DAVID BEATTY

Admiral D. Beatty named best British leader of the First World War. There was no naval commanders, who would be more famous in the big sea battles. This well-deserved fame sailor walked all my life.

David Beatty Born January 17, 1871 in the family of Captain David Beatty Longfilda. Since childhood, he received a Spartan upbringing and physical preparation of the athlete and later helped to carry the burdens of military service. He loved to read, especially books about boats. In contrast to the ancestors and brothers who served in the army, the young man chose a sea path. 13-year-old Jan 15, 1884 he began serving on the school ship "Britannia" in Dartmouth, and after 2 years, finished the course. Warrant officer newly arrived at the Mediterranean Fleet flagship, battleship "Alexander. " In the three years of a young officer gained a lot of acquaintances among the aristocracy. At Alexandria held a flag officer, Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, served as lieutenant of the future King George V. In addition to dating, Beatty was the first experience in the light.

In 1889, Beatty served as second lieutenant at the training ship "Ruby" in the year he had mastered sailing business. Then a sailor for a year and a half has passed the course the Naval College in Greenwich. Since Beatty is not easy in the classroom, it received on the exam estimates he had to serve another 27 months to rank of lieutenant. The service at the royal yacht has helped a young man with good manners to get this rank before. The lieutenant was a good maritime school in the Mediterranean fleet of battleships. But for the first time distinguished it on the River.

March 12, 1896 the British decided to seize the Dongola, the northern part of Sudan. Ten years earlier rebelled mahdisty (infidel enemies in the face of British, Egyptians and Turks), the country gained independence. Anglo-Egyptian expedition under the command of Lord Herbert Kitchener needed to support the ships on the Nile. To command a fleet of several gunboats appointed captain of the 3rd rank S. Colville. During the summer of 1896 Beatty was appointed commander of a gunboat. In battles with artillery mahdistami river vessels played a large role. When Colville was wounded in battle and handed over command of Beatty, Lieutenant at his own risk with gunboats broke to Dongola - rear base mahdistov destroyed ships from the coast and shelled the town, which on the following day troops captured Kitchener. Beatty was awarded the medal "For Distinguished Service" - rare for his position, and made the lists for early production in rank. In 1898 he took part in the fighting, followed by Sudanese troops were defeated. In the general battle of Omdurman September 2, 1898 gunboat Beatty maintained the southern flank of Kitchener. In autumn of 1898, Beatty attended the Fashodskom crisis, when the squad for the Kitchener gunboat seized Fort Fashoda, which strengthened 8 Europeans and 120 natives of the French flag. The British removed the risk of consolidation of France in Sudan, but that just was not led to war.

During the fighting merits of his return to England Beatty, the only naval officer, the last war in the Sudan from the beginning to the end, provided in advance to the rank of Captain 3rd rank. April 20, 1899 he was appointed a senior officer of battleship "Barfler" who commanded S. Colville. The ship was in the squadron off the coast of China. It was at this time, the Chinese peasant uprising broke out - "Ihetuan" seeking Inozemtsev expulsion from the country. Beatty to the group of paratroopers in June 1900, defended Tyantszin, in combat, was wounded in the arm, but three days later returned to the system, volunteered to lead the operation to cover retreat of Admiral Seymour. Until July 13, his landing party remained on shore, when the expeditionary force went to Beijing, sailors returned to the ship. These battles gave Beatty experiences on land and interact with ground officers. Because of the wounding sailor was sent to England and made a priority in the capital of the 1 st rank.

Recovered from the injury Beatty 2 June, 1902 was appointed commander of the cruiser "Juno. " Ambitious captain 1-st rank tried to make a cruiser model. Unlike most leaders, he encouraged subordinates autonomy judgments. Not served on the cruiser "Errogant", the officer took the latest cruiser "Suffolk" Mediterranean fleet, commanded by Admiral Lord Charles Beresford, a good sailor, tried to combine the marine service policy. Admiral did not advocate taking initiative and adhere strictly to the constitutional order. Nevertheless, he appreciated the exemplary commander of military training "Suffolk. " Apparently, because Beatty left the hands of excessive zeal. After receiving an urgent order from the leader to arrive in Malta, in 1904, Beatty hours cruiser drove at full speed, so that the main mechanisms for out of service. Said that the captain cast by the court, but all cost.

