Vice-Admiral Henry Louis Fleet, CBE

From Dreadnoughtproject.org

Vice-Admiral Henry Louis Fleet, C.B.E., R.N., Retired (1 May, 1850 – 17 September, 1923) was an officer in the Royal Navy.

Life & Career

Born in Tollington Park, Holloway, Fleet entered the naval service on 9 August, 1864.

He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 15 June, 1874.

Fleet was appointed to the composite-hulled gunboat Condor (later of "Well done, Condor!" fame) on 17 July, 1877.

He was promoted to the rank of Commander on 21 June, 1887 and married Alice Mary Elliot on 25 October, 1887.

Fleet was promoted to the rank of Captain on 1 January, 1895. In 1897, he was appointed captain of the Magdala. His appointment was extended by twelve months and he was superseded on 2 November, 1899.

He was appointed in command of Howe on 13 January, 1900 and assumed command on 19 January. He remained with Howe until 12 October, 1901, when he became captain of the pre-dreadnought battleship Empress of India.

Fleet was appointed in command of the Western Coast Guard District on 21 May, 1903 and assumed command on 29 June. His appointment there ended when he was placed on the Retired List on account of age one 1 May, 1905.