15 Facts About Anthony Synnot

Anthony Synnot joined the Royal Australian Navy as a cadet midshipman in March 1939 and trained in Britain with Prince Philip of Greece.

In 1950, Anthony Synnot had taken part in the Bridgeford Mission to Malaya, which advised the Australian government on the Malayan Emergency.

On his return to Australia, Anthony Synnot attended administrative staff college before returning to sea in 1966 as Captain of the Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, then in 1967, the carrier HMAS Melbourne.

Anthony Synnot was the only officer to command both aircraft carriers.

Anthony Synnot became Flag Officer Commanding HM Australian Fleet in 1973.

In 1976, Anthony Synnot was promoted to vice admiral and appointed Chief of Naval Staff.

Anthony Synnot initiated a review of the Navy Office and of the Navy's structure of command and control.

Anthony Synnot drew up a blueprint for the maintenance of naval capability into the future, and oversaw the Navy's guided-missile frigate project.

Anthony Synnot came to be regarded as one of the country's most outstanding defence force chiefs.

Anthony Synnot was said to have done more to equip Australia's armed forces with up-to-date military technology than any of his predecessors.

Anthony Synnot was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1971, and knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1978.

Anthony Synnot was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1976.

Anthony Synnot married Virginia Davenport in 1959 and they remained married until her death in 1965.

Anthony Synnot married a second time in 1968 to Anne Colvin, great-niece of former Prime Minister of Australia Stanley Bruce and mother of journalist Mark Colvin.

Admiral Sir Anthony Synnot died on 4 July 2001 at the age of 79, after suffering from a long illness and a number of years suffering total blindness.