Hi

Well I am kinda new to this area of modelling and I am gradually learning more and more about naval history.

Whats your opinion on who was the greatest admiral and why? It could be anytime in naval history and any nationality or navy.

Personally at this point in time I greatly admire Admiral Donitz and I saw a video just yesterday of him talking and explaining his experiences. I admire his war record and achievements with the U Boats. He wasnt perfect however I am enjoying learning about his life and achievements.

Whats everyone elses opinion/s on who was the greatest admiral?

Regards

Sean

Good question, mate. . .

Wow, Sean, that's like asking me who was a better General, Patton or Rommel. . .There are so many great men in history that have been in the Admiral position, each with his own accomplishments and attributes, and most with at least one bout of heroism under his belt.

I couldn't even begin to choose the "greatest", but one of my favorite's is Rear Admiral Rafael Celestino Benitez , a submarine commander during the Cold War. . .great story, if you ever see a copy of the book "Blind Man's Bluff, by Sontag, pick it up! It's chock full of great Admirals and their stories in Cold War times! How about it, mates, let's hear about your favorites?!
~Gunny

In a sense, admirals are almost invisible. Yeah they are the Big Kahuna's and all that, but most naval fighting is done at a lower level. There aren't that many major naval engagements like big land battles, so admirals are more "known" for their planning & administration ...

Anyway, I nominate Nelson & "Jackie" Fisher ...

John

I know that some people will disagree with my choice, but I've always liked "Bull" Halsey. His hit and run tactics drove the IJN nuts in '42. Nimitz runs a close second.

later...Gator

Nelson (ouch!) and Togo..

Thanks Shipmates this is great.

This informs me of a few more Admirals in Naval History to research and found out more details about.


Regards

Sean

Another one of my favorites is Issac Kidd, commander of BatDiv 1 at Pearl Harbor. He lost his life directing anti-aircraft fire on the Arizona, his flagship. Received the CMOH for his bravery.

later...Gator

Would have to be Lord Horatio Nelson for me... the days when Admirals were still involved in sailing flotillas and such and not sailing desks...