)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Resolution'']]'''<br>27 May, 1902<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}}  f. 180.</ref> &ndash; 16 Sep, 1902<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}} f. 84/180.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[John Edward Bearcroft|John E. Bearcroft]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Henry Louis Fleet|Henry L. Fleet]]'''|'''[[H.M.S. Empress of India (1891)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Empress of India'']]'''<br>16 Sep, 1902<ref>"Naval & Military Intelligence".  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 27 August, 1902.  Issue '''36857''', col B, p. 4.</ref>{{NLMay03|p. 252}}|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Herbert Augustus Warren|Herbert A. Warren]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''New Command'''|'''[[H.M.S. Triumph (1903)|Captain of H.M.S. ''Triumph'']]'''<br>11 Jun, 1904<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}}  f. 180.</ref> &ndash; 4 May, 1905<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}} f. 84/180.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Arthur Thomas Stuart|Arthur T. Stuart]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Robert Archibald James Montgomerie|Robert A. J. Montgomerie]]'''|'''[[Training Service (Royal Navy)|Inspecting Captain of Boys' Training Ships]]'''<br>10 Jul, 1905<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 28 June, 1905.  Issue '''37745''', col F, p. 12.</ref> &ndash; 4 Nov, 1907<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}} f. 84/180.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[George Edwin Patey|George E. Patey]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''?'''|'''[[Anti-Submarine Committee (Royal Navy)|President of Anti-Submarine Committee]]'''<br>1 Apr, 1910<ref>''Return, for the Year ended 31st March 1911, of the Army and Navy Officers permitted, under Rule 2 of the Regulations drawn up under Section 6 of the "Superannuation Act, 1887," to hold Civil Employment of Profit under Public Departments''. pp. 32-33. A service record states "Appd. 26 Mar 10. Committee on Submarines. On Comm<sup><u>ee</u></sup> pay &c. from date of 1<sup><u>st</u></sup> meeting of Committee." Burney Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/20/79.}} The author would like to thank Paul Bevand for access to the missing page from The National Archive's .pdf of Burney's record.</ref> &ndash; 15 Feb, 1911<ref>''Return, for the Year ended 31st March 1911, of the Army and Navy Officers permitted, under Rule 2 of the Regulations drawn up under Section 6 of the "Superannuation Act, 1887," to hold Civil Employment of Profit under Public Departments''. pp. 32-33.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Frederick Charles Doveton Sturdee, First Baronet|F. C. Doveton Sturdee]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Frederick Tower Hamilton|Frederick T. Hamilton]]'''|'''[[Fifth Cruiser Squadron (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral Commanding, Fifth Cruiser Squadron]]'''<br>16 Feb, 1911<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.|D7578793}} f. 180.</ref> &ndash; 19 Dec, 1911<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.|D7578793}} f. 180.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Frederick Charles Doveton Sturdee, First Baronet|F. C. Doveton Sturdee]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[John Rushworth Jellicoe, First Earl Jellicoe|Sir John R. Jellicoe]]'''|'''[[Atlantic Fleet (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding, Atlantic Fleet]]'''<br>19 Dec, 1911<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.|D7578793}} f. 180.</ref> &ndash; 13 Jun, 1913<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.|D7578793}} f. 180.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Charles Edward Madden, First Baronet|Sir Charles E. Madden]]'''<br><small>as '''Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet'''</small>}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''?'''|'''[[Third Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding, Third Battle Squadron]]'''<br>19 Dec, 1911{{CN}} &ndash; 13 Jun, 1913|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Lewis Bayly|Lewis Bayly]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Thomas Henry Martyn Jerram|T. H. Martyn Jerram]]'''|'''[[Mediterranean Station|Second-in-Command, Mediterranean Station]]'''<br>13 Jun, 1913<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}}  f. 180.</ref> &ndash; 19 Oct, 1913<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}}  f. 180.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Michael Culme-Seymour, Fourth Baronet|Michael Culme-Seymour]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''?'''|'''[[Fifth Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral in Command, Fifth Battle Squadron]]'''<br>5 Dec, 1913{{SMNLSep14|f. 6}}<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.|D7578793}} f. 180.</ref> &ndash; 19 Dec, 1914<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.|D7578793}} f. 180.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Lewis Bayly|Sir Lewis Bayly]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Lewis Bayly|Sir Lewis Bayly]]'''|'''[[First Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral Commanding, First Battle Squadron]]'''<br>19 Dec, 1914{{UKCeased|p. 2}} &ndash; 28 Nov, 1916<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}} f. 84/180.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Charles Edward Madden, First Baronet|Sir Charles E. Madden]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''New Command'''|'''[[Grand Fleet|Second-in-Command, Grand Fleet]]'''<br>28 Aug, 1915<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.|D7578793}} f. 180.</ref> &ndash; 28 Nov, 1916<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.|D7578793}} f. 180.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Charles Edward Madden, First Baronet|Charles E. Madden]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Somerset Arthur Gough-Calthorpe|The Hon. Sir Somerset A. Gough-Calthorpe]]'''|'''[[Second Sea Lord|Second Sea Lord]]'''<br>4 Dec, 1916<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.|D7578793}} f. 180.</ref>{{UKNavalStaff|p. 125}} &ndash; 6 Sep, 1917<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.|D7578793}} f. 180.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Rosslyn Erskine Wemyss, First Baron Wester Wemyss|Sir Rosslyn E. Wemyss]]'''}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Frederick Tower Hamilton|Sir Frederick T. Hamilton]]'''|'''[[Coast of Scotland Station|Commander-in-Chief, Rosyth]]'''<br>13 Oct, 1917{{UKCeased|f. 37}} &ndash; 30 Mar, 1919<ref>Burney Service REcord.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.|D7578793}} f. 181.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Herbert Leopold Heath|Sir Herbert L. Heath]]'''<br><small>as '''Commander-in-Chief, Coast of Scotland'''</small>}}
{{TabApptsRow|Preceded by<br>'''[[Stanley Cecil James Colville|The Hon. Sir Stanley C. J. Colville]]'''|'''[[Portsmouth Station|Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth Station]]'''<br>31 Mar, 1919<ref>"Naval Command Changes" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Thursday, 27 March, 1919.  Issue '''42059''', col F, p. 13.</ref> &ndash; 28 Apr, 1920<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}} f. 181.</ref>|Succeeded by<br>'''[[Somerset Arthur Gough-Calthorpe|The Hon. Sir Somerset A. Gough-Calthorpe]]'''}}
{{TabEnd}}
</div name=fredbot:appts>
 
