Lord Charles Beresford

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1st Baron Beresford, a tenancy, was a British admiral and Member of Parliament, William de la Poer Beresford, (10 February 1846 – September 1919), styled Lord Charles Beresford, 1856–19191. Beresford was the second son of John Beresford, the 4th Marquess of Waterford, so, despite his courtesy position as the younger son of a Marquess, he was still eligible to vote in the House of Commons.

In the House of Commons, he combined the two careers of the navy and a member of parliament, earning the reputation as a hero in combat and a navy champion.

He was a well-known and popular figure who courted attention, and he was widely known as "Charlie B" in the British media.

He was thought by some to be a personification of John Bull, and he was often accompanied by his trademark, a bulldog. Fisher's later career was marred by a long-running fight with Admiral John Fisher over the Fleet Sir John Fisher's over changes that were advocated by Fisher that involved new technologies and throwing out traditional methods.

Fisher, a little older to Beresford and more successful, became a block to Beresford's ascension to the top job in the navy.

Beresford managed to occupy the Mediterranean and Channel fleets, but he was unsuccessful in his attempt to become the First Sea Lord.

Family life and character

Beresford was born in Philipstown (Daingean) County Offaly and grew up in Curraghmore, Ireland, the second of five brothers. On the death of their father, John, his older brother, joined the Life Guards, inheriting the family estate and titles in 1866. William served with the VC in the Anglo-Zulu War and became the Indian ambassador to several viceroys. Marcus became an equerry to King George V and in charge of the King's racehorses. Delaval's younger brother became a rancher in Canada.

During the reign of James I and stayed to rule, his family traced their ancestry to Englishmen who had invaded and settled in Ireland during the reign of James I and stayed to rule. Their estate, which was 2,000 acres (400 km2) near Waterford, South East Ireland, had stables for 100 horses and 600 workers. The family loved hunting, to the extent that his uncle was killed in a riding accident, his brother was crippled in another, and he himself managed ten broken bones at different times.

Beresford had a reputation for kindness to his troops, but "any intelligent move taken by an officer or man should be acknowledged publicly by a soldier"—which in turn demonstrates that everyone is grateful for appreciation. He competed in inter-ship rowing competitions at 46 years old and as captain.

Ellen Jeromina (Mina) Gardner, Richard Gardner and Lucy Mandesloh's daughter, was married on June 25th, 1878 in London, England. They had two daughters, Eileen Teresa de la Poer Beresford (d. 1939) and Kathleen Mary de la Poer Beresford (1879-1939).

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Military and political career

Beresford had been captivated by the sight of the Channel Fleet at the age of twelve and joined the Royal Navy in 1859, aged 13, following preparatory instruction at Stubbington House School. He began his studies at the naval training academy HMS Britannia, successfully passing his passing-out examination in March 1861. On the back of the Mediterranean fleet's flagship, the steam three-decker HMS Marlborough, he was immediately appointed a midshipman. "The smartest and happiest ship that ever floated," Beresford described Marlborough as "the smartest and happiest ship to ever float." Beresford left Marlborough in early 1863 and was appointed to HMS Defence in the summer of 1863. Beresford was dissatisfied with the defense, describing it as "a slovenly, unhandy tin kettle" that could not sail without steam, and which took minutes rather than seconds to cross topgallant yards. Beresford owed to his debt, and his father, Admiral Eden, who arranged for Beresford's transfer in mid-1864 to the steam-corvette HMS Clio, where Beresford would be the senior midshipman, hoped to increase his sense of responsibility.

