| Geoffrey Kirkby | |
|---|---|
Captain GJ Kirkby, HMS Diana, 1961 |
|
| Born | 26 August 1918 |
| Died | 24 October 1998 (aged 80) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | Royal Navy |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | HMS Kingston HMS Melbreak |
| Commands held | HMS Diana |
| Battles/wars | Second World War * Second Battle of Sirte * Battle of Normandy |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross (3) |
Geoffrey Kirkby, DSC and two bars, (26 August 1918 – 24 October 1998) was a captain in the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom. He served during the Second World War, mainly at sea in small ships, and became one of the Royal Navy's most decorated officers.
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At 21 years old, Kirkby was awarded his first Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for boarding the sinking Italian Navy submarine Torricelli and capturing the vessel's signal books. Kirkby was serving on board HMS Kingston at the time.
Kirkby, while still serving on board Kingston, took part in the Second Battle of Sirte, where Rear-Admiral Vian defended a Malta convoy against a far superior Italian force.
Kingston took part in a torpedo raid, for which the ship had to close within three miles of the Italian heavy units, and which led to the award of Kirkby's second DSC.
Kirkby was now on board HMS Melbreak which, for the Normandy landings, acted as a marker for US Forces landing at Omaha Beach.
The action which led to the award of his third DSC came in a series of fierce actions spread over four nights which frustrated the German efforts to evacuate Le Havre in August 1944.
One of his post war appointments was as captain of HMS Diana between 1961 and 1962. He developed the reputation as an inspirational leader and an outstanding ship handler.
One of his two daughters is Dame Emma Kirkby, a soprano singer.