==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Burney, Cecil}}
 
{{CatPerson|UK|1858|1929}}
{{CatBritannia|July, 1871}}
[[Category:Rear-Admirals Commanding, Devonport Division, Home Fleet (Royal Navy)]]
[[Category:Vice-Admirals Commanding, Atlantic Fleet (Royal Navy)]]
[[Category:Vice-Admirals Commanding, Second and Third Fleets (Royal Navy)]]
{{CatAdmOfTheFleet|UK}}
 
[[Category:Featured Articles]]
{{CatRN}}

Latest revision as of 22:20, 6 April 2022

Admiral of the Fleet Sir Cecil Burney, Bart., as an Admiral.
Photo: Imperial War Museum. © IWM (Q 71928).

Admiral of the Fleet SIR Cecil Burney, First Baronet, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., Royal Navy (15 May, 1858 – 5 June, 1929) was an officer of the Royal Navy during the First World War.

Early Life & Naval Career

Cecil Burney was born in Jersey on 15 May, 1858, the son of Charles Burney, a Master in the Royal Navy and later Superintendent of Greenwich Hospital School. He was educated in France up to the age of ten and was fluent in French.[1] He entered the Navy as a Naval Cadet in the training ship Britannia at Dartmouth on 15 July, 1871.

Burney was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant from the Victoria and Albert with seniority of 30 August, 1879.[2]

Burney was promoted to the rank of Commander on 1 January, 1893.[3]

He was promoted to the rank of Captain on 1 January, 1898.[4] After commanding the first class protected cruiser Hawke in the naval manœuvres of 1900, he commissioned the second class protected cruiser Sappho for service on the South-East coast of America, but was soon transferred to the Cape station during the South African War. His ship struck the Durban bar when in the charge of a pilot on 3 May, 1901, and Burney had to bring her home. On 27 May, 1902, he was appointed in command of the battleship Resolution,[5] as Flag Captain to Rear-Admiral Atkinson-Willes, Second-in-Command of the Home Fleet, and on 16 September he was appointed to Empress of India in the same capacity.[6] He remained with him and his successor, Rear-Admiral Poë, until June, 1904. He then spent a year (1904–5) in command of the ex-Chilean battleship Triumph in the Channel Fleet. His successful work in training boys at Portland led to his appointment in July, 1905 to the Impregnable as inspecting captain of all boys' training ships. On 17 October, 1906, he was appointed a Naval Aide-de-Camp to King Edward VII, vice Lowry.[7]

