James Somerville

British Royal Navy officer (1882-1949) · United Kingdom · On the map · Died at 66

Admiral of the Fleet Sir James Fownes Somerville, was a Royal Navy admiral. He served in the First World War as fleet wireless officer for the Mediterranean Fleet where he was involved in providing naval support for the Gallipoli Campaign.

James Somerville is read about 78 times a day, in 18 languages.

A typical day, 30 days to 19 August 2026

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People around James

Family

Father Arthur Fownes Somerville

James Somerville

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Also in Deutsch

Media & music

Photos 4

The sinking of the French battleship Bretagne at Mers El Kébir

The aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal during the Battle of Cape Spartivento

Somerville as Commander-in-Chief, Eastern Fleet with Captain G.N. Oliver on board HMS Warspite

Awards

Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire

Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath

Commander of the Legion of Merit

Distinguished Service Order

Legionnaire of Legion of Merit

About this person

He also served in the Second World War as commander of the newly formed Force H: after the French armistice with Germany, Winston Churchill gave Somerville and Force H the task of neutralizing the main element of the French battle fleet, then at Mers El Kébir in Algeria. After he had destroyed the French Battle fleet, Somerville played an important role in the pursuit and sinking of the German battleship Bismarck.

Country

United Kingdom

Type

Other

Status

Deceased

Dates

Lived 1882 to 1949 · aged 66