George Hyde

Admiral Sir George Francis Hyde, (19 July 1877 – 28 July 1937) was an English-born Australian admiral, known as a former head and the first officer to achieve the rank of full admiral in the Royal Australian Navy. Early life Hyde was born in the seaside resort, Southsea, in the city of Portsmouth. He was the son of a clerk, Ebenezer Hyde, and Maria, née Alexander. Educated at a private school in Portsmouth, Hyde's desire to attain a high rank in the Royal Navy was strengthened by a love to serve his country, and love for the sea. Entrance into Britain's Royal Navy In 1894, Hyde entered the merchant service as an apprentice, hoping to gain a commission into the Royal Naval Reserve. Finishing his apprenticeship after four trips aboard a sailing ship, Mount Stewart, he journeyed as second mate in the barque Amulree in 1898. Hyde was commissioned as a midshipman in the Royal Naval Reserve in 1896, and served upon His Majesty's Ships , , , and , as reserve. Promoted to sub-lieutenant in 1901, he was posted as an acting lieutenant to the battleship on 23 June 1902, to serve during the Coronation Fleet Review for King Edward VII. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant the following month, on 19 July 1902, and was posted to for 12 months training from late August 1902. He continued his services to the Naval Reserve until he was gazetted as a lieutenant in the Royal Navy in July 1905. This was due to winning an essay competition about the Russo-Japanese War, in which he was, upon the intervention of Admiral Lord Charles Beresford, "elevated to join the list of Supplementary Lieutenants". The admiral had submitted three applications before Hyde was promoted to the Royal Navy. Transfer to Australia After commanding several ships such as Torpedo Boat No.6, a destroyer , and a cruiser , Hyde travelled to Australia, after being placed on loan to the Commonwealth Naval Forces. After returning to England, Hyde was granted a transfer to the Royal Australian Navy in 1912, and was commissioned the rank of commander. In 1913, he sailed in the , to Australia.