George Henry Baird

Rear-Admiral SIR George Henry Baird, K.C.B., Royal Navy (14 October, 1871 – 22 October, 1924) was an officer of the Royal Navy.

Assessment

Speaking to Captain Herbert W. Richmond in 1917, Baird apparently said of Jutland, "To wait all that time & then turn away from them instead of towards them, was sickening They gave us our chance & we weren't allowed to take it." Accepting that this conversation took place, this writer has been unable to find among the Jutland papers any mention of Captain Baird hauling Ajax out of the line after the Germans, or of him signalling his immediate superior in the battle line, Vice-Admiral Jerram, suggesting that he do the same. Just because a junior officer is willing to risk his ship doesn't mean that it is necessary, or even advisable. — SIMON HARLEY, Co-editor.

Bibliography

• "Rear-Admiral Sir G. H. Baird" (Obituaries). The Times. Thursday, 23 October, 1924. Issue 43790, col B, pg. 17.

Service Record

• The National Archives. ADM 196/43.

Naval Offices
Preceded by Edmond Hyde Parker	Director of the Mobilisation Department 1921 – 1923	Succeeded by John W. L. McClintock