Flag Rank

Burney was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral on 10 October, 1907.[8] His first appointment to Flag Rank was to relieve John Denison as Rear-Admiral Commanding the Devonport Division, Home Fleet on 4 January, 1909.[9] From 16 February, 1911, when he took command of the Fifth Cruiser Squadron, Burney was continuously on full pay for nine years.

At the end of 1911 he took command of the Atlantic Fleet, with the acting rank of Vice-Admiral; he transferred to the Third Battle Squadron in 1912. On 20 September 1912 he was confirmed in the rank of Vice-Admiral, vice Winsloe.[10]

Burney's 3 B.S. was on special service in the Mediterranean, and the disturbances that arose in Montenegro and Albania at the close of the second Balkan war led to the dispatch, arranged by the British foreign secretary Sir Edward Grey, of an international naval force to Antivari on the Montenegrin coast in April, 1913. Burney's formation was sent in order to ensure that an Englishman should be senior officer of the combined fleet. He took command and handled the highly delicate and difficult situation, in which his firm manner and rugged mien stood him in good stead, and he received a special commendation both from the Foreign Office and from the Admiralty for his performance. He had to secure unanimity of action between the naval forces of the five powers represented, as well as resolve the differences between the turbulent Balkan states ashore. He established a pacific blockade of the coast during April and May of 1913, and then from May to November commanded the international force occupying Scutari, which the Montenegrins had captured, until the trouble was finally settled by the conclusion of peace. On the occasion of the King's birthday he was appointed an Ordinary Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, in the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (K.C.B.) on 3 June, 1913.[11] On the termination of the Scutari affair he was gazetted K.C.M.G.

On his return to England at the end of 1913 Burney took over the command of the Second and Third fleets, then in partial reserve, and the early part of 1914 was occupied in preparing for the test mobilization of that summer.

Great War

On the outbreak of the First World War in August these fleets were organized as the Channel Fleet, with the duty of protecting the channel from enemy raids. In December, 1914 Burney went to the First Battle Squadron of the Grand Fleet. His son-in-law, Commander Charles F. Ballard, was amongst those killed when the Formidable was sunk by submarine on 1 January, 1915. The Rear-Admiral in the Fourth Battle Squadron, Alexander L. Duff, saw him on 8 January and noted in his diary that, "He is naturally terribly depressed."[12]

At the Battle of Jutland 31 May, 1916 his squadron was the rear of the line, and was more heavily engaged than the rest of the battleships of the main fleet. His flagship, the Marlborough, was torpedoed, and during the night he transferred his flag to the Revenge. He was promoted Admiral on 9 June, 1916,[13] On 15 September he was advanced to be an Additional Member of the First Class, or Knight Grand Cross, in the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (G.C.M.G.) for his services at Jutland, dated 31 May.[14]

In November, 1916, when Jellicoe was appointed First Sea Lord, Burney joined the Board of Admiralty as Second Sea Lord. However, the prime minister, Lloyd George, and Sir Eric C. Geddes, who became First Lord of the Admiralty in July, 1917, grew anxious to replace him by a younger, and in their opinion more efficient, man. Consequently, and despite Jellicoe's effort to keep him, when the board was reorganized the following September, Burney was relieved. On 6 September he was appointed to President for Special Service. On 13 October he was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Coast of Scotland at Rosyth in place of the recently-deceased Admiral Sir Frederick T. Hamilton.[15]

Upon Burney's relief as Second Sea Lord, Jellicoe wrote a letter to Geddes outlining Burney's achievements:

FIRST LORD.

On the occasion of the relief of Admiral Sir Cecil Burney from the post of Second Sea Lord, I wish to bring to your notice the services rendered by him throughout his 45 years of service in the Navy, with a view to recognise these services suitably.

