28 Facts About Philip Vian

Post-war, Philip Vian served in the United Kingdom, as a Fifth Sea Lord and as Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet.

Philip Vian retired in 1952 with the rank of Admiral of the Fleet, took up commercial directorships, and died at home in 1968.

At the start of the First World War, Philip Vian remained on Lord Nelson which, as an obsolescent ship, was kept at Portland away from danger.

Philip Vian was confirmed as a sub-lieutenant in January 1915.

Philip Vian returned to the UK in July 1935 at the end of the crisis and attended a Senior Officers Technical Course before rejoining the 19th Destroyer Flotilla.

En route home Philip Vian's ships responded to a call from the British Consul in Vigo for protection for British residents at the start of the Spanish Civil War.

Philip Vian's ships acted in various roles, including, after discussion, the evacuation of British residents.

When relieved by the 2nd Destroyer Flotilla, Philip Vian's ships continued home.

Philip Vian greatly preferred sea duties and gladly took up the new appointment in March 1937.

Philip Vian returned to the UK shortly before the Second World War broke out.

In February 1940, Philip Vian's flotilla was ordered to find and locate the German supply tanker, Altmark.

On 9 April 1940, Philip Vian's destroyers were escorting two cruisers off Bergen when they came under heavy German air attack.

Philip Vian was mentioned in despatches for his part in the action.

Philip Vian received a second bar to his DSO for this action.

Philip Vian was promoted to rear admiral on 8 July 1941, by special order of the First Sea Lord, Sir Dudley Pound.

In June 1942, Philip Vian's force provided escort for the Operation Vigorous convoy from Haifa and Port Said.

In November 1943, Philip Vian returned to the UK as commander of Force J in preparation for D-Day and in January 1944, he was appointed commander of the Eastern Task Force, supporting the D-Day landings in Normandy.

Philip Vian was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath in the King's Birthday Honours, which coincided with the early stages of the invasion.

In November 1944, Philip Vian became the commander in charge of air operations of the British Pacific Fleet.

Philip Vian was mentioned in despatches for "bravery, skill and devotion to duty".

Philip Vian's carriers were externally resistant to the determined suicide attacks, returning to active service within hours.

Philip Vian was promoted to vice admiral on 8 May 1945.

Philip Vian was promoted to Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath in the 1952 New Year Honours.

Philip Vian was mentioned in despatches five times, and received several foreign awards.

In retirement, Philip Vian became a director of the Midland Bank and the North British and Mercantile Insurance Company.

Philip Vian published his memoirs, Action This Day, in 1960.

Philip Vian died on 27 May 1968 at his home at Ashford Hill, Hampshire near Newbury, Berkshire.

Philip Vian married, on 2 December 1929, Marjorie, daughter of Colonel David Price Haig, OBE of Withyham in Sussex; they had two daughters.