Admiral Commanding, Reserves

The Admiral Commanding, Reserves, was a senior Royal Navy post that existed from 1875 to 1976.

History

Before 1857 the HM Coast Guard was attached to the Customs Service for revenue duties, and was a Controller-General of the Coastguard.^[1] In January, 1869, Captain Willes was called to the Admiralty to assist the First Naval Lord in conducting the duties of the Coastguard and the Royal Naval Reserve, as well as to give general assistance in other matters, and, in October, 1870, was confirmed in office with the title of Chief of the Staff, Naval Reserves. The office of Chief of the Staff ^[2] was continued but for a brief term, and, following an Order in Council of December 12, 1874, an Admiral Superintendent of Naval Reserves was appointed to take charge of the Naval Reserve afloat.^[3] He was also given charge of Coastguard stations ashore, the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Naval Artillery Volunteers, and the Seamen Pensioners' Reserve.

In 1903 responsibility for the HM Coast Guard passed to the Admiralty. On 21 May 1903 the office of Admiral Commanding Coastguard and Reserves was established, the first incumbent being Admiral Sir Ernest Rice.

After 1903 the Admiral's duties included:^[4]

Co-operate with the Commissioners of Customs.
Co-operate with the Board of Trade.
Keep the district ships ready and efficient for mobilization and make arrangements for making up their sea-going complements.
Manage and supervise the Royal Naval Reserve.
Manage and supervise the Royal Naval Volunteers.
Manage and supervise the Seamen and Marine Pensioners' Reserve.
Organise official inspection visits to coast stations of the Coastguard, drill-ships and batteries of the Naval Reserve.
Promote below the rank of Chief Officer
Submit to the Board of Admiralty promotions to the rank of Chief Officer
Superintend Her Majesty's Coastguard.
Visit mercantile training ships and arrange training if needed.

In March 1923 responsibility for the majority of the functions of the Coast Guard was passed to the Board of Customs and Excise and the Board of Trade.^[5] In July 1923 the office was then re-styled Admiral Commanding, Reserves, which remained the title until the post was abolished in 1976. Successive Admirals Commanding were supported in their duties by an assistant until 1902 and then a chief of staff until 1976.

Responsibility for administering reserves then came under the Commander-in-Chief, Naval Home Command, as a dual role until 1994. From 1994-1996 the Second Sea Lord became responsible for managing reserves.

Admirals commanding

Post holders included:^[6]

Admiral Superintendent of Naval Reserves

Vice-Admiral Sir John W. Tarleton: January 1875–November 1876
Vice-Admiral Augustus Phillimore: November 1876–December 1879
Rear-Admiral Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh: November 1879–November 1882
Rear-Admiral Sir Anthony H. Hoskins: November 1882–September 1885
Vice-Admiral John K. E. Baird: September 1885–April 1888
Vice-Admiral Sir George Tryon: April 1888–April 1891
Vice-Admiral Robert O'Brien FitzRoy: April 1891–April 1894
Vice-Admiral Sir Edward H.Seymour: April 1894–May 1897
Vice-Admiral Sir Compton E. Domvile: May 1897–May 1900
Vice-Admiral Sir Gerard H. U. Noel: May 1900–May 1903

Admiral Commanding, Coastguard and Reserves

Admiral Ernest Rice: May 1903–February 1905
Admiral Sir Reginald F. H. Henderson: February 1905–December 1909
Admiral Sir Frederick S. Inglefield: December 1909–January 1913
Admiral Sir Arthur M. Farquhar: January 1913–June 1915
Vice-Admiral the Hon. Sir Alexander E. Bethell: June 1915–November 1916
Vice-Admiral the Hon. Sir Somerset A. Gough-Calthorpe: November 1916–July 1917
Vice-Admiral Sir Cecil F. Thursby: July 1917–July 1918
Admiral Sir Dudley R. S. de Chair: July 1918–July 1921
Vice-Admiral Sir Morgan Singer: July 1921–July 1923