Clio, the King of Hawaii (then known as the Sandwich Islands), brought Dowager Queen Emma to Panama for her visit to London on April 9th, 1865. Beresford and two other midshipmen pulled a prank and loot a wooden American eagle sign from the front gate of United States Minister to Hawaii James McBride on the evening of 21 April Beresford. They were ordered to apologize to the Americans, return, and reinstall the sign following Captain Nicolas Edward Brook Turnour's findings and a formal diplomatic order to return the sign by the American legation. The incident was widely reported in American newspapers, including Harper's Weekly. Beresford later admitted that he did it because of a bet from a fair lady in Honolulu. Beresford first met Nancy Wahinekapu Sumner, one of Queen Emma's court ladies, in Honolulu. Beresford and Sumner became friends and continued to work by correspondence. Beresford was transferred to the steam-corvette HMS Tribune, which was commanded by Lord Gilford and was one of the navy's most advanced ships at the time. In January 1866, Beresford was promoted to acting sub-lieutenant. Beresford was transferred to the steam-frigate HMS Sutlej, the Pacific Squadron's flagship. Beresford passed his seamanship exam to qualify for lieutenant on board Sutlej, which he left later in 1866. On Excellent (shore establishment), a hulk in Portsmouth harbor, Beresford took a gunnery course. While dismounting a rifle on Excellent, Beresford fractured a bone in his foot, causing him pain for the remainder of his life. Beresford first joined HMS Research as a sub-lieutenant in 1867, and later, 1868, he was one of the sub-lieutenants on the royal yacht Victoria and Albert. Beresford joined the steam-frigate HMS Galatea, which was piloted by Queen Victoria's son, Duke of Edinburgh, and toured the world, witnessed executions in Japan and got tattooed. Beresford met Nancy Sumner again in 1869 on a visit to Hawaii. He suggested her to her, but she refused likely due to their socioeconomic and racial inequalities.

He came into Parliament in 1874 as a Conservative, representing County Waterford and holding his position until 1880. The Lords of the Admiralty, who had objected to a junior officer debating the navy openly in the House of Commons, had some difficulties. Beresford's parliamentary career was saved by the intervention of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, who feared that if Beresford would be forced to resign, he would have been compelled to resign. Although an MP, he continued to serve in the navy, becoming a commander in 1875.

Beresford was one of thirty-two aides selected to accompany the Prince of Wales on a tour of India in 1874. Victoria objected on the grounds of his poor reputation, but the Prince's insistance was maintained. The tour was a riot of social activism and animal hunts. Even in the jungle, the prince insisted on dressing for dinner, but the dinner jacket accepted the compromise of shaving off the tails of their evening coats. He was aide-decamp to Prince of Wales, Edward VII, from 1875 to 1876.

Beresford's affair with Daisy Greville, Countes of Warwick (i.e. Frances Brooke), 1891-1990 resulted in a serious contest with the Prince of Wales. The wife of Beresford was sent a letter from the Countess to Beresford. She wrote letter with solicitor George Lewis and threatened to damage the Countes' reputation. The Prince of Wales, who had a special affinity for the Countes, attempted to have the letter destroyed, but Lewis would not allow this. Lady Charles was then refused to attend the Prince of Wales' social circle, but the Prince of Wales took steps to exclude Lady Charles from his social circle. Charles Beresford, an enraged boy, received a written apology from the prince. The Prince subsequently wrote to Lord Waterford (Beresford's brother) saying that he "will never forget" and "will never excuse" your brother and his wife's behavior toward him.

Beresford, the royal yacht that went from 1878 to 1881, was second in command. He was captain of the HMS Condor, a British war 1882-82 bombardment of Alexandria and gained acclaim among the British people for taking his ship ashore to bombard the Egyptian batteries at close range.

Beresford, the Garnet Wolseley aided Gordon Relief Expedition in 1884-1885, as well as the Naval Brigade and a Gardner machine gun, which Attracted Beresford. During the Battle of Abu Klea, Dervishes overran his Gardner gun when it came to a halt at the last moment. Beresford only survived by diving under the gun's tracks. "The Gatling's jammed and the Colonel's dead," Henry Newbolt's "Vita a Lampada" is often quoted, though it was a Gardner machine gun that jammed.

He was re-elected in 1885 as MP for Marylebone East, this time as an MP for Marylebone East. Beresford continued to call for greater investment in the navy, despite resigning his seat in 1889's resistance campaign. However, he had already been named Junior Naval Lord in 1886. The Naval Defence Act 1889, which increased naval spending, was partially passed as a result of public outrage following this operation.

