Elizabeth Craig-McFeely explained

Elizabeth Craig-McFeely
Honorific Suffix:CB
Birth Name:Elizabeth Sarah Ann Craig-McFeely
Birth Date:27 April 1927
Allegiance:United Kingdom
Branch:Women's Royal Naval Service
Serviceyears:1952–1982
Rank:Commandant
Spouse:Rear Admiral Colin Dunlop, RN (1995–2009; his death)

Commandant Elizabeth Craig-McFeely CB (born 27 April 1927), who served as Director of the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS) between 1979 and 1982, while also acting as aide-de-camp to Queen Elizabeth II.

Career

Elizabeth Sarah Ann Craig-McFeely was born on 27 April 1927,[1] [2] the daughter of Lieutenant colonel Cecil Michael Craig-McFeely. She attended the University of London where she gained a diploma in Physical Education. Initially a PE teacher, she joined the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS) in 1952. In 1953, she was posted to various Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Navy Reserve establishments until 1967, including the Royal Navy Supply School between 1964 and 1966.[1]

Craig-McFeely commanded the WRNS in the Far Eastern Fleet between 1967 and 1969. She then worked directly for the Ministry of Defence (Navy), 1969–1974, and at the shore establishment HMS Centurion until 1976 (Centurion is a Ministry of Defence-owned establishment in Gosport, Hampshire, mainly responsible for personnel).

In 1977, she was made Superintendent of the WRNS, becoming Director (equivalent to Rear-Admiral) between 1979 and 1982. While holding this post, she was an honorary aide-de-camp to Queen Elizabeth II.[1]

Craig-McFeely retired from active service in 1982, and was named a Companion to the Order of the Bath.[1] She was succeeded as Director of the WRNS by Commandant Patricia Swallow on 30 July 1982.[3]

Personal life

In 1995, she married Rear Admiral Colin Dunlop, RN. He had been her commanding officer while at the Royal Navy Supply School. Dunlop died in 2009, aged 91.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Stewart. William. Admirals of the World: A Biographical Dictionary, 1500 to the Present. 2009. McFarland. Jefferson, NC. 978-0-78643-809-9. 79.
  2. News: Birthdays. 14 April 2018. The Independent. 27 April 1994.
  3. News: New Director WRNS. Navy News. March 1982. 8. issuu.
  4. News: Rear-Admiral Colin Dunlop. 14 April 2018. The Daily Telegraph. 29 March 2009.