Admiral SIR Rudolf Walter Bentinck, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., (20 March 1869 – 31 March 1947)
Early Life and Career
Rudolf Walter Bentinck was born at Littlegreen House, Compton, Sussex, on 20 March 1869, the third son of Walter Bentinck, a retired army officer, (and later fifteenth baron Bentinck, an old Dutch title) and Henrietta Bentinck.
He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant with seniority of 14 July 1890.
Bentinck was promoted to the rank of Commander on 31 December 1901.
He was promoted to the rank of Captain on 31 December 1907.
In August 1910, he assumed command of the light cruiser Bristol, followed by command of Osborne College. A stint in Centurion on the staff of Vice-Admiral Jellicoe ran from 31 July 1914 until 4 August.
The Great War
His service record shows him being placed in temporary command of Queen Mary on 13 October 1914, but also in King George V from 4 August through 6 November, when he was appointed in command of the battleship Superb.
On 29 June 1916, Bentinck received a plum assignment: command of the battlecruiser Tiger.
On 15 September 1916 he was appointed an Additional Member of the Third Class, or Companion, in the Military Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (C.B.) dated 31 May.
He assumed command of the light cruiser Calliope in August 1917 placing him in command of the Fourth Light Cruiser Squadron until 26 October.
Post War
On 3 January 1919, Bentinck was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral. On the occasion of the King's birthday he was appointed an Additional Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (K.C.M.G.) on 3 June.
Bentinck was appointed Commander-in-Chief on the Africa Station in succession to Vice-Admiral Sir William E. Goodenough, dated 12 June 1922.
He was promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral on 31 July 1924.
He was appointed an Ordinary Member of the Second Class, or Knight Commander, in the Military Division of the Order of the Bath (K.C.B.) on 3 July 1926.
Bentinck was promoted to the rank of Admiral on 22 February 1928. He was placed on the Retired List at his own request on 9 October 1929.
Family
In 1898 he married Mabel Fetherstonhaugh; they had one son and one daughter.