Beresford, a believer in physical fitness outside of the armed forces, was one of the National Physical Recreation Society's founding committee, which began in 1886 under Herbert Gladstone's presidency. In 1888, he proposed that the County Councils (which were established in 1889) have a gymnasium for every 100,000 people. William Penny Brookes had invited him to serve as president of the Wenlock Olympian Society Annual Games in Shropshire between 1888 and 1889, but he was unable to attend the sports due to other commitments. Despite this Brookes, a physical education advocate, and Beresford's friendship from 1888 to Brookes' death in 1895, Beresford became an honorary member of the Wenlock Olympian Society in 1891.

Beresford resigned from the House of Commons for the first time since 1880, when he was named Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Chiltern Hundreds. He was the captain of HMS Undaunted, which was part of the Mediterranean Fleet, from 1889 to 1893.

Beresford was promoted to back-admiral and again entered Parliament in 1898, this time representing York, but he spent considerable time in China representing the Associated Chambers of Commerce. On his return to London, he spent 100 days in China, and on his return to London, he wrote The Break-Up of China (1899). In January 1900, he resigned from the House of Commons for the second time, becoming Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Chiltern Hundreds again, becoming the second in command of the Mediterranean Fleet and heading to London the following month. Beresford and Admiral Sir John Fisher, who was then commanding the fleet, had a growing dislike. Beresford acquired a fleet of men shortly after his arrival and used them as stand-ins for ships to practice manoeuvring and building a fleet. Fisher was taken aback by the display and sent a letter publicly asking to know why Beresford had landed his men without authorization. Lord Charles resented his position as a social climber from unknown origins, while Fisher was jealous of Beresford's inherited wealth and social position. In early February 1902, he resigned from his role in the Mediterranean Fleet and returned to England.

Beresford was re-elected to Parliament in April 1902, this time for Woolwich, and in October of that year, the tour was returned to New York City. He was promoted to vice-admiral on October 3rd, and in February 1903, he resigned from the Commons for the third time (this time as Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead) when he was first given command of the Channel Fleet. When he hoisted his flag on board HMS Majestic in April 1903, he took up his position. He was knighted in both the Order of the Bath and the Royal Victorian Order in 1911, and in 1911, he was promoted to GCVO. Beresford was in charge of the Mediterranean Fleet from 1905 to 1907. Beresford's command of the fleet, according to David Beatty, then a Beresford captain, was characterized by 'rigid preparation and discouragement of initiative.' Beresford hoped to reach the navy's most senior role, First Sea Lord, but Fisher, who was widely respected, kept the position. Fisher's compulsory retirement at 65 would have resulted in Fisher's departure in 1906, but Fisher's promotion to admiral of the fleet brought with it a retirement age of 70. If Beresford himself could achieve the same fate, he'd have to retire at 65 years old. As this seemed unlikely, the only alternative was if Fisher resigned or was coerced to resign. Beresford began planning a movement to protest his navy's treatment and its reforms.

Beresford was promoted to the command of the Channel fleet from 1907 to 1909. A then-junior officer lauded him for his "no superior as a seaman," but his time in command was described as "principally a processical career around the ports of England." I do not recall that any serious war problems were either attempted or solved [but] Lord Charles was denied deputations, addressed packed meetings in his honour, and became a freeman of innumerable towns.'

Following visits to various East Coast ports in 1907, Beresford is credited with recommending the use of Grimsby trawlers for minesweeping duties. Grimsby's impressive docklands and trawler fleet was thought to be as effective as war zones were established, with Beresford arguing that the fishing fleet would remain inactive during times of war. Despite being familiar with using them with the trawl's handling, it was also expected that trawlermen would be more skilled than naval in terms of the proper handling of the massive warps and winches that would be needed for minesweeping. The boats were delivered in the First World War, including the trawler fleet and the crew, as well as the port a base for the Royal Naval Patrol Service.

