Commander Conyngham Charles Denison, D.S.O., R.N. (6 April 1885 to 1967). He became the 7th Baron Londesborough on 31 December 1963.
Life and Career
Born in Boxglove the son of Captain the Honorable C Denison, R.N., he gained two and a half months' time on passing out of Britannia.
In 1903, Denison was recommended for his proficiency in flashing signals.
Denison was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 1 April, 1907.
Denison was appointed Sub-Lieutenant in Command of the first-class torpedo boat TB 34, soon to be renamed T.B. 034, on 23 July, 1906.
Denison submitted his resignation on 23 July, 1908 in light of urgent private affairs. It was accepted and he was placed on the Emergency List.
On 27 February 1915, Denison asked to replace Lt. Cdr Cree in command of Agler, tender to Escellent. He was informed that a lot of men with prior claims preceded him.
Denison was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander on the Emergency List on 1 April, 1915.
On 17 May 1916, Denison grounded TB 16 and was cautioned to be more careful in future.
While in command of Angler in May-June 1916, Denison lost Addenda F021 and F022 which had been issued to her.
On 25 August, he asked to be restored to the Active List from the Emergency List and was informed he would lose seniority for the time he was out of service. Denison decided that he did not want to do that.
Denison was appointed in command of Landrail in mid May 1917.
When Denison was next appointed in command of the destroyer Swale on 11 January, 1918, Captain (D), Portsmouth Escort Flotilla Compton noted that Denison was an "exceedingly good naval officer" and possessed "the gift of command" while in command of Landrail.
Post War
On 19 March, 1919, Denison was promoted to the rank of Commander on the Emergency List with an effective date of 11 November, 1918. On 17 May 1919, he was invested at Buckingham Palace with a D.S.O. for services in sloops on convoy and escort duties.[7]
World War II
After some work in Jamaica, Denison served in Trinidad, as S.N.O. vice Campbell and then in command of the shore establishment H.M.S. Benbow and as Captain of Port of Spain. He held an acting rank of Captain while in this position.
In late 1943, he was in Portsmouth. On 16 February, 1944 he reverted to Commander on the Emergency List. When he requested approval to seek other employment, he was informed there was no objection.
Summary of his life
- Born on 6 April 1885.
- Son of Commander Hon. Conyngham Albert Denison and Evelyn Maude Webster.
- Married, firstly, Vera Baxendale, daughter of Francis Hugh Baxendale, on 8 February 1912. He and Vera Baxendale were divorced in 1925.
- Married, secondly, Mabel Violet Megaw, daughter of Matthew George Megaw, on 18 June 1926.
- Married, thirdly, Jocelyn Helen Collins, daughter of Lt.-Cdr. Hugh Duppa Collins, on 23 January 1952.
- Died on 31 October 1967 at age 82, without issue.
- Fought in the First World War, where he was mentioned in despatches.
- Gained the rank of Commander in the service of the Royal Navy.
- Decorated with the award of the Companion, Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.).
- Captain-in-Charge of the Trinidad between 1939 and 1944.
- Succeeded to the title of 7th Baron Londesborough, in the East Riding, co. York [U.K., 1850] on 31 December 1963.