David Wells (admiral)
Rear Admiral David Charles Wells, CBE (19 November 1918 – 27 September 1983) was a senior commander in the Royal Australian Navy, who commanded ANZUK in Singapore from its formation in November 1971 until 1973.
David Wells | |
|---|---|
| Born | 19 November 1918 Inverell, New South Wales |
| Died | 27 September 1983 (aged 64) Coolah, New South Wales |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/ | Royal Australian Navy |
| Years of service | 1933–1975 |
| Rank | Rear Admiral |
| Commands held | HM Australian Fleet (1974–75) ANZUK (1971–73) Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (1970–71) East Australia Area (1968–70) HMAS Albatross (1967–68) HMAS Melbourne (1965–67) HMAS Voyager (1959–60) HMAS Queenborough (1954–56) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Commander of the Order of the British Empire |
Naval career
Wells entered the Royal Australian Navy's College at the Flinders Naval Depot in January 1933, aged 14. Almost four years later, he was awarded maximum time towards early promotion to lieutenant) as well as prizes for excellence in maths, physics and chemistry.[1]
He earned the Otto Albert prize for seamanship, and the King's Gold Medal for most exemplary conduct, performance of duty and good influence among his peers. Wells was promoted to midshipman in January 1937.[1]
From 1970–71 Rear Admiral Wells served as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff in Canberra, in recognition of which he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1971. Wells commanded the tri-nation and tri-service ANZUK force based in Singapore from 1971 to 1973 and, on his return to Australia, was posted as Flag Officer Commanding HM Australian Fleet from February 1974 to November 1975, after which he retired.[1]
Last years and death
Wells died at Coolah, New South Wales on 27 September 1983, aged 64.[1]
References
- "Rear Admiral David Charles Wells profile". navy.gov.au. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
| Military offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Rear Admiral Anthony Synnot |
Flag Officer Commanding HM Australian Fleet 1974–1975 |
Succeeded by Rear Admiral Geoffrey Gladstone |
| New command | Commander ANZUK 1971–1973 |
Succeeded by Air Vice Marshal Richard Wakeford |
| Preceded by Rear Admiral David Stevenson |
Deputy Chief of Naval Staff 1970–1971 |
Succeeded by Rear Admiral Anthony Synnot |
| Preceded by Rear Admiral Thomas Morrison |
Flag Officer-in-Charge East Australia Area 1968–1970 |
Succeeded by Rear Admiral Gordon Crabb |