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Admiral Sir John Cunningham Kirkwood Slater, GCB, LVO, DL (born 27 March 1938), known as Jock Slater, is a retired Royal Navy officer. He commanded a minesweeper, a frigate and then a destroyer before taking over the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious and then achieving higher command in the Navy. He served as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff from 1995 to 1998: in that capacity he played a key role in the 1998 Strategic Defence Review carried out by the Labour Government that had come to power a year earlier.

Key Information

Early life

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Slater was the son of James Kirkwood Slater and Margaret Claire Byrom Bramwell, daughter of Dr Edwin Bramwell.[1]

Slater was educated in his early years at the Edinburgh Academy before attending Sedbergh School and the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.[1] Slater is a great nephew of Admiral of the Fleet The Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope who served as First Sea Lord during the Second World War.[2]

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Slater joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1956 and was confirmed in the rank of sub lieutenant on 1 January 1959.[3] During his early career he served in the destroyer HMS Troubridge, the minesweeper HMS Yaxham, the Royal Yacht HMY Britannia and the destroyer HMS Cassandra.[1] In 1965 he was given command of the minesweeper HMS Soberton, which he commanded on fishery protection duties,[4] before specialising in navigation.[1] He was posted to the shore establishment HMS Dryad later that year and then served in the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious and then the frigate HMS Scarborough over the next two years.[1]

Slater became an Equerry to the Queen on 12 October 1968[5] and, having been promoted to lieutenant commander on 22 October 1968,[6] his services were recognised when he was made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order on 15 October 1971.[7] Following promotion to commander on 31 December 1971,[8] he was given command of the frigate HMS Jupiter in 1972.[1] He was posted to the Directorate of Naval Operations at the Ministry of Defence in 1973 and, following promotion to captain on 30 June 1976,[9] he was given command of the destroyer HMS Kent in August of that year.[1] He attended the Royal College of Defence Studies in 1978 and then became assistant director of Naval Warfare at the Ministry of Defence in 1979.[1] He went on to become the first commanding officer of the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious in May 1981 and then became Captain at the School of Maritime Operations and Commander of HMS Dryad in July 1983.[1]

The aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious which Slater commanded in the early 1980s

Slater was promoted to rear admiral on 18 June 1985,[10] on appointment as Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Policy and Nuclear), and then promoted to vice admiral on 20 October 1987,[11] on appointment as Flag Officer Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as NATO Commander Northern Sub-Area Eastern Atlantic, NATO Commander Nore Sub-Area Channel and Commander HM Naval Base Rosyth.[1] Appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in the 1988 Birthday Honours,[12] he went on to be Chief of Fleet Support in March 1989.[1] He was promoted to full admiral on appointment as Commander-in-Chief Fleet as well as NATO Commander-in-Chief, Channel and Commander-in-Chief, Eastern Atlantic in January 1991.[1] Advanced to Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath in the 1992 Birthday Honours,[13] he became Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff in January 1993.[1]

Slater was appointed First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff in July 1995.[1] In that capacity he played a key role in the Strategic Defence Review carried out by the incoming Labour Government.[14] He retired in December 1998.[15]

Later career

[edit]

In retirement Slater has served as a Non-Executive Director of VT Group and of Lockheed Martin UK.[1] He has also been Chairman of the executive committee of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Chairman of the Royal Navy Club of 1765 & 1785, Chairman of the Trustees of the Imperial War Museum and Chairman of the Council of Management of the White Ensign Association.[1] He has been a Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire,[16] an Elder Brother of Trinity House, a Prime Warden of the Shipwrights' Company, and a Freeman of the City of London.[1] His other interests mostly include outdoor activities.[1]

Family

[edit]

In 1972 Slater married Ann Frances, daughter of William Scott OBE DL, by whom he has two sons (Charles and Rory).[1]

References

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[edit]
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Jock Slater

