| Sir William O'Brien | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 13, 1916 |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1930 - 1971 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | Far East Fleet Western Fleet |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Cross |
Admiral Sir William Donough O'Brien KCB DSC (born 13 November 1916) was Commander-in-Chief of the Western Fleet.
Educated at the Royal Naval College Dartmouth, O'Brien was commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1930.[1] He served in World War II.[1] In the early 1960s he served as Director of Naval Plans at the Ministry of Defence under Lord Louis Mountbatten.[2] He was then appointed Naval Secretary in 1964.[3] He was appointed Flag Officer Aircraft Carriers in 1966, Commander-in-Chief, Far East Fleet in 1967 and Commander-in-Chief of the Western Fleet in 1970.[1] He retired in 1971.[1]
In retirement he became Chairman of the King George's Fund for Sailors.[1] In 1975 he was Chairman of the Royal Navy Club of 1765 & 1785 (United 1889).[4] He became Chairman of the Kennet and Avon Canal and after its re-opening by HM Queen Elizabeth in 1990, he retired from this post.[5] He also held the posts of Rear-Admiral and then Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom.
In 1943 he married Rita Micallef: they went on to have one son and two daughters.[1]
| Military offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by John Hayes |
Naval Secretary 1964–1966 |
Succeeded by Anthony Griffin |
| Preceded by Sir Frank Twiss |
Commander-in-Chief, Far East Fleet 1967–1969 |
Succeeded by Sir Derek Empson |
| Preceded by Sir John Bush |
Commander-in-Chief Western Fleet 1970–1971 |
Succeeded by Sir Edward Ashmore |
| Honorary titles | ||
| Preceded by Sir John Bush |
Rear-Admiral of the United Kingdom 1979–1984 |
Succeeded by Sir Derek Empson |
| Preceded by Sir John Bush |
Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom 1984–1986 |
Succeeded by Sir Derek Empson |