Churchill's Admiral in Two World Wars: Admiral of the Fleet Lord Keyes of Zeebrugge and Dover GCB KCVO CMG DSO

Roger Keyes was a Royal Navy officer who served in the 19th and 20th centuries, known for his bravery, leadership, and seamanship. He had a close relationship with Winston Churchill, but his lack of political acumen and intemperate language embarrassed his friends and allies. Keyes served in various roles, including submarines, destroyers, and the Gallipoli campaign, and played a significant role in World War II, including the Zeebrugge Raid. Churchill recognized Keyes' limitations, but their personal friendship and admiration survived professional conflict.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 224 pages
\n Publication date: 20 August 2021
\n Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
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Roger Keyes, a remarkable figure in the Royal Navy during the 19th to 20th centuries, exemplified the qualities of a superb seaman, inspiring leader, and fearless fighter. His remarkable abilities quickly garnered the attention of senior figures in the naval establishment, as well as the rising politician Winston Churchill. Despite facing disappointments, disagreements, and eventual disillusionment, their relationship endured. Keyes, unlike some of his contemporaries, struggled to transition from a sailor to a politician, often embarrassing his friends and allies with his intemperate language and lack of political acumen. He was known for his eagerness to lead from the front, charging into battle with unwavering determination. Trained in some of Britain's last sailing warships, Keyes served in submarines in the North Sea, destroyers in China, and as a senior staff officer in the disastrous Gallipoli campaign. As commander of the Dover Patrol, he planned and led the highly controversial Zeebrugge Raid, successfully combating U-boats along the English Channel. In World War II, Keyes pleaded for a combat command, but Churchill, recognizing his age and disdain for senior Naval and Airforce officers, deemed him unsuitable for a front-line role. Despite their close personal friendship, Churchill did not let his admiration for Keyes blind him to his temperamental and intellectual limitations. Both men possessed the wisdom to avoid letting professional conflicts destroy their mutual personal admiration and friendship.

\n Weight: 376g\n
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781399001564\n \n