Since Sir Cecil Burney reached the Captains' List he has filled many important appointments with unfailing success. As a Captain he was Inspecting Captain of [Boys'] Training Ships at the time that the Shotley Training Establishment was started; and the subsequent success of that establishment is largely due to him. As a Rear-Admiral he served, first in a division of the Home Fleet, and later in command of the Cruiser Squadron attached to the Atlantic Fleet then under my command. He succeeded me in the command of the Atlantic Fleet, which was consequently reconstituted as the Third Battle Squadron. Whilst in command of that Squadron, he was sent to the Mediterranean; and at the time of the troubles between Montenegro and Albania, he was the Senior Officer of the Allied Navies acting in cooperation. He conducted the work with conspicuous success, and was subsequently requested to take the post of Governor of Scutari and Senior Officer of the International Commission. In this post he commanded a mixed force of soldiers and sailors belonging to Italy, Austria, France, Germany and Great Britain, besides acting as the head of the International Commission - and he was in Scutari for a little over six months in this position.

By common consent, Sir Cecil Burney carried out this difficult work with most conspicuous success; and on leaving he receiveda most complimentary telegram from H.M. Government. He succeeded to a quite remarkable degree in winning the confidence of the [319] Albanians.

His service in Scutari unfortunately broke him down in health for some time - and he has never completely recovered, and suffers constantly from arthritis.

On return to England, he was appointed to the command of the 2nd and 3rd Divisions of the Home Fleet, and was holding that appointment on the outbreak of war.

In the early stages of the war, Sir Cecil Burney was consulted on many occasions by the then First Lord on the subject of bombarding Heligoland and Borkum with his battle squadron; and he communicated with me on the subject several times. I was strongly opposed to a useless sacrifice of ships - and so informed the First Lord. Sir Cecil Burney had great difficulty in convincing him as to the waste of ships and men involved in such an adventure, but he did so convince him - and in the opinion of all the Flag Officers then afloat, he was perfectly right, and we are indebted to him for this work. I mention this as it may be that he has suffered by criticism for this action. Events, and the trend of present oprtations, have fully justified him.

Sir Cecil Burney was appointed to the command of the First Battle Squadron in the Grand Fleet early in 1915, being relieved in the Third Battle Squadron [actually, Channel Fleet] by Sir Lewis Bayly.

From early in 1915 until December 1916, he served as my Second-in-Command in the Grand Fleet with conspicuous success. In my absence on more than one occasion he took command. He was a most loyal and able Second-in-Command, and possessed my entire confidence. He was Second-in-Command on the occasion of the action off Jutland on the 31st May, 1916, and [320] he brought his Squadron into action with great ability. His careful training of this Squadron was shown in the action. The ships were handled exceedingly well: twenty-five torpedoes were avoided by good handling, and the shooting of the guns of the Squadron inflicted severe damage on the enemy. The "Marlborough", Sir C. Burney's Flagship, was specially conspicuous.

I venture to submit that a record of this nature should be rewarded by a Baronetcy being conferred on Sir Cecil Burney.

Incidentally it may be mentioned that Lieutenant Burney (Sir Cecil Burney's son) has performed the most valuable services during the war by his invention of the paravane, now in almost universal use - an invention which has already saved several of H.M. Ships and several merchant ships from loss by mines.

(Intld). J. R. J.

3/8/17.[16]

Sir W. Graham Greene, the then Permanent Secretary to the Board of Admiralty, later wrote of Burney:

As Second Sea Lord during the war his administrative functions did not call for much display of special abilities — My recollection is that he was a very useful member of the Board & carried out his duties in an efficient manner, but the executive direction of the Fleet & naval operations was centred in the hands of the First Sea Lord & War Staff & Burney's share in this was small. He had of course[,] as the Member of the Board to take the place of the First Sea Ld, should the latter be absent or otherwise able to act, to keep himself acquainted with what was going on & the policy governing the action of the Fleet, but this constituted the sole claim upon him outside the ordinary duties of his office.
In character Burney was amiable & very easy to work with & my relations with him during the time he was at the Admiralty were of the friendliest. I regretted his departure but his qualities would not have been appreciated by the men placed in power at the Admiralty in 1917 & in his own interests the change to the Scottish Command was in his best interests.[17]

Post-War

On 15 February, 1919, Burney requested permission (subsequently granted) to be absent from Rosyth to confer with the Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, The Hon. Sir Stanley C. J. Colville, from the 18th to the 21st of February. He was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth in succession to Colville on 31 March. On 12 April, 1920, he went on leave to Acqui, Italy, and was superseded in absentia on 28 April.[18] Burney was promoted to the rank of Admiral of the Fleet on 24 November, 1920.[19]

Burney was created a Baronet of the United Kingdom in recognition of his services during the war, gazetted 1 January, 1921.

