'Rosy' Wemyss, Admiral of the Fleet: the Man who created Armistice Day

Rosslyn Wemyss was a distinguished admiral who played a key role in creating Armistice Day. He joined the Navy at 13 and served on two ships for Royal Tours abroad. In 1915, he was sent to create a naval base at Mudros and was in command of the landings and evacuation of troops from Gallipoli. He later commanded the East Indies and Red Sea Station, supporting the Arab Revolt and helping T.E. Lawrence and the Arabs to oust the Turks from the Red Sea. In 1917, he returned to the UK to become Deputy First Sea Lord and First Sea Lord.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2021
Publisher: Whittles Publishing

Rosslyn Wemyss, a remarkable and enigmatic figure, led a life and career that was both fascinating and brilliant. He held the esteemed position of the Allied Naval Representative at the Armistice negotiations on November 11, 1918, which had a profound impact on the course of this country. Alongside Marshal Foch, Wemyss played a pivotal role in the creation of Armistice Day. These negotiations unfolded in a railway carriage at Compiegne, France, where the decision was reached at 5:30 am to cease hostilities on land, in the air, and at sea, effective at 11 am on that day.

One of the most illustrious Scottish admirals, Wemyss hailed from the Clan Wemyss, with Wemyss Castle in Fife, overlooking the Firth of Forth, serving as their ancestral seat. He joined the Navy at the tender age of 13 in 1877, sharing a lifelong friendship with Prince George, the younger son of the Prince of Wales. After their time at Dartmouth, they embarked on a remarkable journey together, serving on their first ship and circumnavigating the globe for two years.

In his early career, Wemyss' friendship proved invaluable, leading him to serve on Royal Tours abroad and on two of the Royal Yachts. His dedication and loyalty were rewarded with postings to prestigious positions, including the creation of a naval base at Mudros in 1915, where he played a crucial role in the Gallipoli campaign. As a Rear Admiral, he oversaw the landings and subsequent evacuation of approximately 140,000 troops, achieving an astonishingly successful evacuation with only one man lost.

Following his service in Gallipoli, Wemyss was assigned to command the East Indies and Red Sea Station. For the next 18 months, he focused his efforts on supporting the Arab Revolt and aiding T.E. Lawrence and the Arabs, under Emir Feisal, in their quest to expel the Turks from all the ports along the eastern shore of the Red Sea. His unwavering support was instrumental in ensuring the success of the Arab Revolt and the legendary Lawrence of Arabia's achievements.

Rosslyn Wemyss' life and career exemplified his remarkable leadership, dedication, and friendship. His contributions to the creation of Armistice Day and his instrumental role in the Arab Revolt are a testament to his enduring legacy. Despite his lesser-known status, Wemyss remains a significant figure in naval history, and his story continues to inspire and captivate generations to come.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 158 x 233 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849954853