Admiral Alexander Plantagenet Hastings

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AJK
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Admiral Alexander Plantagenet Hastings

#1

Post by AJK » 25 Sep 2022, 01:45

This request actually pertains to a period prior to 1919, but I was not sure where else to post it, so I hope the administrator will forgive me, and if necessary move this to the correct section.

I am looking for information on the commands held by Admiral Hastings as a flag officer (1894 - 1901). Following is the information that I have on him:

Admiral Alexander Plantagenet Hastings (31 Oct 1844 - 7 Dec 1925)
1 Jan 1894: Promoted to Rear-Admiral
21 Mar 1900: Promoted to Vice-Admiral
28 Mar 1901: Retired
16 Jun 1904: Promoted to Admiral (Retired List)

Thanks in advance for your help.

AJK

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Steen Ammentorp
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Re: Admiral Alexander Plantagenet Hastings

#2

Post by Steen Ammentorp » 26 Sep 2022, 21:42

Hi AJK,

I doubt that he held any appointments. His service record (ADM 196/36/1695) from the National Archives does not record anything after his promotion to Rear Admiral, nor does the Navy Lists that I have consulted (1894, 1896, 1897, 1898. 1900, 1901). His entry in Who's Who does not include anything and numerous obituaries in various newspapers does not refer to any positions between 1894 and 1901. Indeed, his obituary in "Truth" 16th Dec. 1925 says "He never hoisted his flag".

Perhaps his career suffered for being court martialed for the stranding of HMS "Howe" in 1892 despite being fully acquitted.
Kind Regards
Steen Ammentorp
The Generals of World War Two


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AJK
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Re: Admiral Alexander Plantagenet Hastings

#3

Post by AJK » 26 Sep 2022, 22:04

Hi Steen,

Thanks very much for your reply. I do not have access to the Navy Lists between 1892 and 1907, so was not able to look up his commands during his years as a flag officer. It really highlights the deficiency of a system whereby promotions are handed out purely on seniority, without much regard for merit. I am not aware of any major Navy that would keep on promoting someone even if he is not given a command...

Regards,

AJK

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