Martin Dunbar-Nasmith

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sir Martin Eric Dunbar-Nasmith
April 1, 1883 to June 29, 1965
Martin Eric Nasmith
Place of birth	Barnes, England
Place of death	Elgin, Scotland
Allegiance	Royal Navy
Rank	Admiral
Commands	Plymouth Command (1938-1941) Western Approaches Command (1939-1941) Flag Officer-In-Charge, London (1942-1945) Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom (1954-1962)
Battles/wars	Operation Ariel
Awards	VC, KCB, KCMG, StOlav, PolRest, LegH, OON, CdeG
Other work	Vice Chairman, Imperial War Graves Commission (1948-1954) Deputy Lieutenant and Vice-Lord Lieutenant, Morayshire

Nasmith's grave at Holy Trinity Churchyard, Elgin, Moray.

Admiral Sir Martin Eric Dunbar-Nasmith (1883-1965) VC KCB KCMG RN was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was born Martin Eric Nasmith, adding the "Dunbar" part of his name after the First World War.

He was 32 years old, and a Lieutenant-Commander in the Royal Navy during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

During the period 20 May–8 June 1915 in the Sea of Marmara, Dardanelles, Turkey, Lieutenant-Commander Nasmith, in command of H.M. Submarine E.11, destroyed one large Turkish gunboat, two transports, one ammunition ship, three store ships and four other vessels.

When he had safely passed the most difficult part of his homeward journey he received information that a cargo of coal was heading towards Istanbul from the Black Sea. Realising that coal was essential for the morale of the besieged city, Nasmith turned back. When the coal-carrying ship came into sight of the docks, a welcoming committee of municipal grandees soon formed, along with a happy crowd - water, electricity and rail transport had all suffered due to a lack of coal. Hardly had the ship berthed than it mysteriously blew up before the eyes of the astounded crowd. Nasmith successfully slipped out again.

He achieved the rank of Admiral and was Commander-in-Chief of Western Approaches Command, based at Plymouth, on the outbreak of war in September 1939.

He was later appointed Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom, a ceremonial position.