It was found that his personality had deteriorated for the worse, and historians had speculated that he may have had a minor stroke before 1907. Admiral Percy Scott, the current commander of the First Cruiser Division of the Channel Fleet, was involved in two incidents between 1907 and 1908. Beresford ordered all vessels of the Channel Fleet that were then at sea to be repainted by the Kaiser in November 1907. At Portland, the armoured cruiser HMS Roxburgh was engaged in gunnery training, and its captain requested permission to finish the exercise before returning to harbor. Scott refused, saying, "Paintwork seems to be more in demand than gunnery," says the author, so you'd better arrive in time to make yourself look good by the 8th." Nothing happened for four days until a staff officer visiting Scott's flagship heard the signal and informed Beresford, who summoned and severely punished Scott without giving him the opportunity to explain his remarks and conduct, and refused to listen when Scott tried to offer an explanation. Beresford ordered Scott to be relieved of his command, writing that Scott's signal was "completely opposed to loyalty and discipline," "contemptuous in tone, insubordinate in character, and longing for honor." The Admiralty did not comply, although they expressed their disapproving of Scott's call. Scott disobeyed Beresford's order, which would have resulted in a fire.

Beresford, who served in 1909, returned to Parliament in January 1910 general election as Portsmouth's representative. During his time as the fleet commander of the Channel Fleet Beresford, Beresford had been increasingly critical of Admiralty policy, particularly the organizational reforms introduced by Fisher. In April 1909, he wrote a letter to H. Asquith, the Prime Minister, expressing his dissatisfaction and threatening to voice his doubts in public; Asquith responded by establishing a sub-committee of the Committee for Imperial Defence to report on the matter. This upheld Admiralty policy, but enough damage was done to Fisher's image, prompting him to resign only slightly in 1910, ahead of a forthcoming general election.

George V, who knew Beresford, had suggested that he be promoted admiral of the fleet, but First Lord Winston Churchill, now naval secretary, was unable to indicate that some people were more deserving of such a promotion. He was later designated an Honorary Colonel in the Royal Marines in 1914. During the last years of his service as an admiral, Beresford was somewhat left behind by technological advancements and shifts in the navy. It's likely that he would have failed if he had served as an admiral into the First World War. However, at times during his career, he favorted reforms in fire control, and had advocated for gun reform, but Fisher's dreadnought ships lagged behind their ability to strike at long distances.

Sir Arthur Wilson was appointed First Sea Lord by Sir Arthur Wilson, who was followed in 1911 by Sir Francis Bridgeman. Bridgeman was unsatisfie, and Churchill decided to replace him with Prince Louis of Battenberg, the Second Sea Lord. Beresford challenged Bridgeman's resignation, which was unavoidably due to sickness, by criticizing Churchill in the House of Commons. In Beresford, Churchill said, "since I became the first lord of the admiralty, he delivered a speech in which he said I had betrayed the navy...and since then he has been touring the country pouring out allegations of spying, favoritism, blackmail, fraud, and inefficiency" have surfaced. Several bitter animosities regarding naval matters have been fueled by the noble Lord. Since Beresford's attack was a continuation of his rivalry with Fisher, who was now anonymously serving as an advisor to Churchill, the House of Commons welcomed him.

Following practice manoeuvres, First Lord Churchill and First Sea Lord Prince Louis of Battenberg made the critical decision to delay the Royal Navy's war readiness on the eve of the First World War. Nevertheless, with the outbreak of war, increasing anti-German sentiment among the British public, newspapers, and upper gentlemen's clubs (where Beresford's revolt was ignited by Beresford's remonstrances), Churchill ordered Prince Louis to resign as on October 27, 1914, which Louis did despite an outpouring of admiration from politicians and his naval comrades.

Beresford remained an MP until 1916, after he was exiled from the navy in 1911. He resigned from the Common for the fourth and final time in January 1916, becoming Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead, and he was elevated to the peerage as Baron Beresford of Metemmeh and Curraghmore in the County of Waterford. The Boy Scouts Association established a Sea Scout Branch in October 1910, and Beresford accepted the position of Chief Sea Scout. He developed the training plan for the new section in collaboration with Warington Baden-Powell.

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