Rear Admiral Hugh Webb Faulkner CB, CBE, DSO OM 1912
Last updated: 2008
A distinguished naval officer, Rear Admiral Hugh Faulkner was Allied Naval Commander in Chief during the Second World War. In the First World War Faulkner served with the Grand Home Fleet as Midshipman on HMAS Australia and then as Sub-Lieutenant on an escort Patrol Boat.
At the beginning of the Second World War he was Commander of the battleship HMS Resolution and then Captain of the light cruiser HMS Edinburgh. When HMS Edinburgh was sunk following an intense attack from a German submarine and destroyer, Faulkner was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership and bravery.
After serving as Naval Member of a Mission to the United States, he directed the Naval Section of Combined Operations and then became Chief of Staff. In the final year of the war he was appointed Allied Naval Commander in Chief.
Faulkner was mentioned in despatches on four occasions and honoured as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1945. After the war he was Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier HMS Triumph and Captain of the Royal Navy College at Dartmouth. He then served as Flag Officer in Malaya and Admiral Superintendent of HM Dockyard, Singapore.
Melbourne Grammar School marked its sesquicentenary in 2008. As part of the celebrations, a Talents Committed Exhibition was staged. This exhibition recognised 150 Old Melburnians who have made a difference to the City of Melbourne, the State of Victoria and the wider community in Australia and overseas.
The above profile was included in the Talents Committed Exhibition in 2008.