Summary
Admiral Sir Ralph Leatham KCB (3 March 1888 – 10 March 1954) was a Royal Navy officer who served as Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth during World War II.
Sir Ralph Leatham | |
|---|---|
 Leatham on his appointment as Vice Admiral Malta | |
| Born | 3 March 1888 Hemsworth, West Yorkshire |
| Died | 10 March 1954 (aged 66) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |  Royal Navy |
| Years of service | 1900–1946 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Commands held | HMS Yarmouth HMS Durban HMS Ramillies HMS Valiant 1st Battle Squadron East Indies Station FO-in-Charge, Malta & Malta Dockyard Levant Station Plymouth Station |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath |
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Leatham joined the Royal Navy in 1900 as a cadet on the training ship Britannia.[1] He served on various ships during World War I.[2] After the War he went on to command HMS Yarmouth, HMS Durban, HMS Ramillies and HMS Valiant.[1] He was appointed Commander of the 1st Battle Squadron on 14 June 1938 holding that post until February 1939.[1]
He served in World War II as Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station from 12 April 1939 until 16 July 1941. He was next appointed as Admiral Superintendent Malta Dockyard and Flag Officer in Charge, Malta from January 1942 taking part in actions against the Italian Navy until December 1942.[2] He became Deputy Governor of Malta in 1943 and was briefly temporary Commander-in-Chief, Levant before becoming Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth later in 1943.[1] He retired in 1946.[1]
In retirement he became Governor of Bermuda.[1]
Family edit
In 1910 he married Enid Birks; they had one son and one daughter.[3]
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