Burney was placed on the Retired List on 24 November, 1925,[20] upon completing five years in the rank. He died at his home, Upham House, Hants, on 5 June, 1929, from a combination of lobar pneumonia, tonsillitis, and osteo arthritis. He was seventy-one years old.[21]

Bibliography

  • Dictionary of National Biography.
  • "Admiral of the Fleet Sir C. Burney" (Obituaries). The Times. Thursday, 6 June, 1929. Issue 45222, col A, p. 19.

Images

Service Records

Naval Appointments
Preceded by
John Denison
Rear-Admiral, Devonport Division, Home Fleet
1909 – 1910
Succeeded by
Arthur A. C. Galloway

Preceded by
Sir John R. Jellicoe
Vice-Admiral Commanding,
Atlantic Fleet

1911 – 1912
Succeeded by
Lewis Bayly
Vice-Admiral Commanding,
Third Battle Squadron

1912 – 1913
Preceded by
Frederick T. Hamilton
Vice-Admiral Commanding, Second and Third Fleets
1913 – 1914
Succeeded by
Sir Lewis Bayly
Vice-Admiral Commanding,
Channel Fleet

1914
Preceded by
Sir Lewis Bayly
Admiral Commanding,
First Battle Squadron

1914 – 1916
Succeeded by
Sir Charles E. Madden
Preceded by
New Appointment
Second-in-Command,
Grand Fleet

1915 – 1916
Naval Appointments
Preceded by
Gerard M. Brooke
Captain of Training Ship H.M.S. Boscawen
2 Jan, 1896[22]
Succeeded by
Thomas H. M. Jerram
Preceded by
Alexander W. Chisholm-Batten
Captain of H.M.S. Hawke
10 Jul, 1900[23][24]
Succeeded by
Algernon H. Anson
Preceded by
Casper J. Baker
Captain of H.M.S. Sappho
13 Aug, 1900[25][26]
Succeeded by
Edward H. Moubray
Preceded by
James E. C. Goodrich
Captain of H.M.S. Resolution
27 May, 1902[27] – 16 Sep, 1902[28]
Succeeded by
John E. Bearcroft
Preceded by
Henry L. Fleet
Captain of H.M.S. Empress of India
16 Sep, 1902[29][30]
Succeeded by
Herbert A. Warren
Preceded by
New Command
Captain of H.M.S. Triumph
11 Jun, 1904[31] – 4 May, 1905[32]
Succeeded by
Arthur T. Stuart
Preceded by
Robert A. J. Montgomerie
Inspecting Captain of Boys' Training Ships
10 Jul, 1905[33] – 4 Nov, 1907[34]
Succeeded by
George E. Patey
Preceded by
?
President of Anti-Submarine Committee
1 Apr, 1910[35] – 15 Feb, 1911[36]
Succeeded by
F. C. Doveton Sturdee
Preceded by
Frederick T. Hamilton
Rear-Admiral Commanding, Fifth Cruiser Squadron
16 Feb, 1911[37] – 19 Dec, 1911[38]
Succeeded by
F. C. Doveton Sturdee
Preceded by
Sir John R. Jellicoe
Vice-Admiral Commanding, Atlantic Fleet
19 Dec, 1911[39] – 13 Jun, 1913[40]
Succeeded by
Sir Charles E. Madden
as Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet
Preceded by
?
Vice-Admiral Commanding, Third Battle Squadron
19 Dec, 1911[Citation needed] – 13 Jun, 1913
Succeeded by
Lewis Bayly
Preceded by
T. H. Martyn Jerram
Second-in-Command, Mediterranean Station
13 Jun, 1913[41] – 19 Oct, 1913[42]
Succeeded by
Michael Culme-Seymour
Preceded by
?
Vice-Admiral in Command, Fifth Battle Squadron
5 Dec, 1913[43][44] – 19 Dec, 1914[45]
Succeeded by
Sir Lewis Bayly
Preceded by
Sir Lewis Bayly
Vice-Admiral Commanding, First Battle Squadron
19 Dec, 1914[46] – 28 Nov, 1916[47]
Succeeded by
Sir Charles E. Madden
Preceded by
New Command
Second-in-Command, Grand Fleet
28 Aug, 1915[48] – 28 Nov, 1916[49]
Succeeded by
Charles E. Madden
Preceded by
The Hon. Sir Somerset A. Gough-Calthorpe
Second Sea Lord
4 Dec, 1916[50][51] – 6 Sep, 1917[52]
Succeeded by
Sir Rosslyn E. Wemyss
Preceded by
Sir Frederick T. Hamilton
Commander-in-Chief, Rosyth
13 Oct, 1917[53] – 30 Mar, 1919[54]
Succeeded by
Sir Herbert L. Heath
as Commander-in-Chief, Coast of Scotland
Preceded by
The Hon. Sir Stanley C. J. Colville
Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth Station
31 Mar, 1919[55] – 28 Apr, 1920[56]
Succeeded by
The Hon. Sir Somerset A. Gough-Calthorpe

