Career
He served as the Director of Naval Intelligence between 1930 and 1932. Usborne entered the navy as an Acting sub-lieutenant. He was confirmed in this rank in July 1899, and promoted to lieutenant in January 1900.
He was further promoted to commander in July 1912, and a captain before 1918.
He became Deputy Director of Naval Ordnance in January 1919 and Deputy Director of Gunnery and Anti-Aircraft Warfare in August 1922. In April 1928 he was appointed a Naval Aide de Camp to the King and promoted to rear-admiral.
He served as the Director of Naval Intelligence between 1930 and 1932. Promotion to vice-admiral came in January 1933.
He was brought back into the Navy during the Second World War as Naval Adviser to the First Sea Lord to develop anti-U-boat weapons.
As his assistant he employed Edward Terrell who had developed Plastic Armour. Usborne was also Captain of the Tactical School, Portsmouth.