At the end of 1905, Beatty was appointed naval adviser at the Army headquarters in London. His work in the rivalry between the Navy and the Army demanded and knowledge, and sensitivity.

In December 1908 Captain 1 st Rank Beatty was appointed commander of squadron of battleships "Queen", member of the Atlantic Fleet, based in Gibraltar. Under the command of Vice Admiral energetic Prince Louis Battenberga fleet is constantly engaged in drills and maneuvers. Do Battenberga Beatty was also the best account. 1 Jan. , 1910 seaman, returned to England, made early in the counter-admirals. Earlier his flag rank in that age received only Horatio Nelson.

In spring of 1910 Beatty a few months in Portsmouth studied the course of strategy and tactics for senior officers, but not from classes in delight as they a waste of time.

In early July 1911 alecky Beatty asked the Secretary to the Minister of Maritime to appoint him commander of 1 st or 2 nd division battleship Navy Metropolitan or head of the mobilization of the Admiralty, but was appointed commander of the 3rd squadron of the Atlantic Fleet. His rejection of the appointment threatened with dismissal from service. However, in October 1911, the sea became a minister Winston Churchill, who identified himself he knows Beatty Secretary to the Minister of Maritime Affairs of the fleet.

Photo — «David Beatty»

Churchill did not disappoint, and later wrote about the counter-admiral: "Thus, working side by side in communicating cabinets, over the next 15 months we have regularly discussed the problem of maritime war with Germany. For me, it became gradually clear that it deals with issues of naval strategy and tactics somewhat different light than conventional naval officer: he had approached them, as it seemed to me largely from the perspective of a soldier. His experience of war on land provided an opportunity for a different look at the facts, knowledge of which he received as a seaman. He was not a conventional instrumentalists. He did not consider the material as part of the ultimate goal, but only as a means. "

Beatty had to assume the role of personal headquarters Churchill. He made a number of strategic development (the construction of Navy bases, the threat of mines and submarines, the need for light forces in order Yarmute and Garviche, the possibility of strategic blocking the German Navy, collaboration with the French fleet, on the functions of linear and other cruisers). These documents demonstrate the breadth and originality of thinking Rear-Admiral. Many of his ideas through the 1912-1913 years 2-3 years have been implemented.

During the summer of 1912 during a large exercise in the North Sea, a sailor in command of the cruisers and armored divisions for 6 weeks, made a robust connection is staffed reservists. A spring 1913 Churchill appointed him commander of a squadron of battle cruiser. March 1, Beatty raised the flag on the "Lion. " To turn a squadron of the newest ships in the model, it is often out of the sea for scientists studying the weak and strong points battle cruiser, train subordinates offensive spirit and confidence.

Squadron gradually enriched with new ships that require the training of crews. Battle cruiser participated in training exercises and maneuvers off the coast of England. After the first maneuver Beatty came to the conclusion that a new tactic, and in April gave the commander of fleet tactical development of a "battle cruiser squadron functions. He considers it necessary to train gunners shooting at high speeds and distances of moving targets. The first experience of shooting at a speed of 25 knots on the panel with the moving distance of 16000 meters, showed lack of crews and disadvantages optics.

Conducted in July 1913 full-scale exercises have demonstrated that the landing of German troops in England is possible, even if the superiority of the British fleet. Lesson forced to think. The following maneuvers Beattie has managed to capture and detain enemy fleet to approach the main forces.

In 1914, the squadron Beatty was cut off from large maneuvers for diplomatic purposes. Battle cruiser visited France and Russia to show friendship to the Allies. In the midst of a campaign came the news of the assassination in Sarajevo, and on the orders of the Admiralty squadron of Russia urgently returned to the metropolis. The diplomatic mission was rated highly: Beatty awarded the Order of Bath, and August 2, made in the vice-admirals.

Another 29 July, 1914 main force of British fleet went to Scapa-Flow. They were 4 of the battle cruiser Beatty, 3 were in the Mediterranean to intercept "Gebena" and "Queen Mary" soon joined the squadron.

Ad war Germany on 4 August Beatty received with relief after a long nervous wait. He was certain that war will be fleeting.

