Bertram Ramsay

Bertram Ramsay, the son of an army officer, was born in London on 20th January, 1883. He became a midshipman and after training on the Britannica he joined the Crescent. After action in Somaliland (1903-04) he was mentioned in dispatches and promoted to lieutenant.

During the First World War Ramsay held commands in the Dover patrol. He later became the naval ADC to George V and after being promoted to rear admiral retired from the Royal Navy in 1938.

On the outbreak of the Second World War Ramsay was recalled to duty and given command of the port of Dover. Involved in the Dunkirk evacuation he was knighted and given the rank of admiral.

Ramsay was responsible for organizing the Allied landings in Algiers on 8th November 1942. He also commanded the Eastern Naval Task Force for the invasion of Sicily. During the operation Ramsay controlled 795 vessels and 713 landing craft.

In December 1943 Ramsay was appointed Allied Naval commander in chief for the Normandy landings. This was a tremendous task as it involved 2,730 vessels. After the successful invasion Ramsay took control of ports in northern France.

Bertram Ramsay was killed when his plane crashed on takeoff at Toussus-le-Noble on 2nd January 1945. He is buried at St-Germaine-en-laye.