WWI rank identification

[Tony Walker]

Hi Folks

Long time absent, but I'm still around.

Quick query :

I have a Gun Room signal sent after the Battle of Heligoland Bight by :

A.C. 1st. B.C.S to C in C H.F.    It is reporting the demise of the German cruiser Mainz. Would the A.C. be Acting Commander?  I would have expected O.C.  for Officer Commanding.  I know the rest of the letters.

Any suggestions?

Cheers
Tony

[Chris Weddell]

Tony,

        I would say Acting Commander.

                  Chris

[Tony Walker]

Thanks Chris, I thought it might have been Admiral Commanding, although I don't think I've seen that before.

Whilst I have your attention, and still part of my WWI researches into the wartime career of Admiral Goodenough, I have another  question.
Goodenough was in command of the 1st Light Cruiser Squadron from July 1913 with his Flag on HMS Southampton.  I have an uncensored PSPC written by a Lt. or Lt. Cmmdr RC Hayes of HMS Southampton, undated, but with the mute solid circle cancel (Gould DD3) likely applied in Orkney.  This ties in with the 1st LCS being attached to the Grand Fleet.

I can find no reference to RC Hayes - can you or anyone provide any details? The 1st LCS was involved in several scraps during the war.

Cheers
Tony

[Neil Williams]

I too would suggest Admiral Commanding.

Acting Commander is a 'temporary' appointment to Commander rank. I would image protocol at the time would have it that messages sent to the CinC Home Forces would have gone in the senior officer's name, even if not drafted by him.

Neil W

[Nick Colley]

Yes, agreed: Admiral Commanding.

Now, your chap Hayes: The Navy List for October 1914 has him aboard Southampton as Lt. (N) - ie the navigation officer. His appointment to HMS Southampton dates from 4th September 1912.

chrs
N

[Michael Dobbs]

Yes, agreed - Admiral Commanding - there are several online references to such positions:

[url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Admiral_Commanding,_Reserves]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Admiral_Commanding,_Reserves
[/url]
Rosyth was commanded by an admiral, with the title of Admiral Commanding on the Coast of Scotland
[url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1922/feb/22/commanders-in-chief-home-stations]https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1922/feb/22/commanders-in-chief-home-stations[/url]

VICE ADMIRAL SIR JAMES F SOMERVILLE, KCB, DSO, ADMIRAL COMMANDING BRITISH NAVAL FORCES IN WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN.
[url=https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205137973]https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205137973[/url] this being WW2

Mike  :)

[Frank Schofield]

Tony

Robert Cholerton Hayes, Lt/Commander RN appt HMS Southampton 4/9/12 as ships Navigating Officer

3/4/16 Flight Commarder RNAS based Kingsnorth AirshIp Station

30/6/17 Sqn Commander RNAS based East Fortune

November 1918 Navy List listed as Lt/Commander in index at HMS Pembroke (Shore Base) Chatham
But not listed under the ships officers

Hope of some use

Frank

[Tony Walker]

Many thanks to you all for the helpful details - as always

I hope you all enjoy Christmas despite the restrictions

Cheers
Tony