Even before the declaration of war battle-fleet out to sea, sending a squadron to the coast of Norway Beatty and light forces to intercept the German raiders, but returned not find the enemy. The first days were limited by small fleets of adversaries actions. However, public opinion of England demanded decisive results. The Admiralty had approved a plan of attack on German forces in the patrol Gelgolandskoy Bay to call out the enemy at sea and put it on the line 5 cruisers Beatty. The attack on 28 August failed. When the fight entered the German cruiser, Beatty risk to enter their boats in the narrow passage, dobil immediate enemy and retreated. Of the 3 lost 2 cruisers sunk by German battle cruiser. The first victory lifted the spirit of the fleet. However, Beatty was a little offended that only in October received a thank-you letter from the Admiralty.

After the defeat at Coronel 3 battle cruiser sent to the shores of America, which split from the squad Shpee Folklendskih islands. Beatty has carefully examined the details Folklendskogo battle. He found a huge flow of heavy projectiles with a relatively small number of hits due to shortcomings in management of artillery fire. The victory was achieved only by a superior fleet.

In the meantime, and the German command decided to lift the spirit of the fleet to intensify action. 3 November, the German battle cruiser Hippera fired coast in an area Yarmuta and put the mine barrier. Squadron Beattie hastily withdrew into the sea, but did not manage to catch up with Hippera.

December 15, again the German battle cruiser came to shell the coast of England, and behind them as a cover for Navy ships have gone the high seas, Admiral Ingenolya. With the knowledge of the German Code of withdrawal Hippera knew from radio and Dzhelliko part of the fleet sent to intercept, without knowing about the main forces of the enemy. Two Navy closer, but Ingenol decided to depart earlier than the meeting occurred. Beatty, persecuting the German destroyers and turned back, also did not know that a little would not reach the main forces of the high seas fleet. Meanwhile, the German battle cruiser fired Hartpul, Scarborough and moved away, did not found the British fleet. The shelling of the British coast has caused indignation of public opinion. However, limited to maritime command that moved the battle cruiser in Rozayt closer to a possible place of the battle. Sam Beattie believed that when dealing with the enemy will certainly be defeated and the war ended.

The evening of January 23, 1915 Squadron Hippera again went into the sea, supported by group dreadnought. According to the radio in the area of Dogger-bank sent the ships, accompanied by Beatty light forces to intercept the enemy. At dawn on January 24, battle cruiser approached the goal and saw the enemy. At the squadron Hippera noticed the superior British force, turned back.

Photo — «David Beatty»

Beatty ordered to increase the speed to 29 knots, but some of his cruisers start to lose ground. In the end the German squadron was less fast "Блюхер", who inherited a large part of the shells. He received severe injuries battle cruiser "Zeydlits, but at the tow was taken at the base. On the other hand - has received 17 hits heavy projectiles flagship "Lion" lost control and went down. Sam Beattie miraculously stayed alive, but standing on the open bridge. Next to the post of officers did not pursue a major force Hippera. The victim was a British one Блюхер. Beatty was dissatisfied. He believed that it was possible to exterminate all of the German battle cruiser. But the public admired the fact that Vice-Admiral to avenge the bombardment of British cities.

Only in the spring of 1916, after a period of inactivity Fleet seas headed by the new commander of R. Sheerom made several incursions into the North Sea. May 31, 1916 out of English and German fleets led to Yutlandskomu battle. There were 6 Beatty battle cruiser, 4 superdrednouta, 13 light cruisers and 39 destroyers, with whom he went to connect to the main forces to a point 90 miles from the Skagerrak. His squadron accidentally met with Hipperom. Beatty immediately went to the convergence of the main forces, giving the signal to the counter-Admiral Hugh Evan-Thomas, commander of sverhdrednoutami, follow him. However, "Barheme" signals are not even accepted. 6 battle cruiser Beatty strongly engaged in battle with 5 ships Hippera, who immediately began to depart, zavlekaya enemy fleet under the guns of high seas. The British pursued despite the fact that during the two-way exchanges of artillery to the south a squadron of German shells hit British ships, a battle cruiser "Indifatigabl" and "Queen Mary" took off in the air. Help had finally podoshedshie 4 sverhdrednouta Evan Thomas. Sam Beattie for the convenience of the fire remained under observation in the open bridge.

