Page:Admirals of the British Navy.djvu/56

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XII COMMODORE SIR REGINALD YORKE TYRWHITT, K.C.B., D.S.O. COMMODORE (First Class) SIR REGINALD YORKE TYRWHITT, K.C.B., D.S.O., was born in 1870 and entered the " Britannia ' as a cadet in 1885, becoming a Lieutenant on August 25th, 1892. As Lieutenant of H.M.S. " Cleopatra " in 1894 he was one of a landing party, composed of seamen and marines, under Lieutenant Colmore, who went to protect the inhabitants of Bluefields, Nicaragua. This expedition saved the lives of the inhabitants, who expressed their gratitude in a letter of thanks. Having become a Captain on June 3Oth, 1908, Captain Tyrwhitt commanded the Second Flotilla from August, 1912, to November, 1913, when he was appointed Captain of the First Fleet Flotillas and was advanced to the rank of Commodore (Second Class), in April, 1914. At the outbreak of war, Commodore Tyrwhitt was in command of the Harwich Force consisting of the First, Second, and Tenth Flotillas. He took part in the actions in the Heligoland Bight and off the Dogger Bank and in many minor actions in 1914-17. For his services in the action in the Heligoland Bight he was awarded the C.B. The " London Gazette " stated that his attack was delivered with great skill and gallantry. Commodore Tyrwhitt also received the thanks of the Admiralty for the manner in which he lead his forces. In December, 1914, he was advanced to Commodore (First Class). In June, 1916, he received the D.S.O., and in April, 1917, he was appointed A.D.C. to the King, and for services rendered during the War received the K.C.B. on July 25th, 1917. Commodore Tyrwhitt is a Commander of the Legion of Honour and Chevalier of the Military Order of Savoy.