Background
Born the second son of Admiral Sir Frederic Charles Dreyer (1878–1956), Desmond Dreyer joined the Royal Navy in 1924.
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Desmond Dreyer
Edit Profilechairman navy officer appointed Chief of Staff
Education
He distinguished himself as Gunnery Officer on HMS Ajax at the Battle of the River Plate in December 1939 winning the Distinguished Service Cross for his role in this action.
Career
He served in World World War II at sea and in the Admiralty. He was appointed Chief of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Fleet in 1955 and was involved in the Suez Crisis in 1956. He went on to be Assistant Chief of Naval Staff in 1958, Flag Officer (Flotillas) for the Mediterranean Fleet in 1960 and Flag Officer Air (Home) in 1961.
He was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Far East Fleet in 1962: following the Malayan Emergency he co-ordinated Commonwealth naval forces in their successful resistance to Indonesian incursions into the newly formed Malaysia.
He became Second Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Personnel in 1965. He was also Principal Naval Aide-de-camp to the Queen from 1965 to 1968.
His last appointment was as Chief Advisor (Personnel and Logistics) to Denis Healey, the Secretary of State for Defence in 1967: he retired in 1968. He was also Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire.
From 1970 to 1971 he was Chairman of the Royal Navy Club of 1765 & 1785 (United 1889).
Membership
In retirement he became a member of the Prices and Incomes Board and the Armed Forces" Pay Review Board.
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Born
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Died
March 15, 2003 (aged 92)