Jeremy Black

Background

Jeremy Black was born in Tavistock, Devon on 17 November 1932.

Career

He was educated at the Royal Naval College, when it was at Eaton Hall, and saw service in a number of theatres including of Korea and Borneo. Black was an inspirational leader to his crew: this was reflected by the Ship"s company designing T-shirts with "There and Back with JJ Black" emblazoned across the front. This slogan later gave Black the title ("There and Back") of his memoirs.

In October 1982, Black was promoted Rear-Admiral and appointed Commander of the First Flotilla.

This was followed a position in the Ministry of Defence as Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff in 1984 before being appointed Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Systems) in 1986. He became Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command in 1989.

He retired in 1991. In retirement Admiral Black held the posts of Rear-Admiral and then Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom.

Admiral Black was chairman of the Royal Navy Club of 1765 & 1785 (United 1889). He died after a long illness on 25 November 2015 at the age of 83.

Achievements

• 8 June 1963 – Lieutenant Commander John Jeremy Black, Royal Navy is appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (Administration Member of the Order of the British Empire) 8 October 1982 – Captain John Jeremy Black, Administration Member of the Order of the British Empire, Royal Navy is awarded the Distinguished Service Order (Defence Science Organisation) Throughout Operation Corporate, Captain Black displayed outstanding qualities of professionalism, leadership and stamina in his command of HMS Invincible. She shared with HMS Hermes the provision of almost all the air power from start to finish, without which the operation could not even have been contemplated. To keep men and machinery operating at the peak of their performance for such an extended period so far away from home base has required exceptional powers of concentration, man management and perseverance and HMS Invincible"s success owes much to these qualities so abundantly held by her commanding officer In addition, HMS Invincible had to stay in the South Atlantic after cessation of hostilities to maintain a presence. In doing so she was continuously at sea far longer that any other Registered Nurse ship before her. To make this transition from war to "peace" but without the advantage of an early return to the United Kingdom required a very special understanding of both men and material and again Captain Black showed outstanding leadership qualities in maintaining momentum. 31 December 1986 – Vice Admiral John Jeremy Black, Defence Science Organisation, Administration Member of the Order of the British Empire is appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath). 15 June 1991 – Admiral Sir (John) Jeremy Black, Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, Defence Science Organisation, Administration Member of the Order of the British Empire, Aide-de-Camp is appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE).

Membership

He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1960 for his work in Borneo but his most famous appointment was as captain of the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible during the Falklands War in 1982. 8 June 1963 – Lieutenant Commander John Jeremy Black, Royal Navy is appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (Administration Member of the Order of the British Empire).