Admiral Sir Richard Onslow: A Distinguished Career in the Royal Navy
Admiral Sir Richard George Onslow was a highly decorated officer of the United Kingdom's Royal Navy whose career spanned the tumultuous years of both World Wars. From his early training at the Royal Naval Colleges to his final appointment as Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth, Onslow's trajectory was marked by strategic leadership, bravery in combat, and a commitment to naval excellence.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Sir Richard George Onslow, KCB, DSO & Three Bars, DL.
- Service Period: 1918–1962.
- Highest Rank: Admiral.
- Major Commands: Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth; Reserve Fleet; HMS Devonshire.
- Key Conflicts: First World War and Second World War.
- Notable Awards: Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) and the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) with three bars.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 15, 1904, in Garmston, Shropshire, Richard Onslow was the eldest son of George Arthur Onslow, a farmer, and Charlotte Riou Benson. His path toward a maritime career began with formal education at the Royal Naval College, Osborne, and the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.
Onslow officially joined the Royal Navy in 1918, coinciding with the conclusion of the First World War. To further his professional development, he attended the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, between 1934 and 1935, preparing him for the leadership roles he would assume during the global conflict that followed.
Naval Career and World War II
At the onset of the Second World War, Onslow served within the Plans Division of the Naval Staff. In 1940, he participated in a high-stakes but unsuccessful mission to evacuate the Belgian government and its gold reserves from Bordeaux during the Fall of France, an operation that nearly resulted in his capture by German forces.
By 1941, Onslow took command of the destroyer HMS Ashanti. In this role, he was tasked with the critical defense of convoys bound for Malta and the Soviet Union. His bravery and efficiency during these operations earned him the Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and the Soviet Order of the Red Banner.
In 1943, Onslow transitioned to the anti-submarine training establishment, HMS Osprey, before being appointed captain of the 4th Destroyer Flotilla in November of that year. While leading the flotilla, he earned the third of his three DSO bars following a successful attack on a Japanese base at Sabang, Sumatra.
Post-War Leadership and Retirement
Following the war, Onslow continued his professional growth at the Imperial Defence College in London. He served as the Senior Naval Officer in Northern Ireland and later became the Director of the Tactical Division at the Admiralty in 1948.
His ascent through the senior ranks continued with the command of the training ship HMS Devonshire in 1951, followed by his appointment as Naval Secretary in 1952. He subsequently served as Flag Officer (Flotillas) for the Home Fleet in 1955 and Flag Officer commanding the Reserve Fleet in 1956.
The pinnacle of his career came in 1958 when he was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth. Admiral Onslow retired from active service in 1962.
In his retirement, he returned to his roots in Shropshire, where he served as a Deputy Lieutenant for the county from April 13, 1962. He resided at Ryton Grove in Great Ryton until his death on December 16, 1975, at the age of 71.
Summary of Service and Commands
| Period/Year | Command or Role | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1937–1938 | HMS Gipsy | Early command experience |
| 1941–1942 | HMS Ashanti | Russian and Malta convoys |
| 1943 | HMS Osprey | Anti-submarine training |
| 1943–1945 | 4th Destroyer Flotilla / HMS Quilliam | Attack on Sabang, Sumatra |
| 1951–1952 | HMS Devonshire | Training ship command |
| 1956–1958 | Reserve Fleet | Flag Officer commanding |
| 1958–1961 | Plymouth Command | Commander-in-Chief |
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Admiral Onslow's most significant awards?
He was a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) and received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) with three bars. He was also honored with the Soviet Order of the Red Banner and the Swedish Order of the Sword.
Which ships did Admiral Onslow command?
His commands included HMS Gipsy, HMS Ashanti, HMS Osprey, HMS Quilliam, and the training ship HMS Devonshire.
What role did he play in the Second World War?
Onslow served in the Plans Division, attempted the evacuation of the Belgian government in 1940, defended convoys to Malta and Russia, and led the 4th Destroyer Flotilla in attacks against Japanese forces in Sumatra.
What was his final naval appointment?
His final appointment before retiring in 1962 was as the Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth.
What did he do after retiring from the Royal Navy?
After retiring in 1962, he became a Deputy Lieutenant for Shropshire and lived at Ryton Grove in Great Ryton.