After 16 hours and 30 minutes, when the patrol cruiser "Southampton" Navy discovered the high seas, the role changed. Now, Beatty turned to the north, leads to its main enemy forces, not a suspect, that the sea went the entire British fleet. Beatty, taking advantage of the speed, chose a course in which Hipper as long as possible could not find strength Dzhelliko. At the same opponents exchanged volleys, which caused serious damage. An hour later on the battlefield there were 3 main battle cruiser vanguard forces and engaged in battle, but even one hour "Invincible" took off in the air.

Meanwhile, the battle joined for the Grand Fleet. Admiral Sheer, seeing a superior opponent, made the turn "all the sudden" and headed to their shores, before the onset of darkness made several turns to evade the enemy. Dzhelliko decided not to fight night. In the darkness were sporadic clashes, attacks minonostsev. As a result, the German Navy was able to reach the bases, deprived of only one modern ship - battle cruiser "Lutzow".

In Germany, the battle declared "victory in the Skagerrak" and awarded the parties. In fact, the sea is for the Grand Fleet, as many German ships requiring repair, while 24 British dreadnought almost not affected. However, the press initially estimated the battle as a failure, and only a month later he was winning.

Beatty immediately after the battle has caused to his eldest surviving an artillery officer with the dead ship, and long inquired. For him, on 31 May was not a holiday, but memories of the day of the dead. Beattie believed that it was possible to completely defeat the enemy, and it did not happen due to the fault Dzhelliko. British sailors were divided into supporters of Beatty and Dzhelliko. The first thought that Beatty led the fleet to bring it to victory, as Nelson did at Trafalgar. Others thought that Beatty embarked on a pell-mell battle, and broke plans Dzhelliko.

August 18, Dzhelliko again out fleet after the news about the German navy. Avant-garde line of cruisers and sverhdrednouty Beatty. However, opponents of randomness is not met: German Zeppelin took over battleship detachment of destroyers, and Sheer turned not to be cut off from the bases. Once out of the go forth in November 1916, Navy seas 2 dreadnought suffered attacks from submarines. Kaiser banned exits into the sea. On the other hand, and Dzhelliko believed that the Grand Fleet go far into the dangerous south.

In November 1916, Dzhelliko appointed First Sea Lord. His place of the commander of the fleet in the waters of metropolitan released. While Beatty was the ninth highest in the list of applicants, and Dzhelliko propose a candidate, but under the influence of public opinion is elected Beattie. On 27 November he took command. A week later, 45-year-old sailor made of admirals. Immediately after the entry into the command Beatty collected leader, who was the youngest age. With the tact he has managed to find a common language with subordinates. In the next two years confined to the British blockade and were at sea when the news of the possible withdrawal of high seas fleet.

When in January 1917, Germany announced unrestricted underwater warfare, Beatty had to work hard to bring order to escort ships.

Only in April 1918, the German fleet left the base. Despite the fog, Beatty brought the ship into the sea 193. But the battle did not happen, because the Germans were late to intercept the convoy and returned earlier than Beatty approached.

The war ended. In September 1918, Beatty on behalf of First Sea Lord Uemissa with a group of officers began to develop and October 19-21, Admiralty and the Government introduced the draft terms of putting the German Navy. Because there was no high-profile victories in the war, it was necessary to make such a victory for the surrender. The draft stipulated that the allies should refer the newest ships of the German Navy, including all submarines in the alert. In November 1918, a truce was signed with Germany on the basis of which 15 November Beatty received the surrender of German fleet. A week later, the best German ships were in Scapa-Flow.

The question of the fate of the German fleet has led to discord with the Americans, who feared that the UK will become hegemon seas, and Germany offered to return part of its fleet.

Photo — «David Beatty»

Beatty, like most seamen of England, stood for the division of the fleet between the allies. In a memorandum to the Admiralty, Admiral pointed out the danger of marine arms race, which is envisaged in the United States, and offered to distribute trophies to apportion losses of the allied fleets, which retains the advantage of the British. The debate on this issue, Lloyd George and Wilson just was not disrupted the Paris Peace Conference. Flooding of the German ships by their teams of 21 Jun. , 1919 helped to resolve disputes. However, the U. S. naval armament, it has not stopped.

After the war Beatty was surrounded with glory. April 3, 1919 and his Dzhelliko fired in excess of admirals in the Navy. After cruising the Mediterranean Sea captain received earldom, the title of honorary citizen of London, the Order of Merit, honorary academic titles and degrees oldest university, the monetary value of the 100,000 pounds (twice Dzhelliko).

