10 Facts About Percival Hall-Thompson

Percival Hall-Thompson went on to be First Naval Member and Chief of the Australian Naval Staff.

Percival Hall-Thompson was posted to the training ship HMS Britannia as a cadet.

Percival Hall-Thompson arrived in New Zealand with his family on 24 June 1914 and settled in Wellington to begin implementing a training program for New Zealand cadets.

Percival Hall-Thompson took Philomel on its first cruise in New Zealand service at the end of the following month but was almost immediately recalled to Wellington when it became apparent that war was to break out in Europe.

Percival Hall-Thompson then escorted the main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to Australia where it joined a convoy of troopships carrying men of the Australian Imperial Force destined for Egypt.

In 1919, much to his disappointment as he enjoyed living in New Zealand, Percival Hall-Thompson was recalled to England.

Percival Hall-Thompson contributed a chapter to a volume of the Official History of New Zealand's Effort in the Great War, writing about the work of Philomel and this was published in 1923.

Percival Hall-Thompson completed his term with the Australian Navy in 1926 and went on to command the 3rd Battle Squadron of the Atlantic Fleet from 1927 to 1928.

Percival Hall-Thompson then led the Reserve Fleet for two years.

Percival Hall-Thompson lived in Kent until he died on 6 July 1950, survived by his wife and four children.