Footnotes

  1. Luard Committee. p. 31. Q. 806-807.
  2. The London Gazette: no. 24758. p. 5309. 2 September, 1879.
  3. The London Gazette: no. 26359. p. 2. 2 January, 1893.
  4. The London Gazette: no. 26924. p. 7854. 31 December, 1897.
  5. "Naval & Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Saturday, 3 May, 1902. Issue 36758, col B, p. 14.
  6. "Naval & Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Wednesday, 27 August, 1902. Issue 36857, col B, p. 4.
  7. The London Gazette: no. 27959. p. 7017. 19 October, 1906.
  8. The London Gazette: no. 28068. p. 6813. 11 October, 1907.
  9. Hazell's Annual, 1910. p. 199.
  10. The London Gazette: no. 28647. p. 7022. 24 September, 1912.
  11. The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 28724. p. 3903. 3 June, 1913.
  12. Diary entry for 8 January, 1915. Duff Papers. National Maritime Museum. DFF/15.
  13. The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 29621. p. 5828. 13 June, 1916.
  14. The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 29751. p. 9071. 15 September, 1916.
  15. ADM 196/38. f. 181.
  16. Add. MSS. 40491. ff. 318-320.
  17. Note on Burney of 23 January, 1935. National Maritime Museum. Greene Papers. GEE 13. ff 2-3.
  18. ADM 196/38. f. 181.
  19. The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 32150. p. 11942. 3 December, 1920.
  20. The London Gazette: no. 33110. p. 7950. 1 December, 1925.
  21. ADM 196/38. f. 181.
  22. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 180.
  23. "The Naval Mobilization." The Times (London, England), 11 July 1900, p. 9.
  24. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 84/180.
  25. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 84/180.
  26. The Navy List. (January, 1901). p. 301a.
  27. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 180.
  28. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 84/180.
  29. "Naval & Military Intelligence". The Times. Wednesday, 27 August, 1902. Issue 36857, col B, p. 4.
  30. The Navy List. (May, 1903). p. 252.
  31. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 180.
  32. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 84/180.
  33. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Wednesday, 28 June, 1905. Issue 37745, col F, p. 12.
  34. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 84/180.
  35. Return, for the Year ended 31st March 1911, of the Army and Navy Officers permitted, under Rule 2 of the Regulations drawn up under Section 6 of the "Superannuation Act, 1887," to hold Civil Employment of Profit under Public Departments. pp. 32-33. A service record states "Appd. 26 Mar 10. Committee on Submarines. On Commee pay &c. from date of 1st meeting of Committee." Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20/79. The author would like to thank Paul Bevand for access to the missing page from The National Archive's .pdf of Burney's record.
  36. Return, for the Year ended 31st March 1911, of the Army and Navy Officers permitted, under Rule 2 of the Regulations drawn up under Section 6 of the "Superannuation Act, 1887," to hold Civil Employment of Profit under Public Departments. pp. 32-33.
  37. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 180.
  38. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 180.
  39. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 180.
  40. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 180.
  41. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 180.
  42. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 180.
  43. Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September 1914). f. 6.
  44. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 180.
  45. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 180.
  46. Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 2.
  47. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 84/180.
  48. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 180.
  49. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 180.
  50. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 180.
  51. The Naval Staff of the Admiralty. p. 125.
  52. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 180.
  53. Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. f. 37.
  54. Burney Service REcord. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 181.
  55. "Naval Command Changes" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Thursday, 27 March, 1919. Issue 42059, col F, p. 13.
  56. Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 181.