Richard Smeeton

Sir Richard Smeeton
Born 24 September 1912
Died 29 March 1992 (aged 79)
Allegiance United Kingdom United Kingdom
Service/branch Royal Navy
Years of service 1926 - 1964
Rank Vice Admiral
Commands held 800 Naval Air Squadron
HMS Albion
Battles/wars World War II
Awards Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath
Member of the Order of the British Empire

Vice Admiral Sir Richard Michael Smeeton KCB MBE DL (24 September 1912 – 29 March 1992) was a Royal Navy officer who became Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic.

Educated at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, Smeeton joined the Royal Navy in 1926.[1] He served in World War II with 804 Naval Air Squadron taking part in the Norwegian Campaign.[1] He continued his war service as Officer Commanding 800 Naval Air Squadron from June 1940, as assistant naval attaché in Washington D. C. from May 1941 and as Air Plans Officer to the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet from 1943.[1] He was appointed Captain of the aircraft carrier HMS Albion in 1955, Director of Plans at the Admiralty in 1956 and Flag officer, Aircraft Carriers in 1960.[1] He went on to be Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic in 1962 and retired in 1964.[1]

In retirement he became Chief Executive of the Society of British Aircraft Constructors[2] and Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Biplane fighter aces
  2. The 1968 SBAC Display Flight International, 26 September 1968
Military offices
Preceded by
Sir Charles Evans
Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic
19621964
Succeeded by
Sir William Beloe
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