Sir Derek Empson | |
---|---|
Born | 1918 |
Died | 1997 |
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/branch | Royal Navy |
Years of service | 1940 – 1975 |
Rank | Admiral |
Commands held | HMS Eagle Far East Fleet Naval Home Command |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath |
Admiral Sir (Leslie) Derek Empson GBE KCB (1918–1997) was Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command.
Educated at Eastbourne College,[1] Empson joined the Royal Navy as a pilot 1940.[2] He served in the Fleet Air Arm during World War II.[2]
He was appointed Naval Assistant to the First Sea Lord in 1957 and then became Commanding Officer of HMS Eagle in 1963.[2] He went on to be Flag Officer Aircraft Carriers in 1967 and then Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff (Operations and Air) in 1968.[2] He was made Commander-in-Chief, Far East Fleet in 1969 and Second Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Personnel in 1971.[2] Finally he became Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command and Flag Officer Portsmouth Area in 1974.[2] He retired in 1975.[2]
In retirement he worked as a consultant for EMI.[3] He also held the posts of Rear-Admiral and then Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom.
Military offices | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded by Sir William O'Brien |
Commander-in-Chief, Far East Fleet 1969–1971 |
Succeeded by Sir Anthony Troup |
Preceded by Sir Andrew Lewis |
Second Sea Lord 1971–1974 |
Succeeded by Sir David Williams |
Preceded by Sir Andrew Lewis |
Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command 1974–1975 |
Succeeded by Sir Terence Lewin |
Honorary titles | ||
Preceded by Sir William O'Brien |
Rear-Admiral of the United Kingdom 1984–1986 |
Succeeded by Sir Anthony Griffin |
Preceded by Sir William O'Brien |
Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom 1986–1988 |
Succeeded by Sir Anthony Griffin |