1 Nov, 1919 Beatty entered in Whitehall as the First Sea Lord. Almost 8 years, until July 1927, Fleet Admiral edinovlastno almost solved the main issues of marine policy. He had to deal with such complex issues as intervention in Soviet Russia, development of doctrine in a growing sea power of the United States and Japan, demobilization and modernization of the fleet, the reduction of marine weapons at international conferences, international experience of the war, the construction of a naval base in Singapore, and many others. It is strongly sought by the Government of the necessary material resources and to maintain good relations with all the maritime ministers who acknowledge his authority as a military professional.

During the discussion, which the fleet must have, Beatty has made the need to maintain the battleship as a nucleus surrounded by a mass of cheap cruisers and other small vessels. He had to accommodate the growth of the fleet of Japan, becoming a major adversary in the Pacific Ocean. In 1921, based on established general maritime headquarters outline strategic plan for war against Japan, Beatty persuaded the heads of delegation to the Imperial Conference, that the threat is not as great dominion, and the fleet will have to come to the Pacific Ocean before the Japanese would be able to organize large takeovers. It was finally decided to abandon the alliance with Japan, so as not to spoil relations with the United States.

However, Beatty and his staff had to decide what can be contrasted to the American maritime power. Admiral Navy believed that the Americans are learning quickly, but low to assess their quality of experience of fighting World War II. In 1920, in the Admiralty insisted that there should be parity with the U. S. battleship and cruisers, to maintain its position on the seas. A special advantage of creating a system well-equipped bases around the world and a huge commercial fleet. With these main findings and Beattie went to the Washington conference.

Beatty was an advisor, not a member of the delegation. However, due to its credibility, he influenced the course of the conference. Upon arriving in the U. S. for a month before the delegation at the invitation of the American Legion, he overtake the country. Everywhere it greeted as a hero of war. In a report to King Beatty wrote that the American proposal to stop at 10 years of heavy construction vehicles would be difficult for the military industry will require the support and the resumption of shipbuilding will cost dearly. He soon returned to England, leaving Chetfildu instructions. There has been made for the British rights to build 2 new battleship, and not to limit the cruiser, allowing download industry. This United Kingdom was again slightly ahead of maritime powers.

Beatty strongly opposed the proposal of the Minister of Labor, to reduce the linear displacement of the ship from 35 to 25 thousand tons, thereby reducing air and underwater protection and allows to build such ships treterazryadnym countries. In England, as in the United States, during the reduction of shipbuilding capacity means a lot invested in the modernization of ships, and Beattie had to earn the money.

Ironically, in 1924, Beatty had to battle over the allocation of funds for the fleet with Winston Churchill as Minister of Finance in the cabinet C. Baldwin. As a result, the fleet size has decreased. In 1924, Beatty examined the Black Sea ports, choosing a base for attacks on the USSR.

At the Geneva Conference, the three maritime powers in 1927, convened at the initiative of the United States for the spread of restrictions on all classes of warships, British delegates proposed significant changes regarding the fleet, unacceptable to Americans. They were prepared by Beatty and made Minister of Marine W. Bridzhmenom. In particular, the Russian side has proposed to reduce the tonnage of new battleships and 30 thousand tons, the main gauge to 356 mm, which gave the advantage of the country, had the type of battleship "Nelson", and insisted on maintaining its superiority in the number of cruisers. The Americans could not go to such conditions and preserve a significant preponderance of the British fleet. Beatty wrote to his wife: "At first reading the proposals of the United States and Japan at the conference, it is obvious that we have too disagree and to build a bridge too long before we can even think to go forward. Fortunately, I have linked our naval representatives so that they will not be able to walk a step without consulting with me, and in that sense, I think everything will be fine. "

Because of the persistence of marine representatives of delegations of the United States and Britain to make certain decisions are not able to that for years gave rise to the Anglo-American maritime rivalry.

7 Jul, 1927, King accepted the resignation of Beatty. Admiral have conducted in the last path Dzhelliko. On the night of March 13, 1936 captain the most brilliant British Navy During World War II has died. The Second World War delayed the perpetuation of the leader. Only 21 October, 1948 at Trafalgar Square was a monument and the Beattie Dzhelliko, though inferior in size monument dedicated to Nelson.

There is no doubt that much effort Beatty helped preserve and enhance the marine power Britain by the beginning of the Second World War.