13 Facts About Leonard Holbrook

Rear Admiral Leonard Stanley Holbrook MVO was a senior officer in the Royal Navy.

Leonard Holbrook was the Commodore Commanding His Majesty's Australian Squadron from 29 May 1931 to 7 April 1932.

Arthur Leonard Holbrook was the owner of the Portsmouth Times, and a keen member of the Volunteer Force, forerunner of the later Territorial Army.

Leonard Holbrook was promoted to acting sub-lieutenant on 15 July 1901 and subsequently confirmed in that rank from the same date, then to lieutenant on 15 January 1902.

Leonard Holbrook served aboard HMS Exmouth as part of the Atlantic Fleet in 1908 and was promoted to lieutenant commander in 1910.

At the start of the First World War, Leonard Holbrook was serving as a gunnery officer aboard HMS Devonshire.

Leonard Holbrook was promoted commander on 31 December 1914, and then served successively as Flag Commander to Vice Admirals Sir Martyn Jerram, Sir Herbert Heath and Sir Dudley de Chair in the Grand Fleet.

Leonard Holbrook married a widow, Gladys Nina Grove, on 1 January 1920, she had a son called Richard by her earlier marriage.

Leonard Holbrook was seconded to the Royal Australian Navy in 1929, initially commanding HMAS Canberra, then he was appointed Commodore First Class to command His Majesty's Australian Squadron between 29 May 1931 and 7 April 1932.

Leonard Holbrook was appointed an Aide de Camp to King George V until 5 July 1932 and appointed again on 15 October 1932.

Leonard Holbrook was promoted to rear admiral on 15 October 1932 and placed upon the retired list on 16 October 1932.

Leonard Holbrook died at home on 29 August 1974, and his funeral was at Bury, West Sussex on 6 September, followed by a cremation.

Leonard Holbrook's wife had predeceased him, he was survived by their son Robert, and her son Richard.