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Admiral Sir Jock Slater GCB LVO DL (born 27 March 1938) is a retired senior officer of the Royal Navy who served as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff from 1995 to 1998. Slater joined the Royal Navy in 1956, initially serving in frigates, minesweepers, and the Royal Yacht . He commanded HMS Soberton in 1965, specialized in navigation, and later took command of HMS Jupiter as a commander, HMS Kent as a captain in 1976, and became the first of the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious in 1981. Promoted to in 1985, he held positions including Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff and and , before advancing to in 1987 and in 1991. In senior roles, Slater served as from 1991, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff from 1993, and was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the in 1992. He also acted as to Queen Elizabeth II from 1968 to 1971, earning the Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order. After retirement, Slater has held chairmanships at organizations such as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Royal Navy Club, and served as a for defense firms including Vosper Thorneycroft and . He remains active as President of the Royal Marines Association Concert Band since 2007 and of .

Early Life and Education

Upbringing and Formative Influences

Jock Slater was born on 27 March 1938 in , , the son of James K. Slater and B. Bramwell Slater. His father, James Kirkwood Slater, married Margaret Claire Byrom Bramwell, daughter of neurologist Dr. Edwin Bramwell. Slater's childhood unfolded in , where he began compiling personal albums that cataloged early life experiences, reflecting a methodical approach to documentation that persisted throughout his career. Slater's formal education commenced at the around 1950, providing foundational schooling in a traditional Scottish academic environment. He then transferred to in , , attending School House from 1951 to 1956; this period at the boarding school emphasized character-building, physical rigor, and leadership, elements that aligned with preparation for . These formative years, marked by a Scottish familial heritage and progressive public school training, cultivated discipline and resilience, qualities evident in Slater's subsequent entry into the Royal Navy in 1956 via the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. The transition from Edinburgh's intellectual milieu to Sedbergh's outdoor and team-oriented ethos likely reinforced a practical orientation toward naval command, though specific personal inspirations from family or mentors remain undocumented in primary accounts.

Entry into the Royal Navy

Slater, born John Cunningham Kirkwood Slater on 27 July 1938 in , completed his secondary education at before entering the in 1956 as a cadet officer. He underwent initial training at the in , the primary institution for Royal Navy officer cadets at the time, which emphasized seamanship, leadership, and naval traditions through a combination of academic instruction and practical sea exercises. Following his training, Slater embarked on his early sea service, first in the Type 15 frigate HMS Troubridge, where he gained experience in anti-submarine warfare and fleet operations during the late 1950s. He subsequently served in the Ton-class minesweeper HMS Yaxham, participating in mine countermeasures and coastal patrols amid post-war naval restructuring. These junior postings honed his operational skills before his assignment to the Royal Yacht Britannia in the early 1960s, where he supported royal duties and international voyages, earning the nickname "Jock" among shipmates.

Junior Officer and Command Roles

Slater joined the Royal Navy as a in 1956. In his initial service as a , he served aboard the HMS Troubridge, the inshore HMS Yaxham, and the Royal Britannia. He was confirmed as a on 1 January 1959. Promoted to , Slater received his first command in 1965 with the coastal HMS Soberton, a brief posting focused on mine warfare operations. Subsequent commands progressed to larger surface vessels: as commander, he took charge of the HMS Jupiter in the early , emphasizing capabilities during routine deployments. Promoted to captain on 31 December 1977, he commanded the HMS Kent around 1978, overseeing operations that included Cold War-era patrols in the North Atlantic. In 1982, Slater assumed command of the newly commissioned Invincible-class aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious as her first captain, leading her through initial sea trials, work-up exercises, and integration of Sea Harrier aircraft into carrier strike operations. During this period, he also served as to Queen Elizabeth II for three years, balancing ceremonial duties with naval responsibilities. Additionally, he commanded the School of Maritime Operations at HMS Dryad, training officers in tactical doctrines and navigation. These roles honed his expertise in fleet operations and leadership ahead of flag rank.

Advancement to Flag Rank

Slater advanced to flag rank with his promotion to , effective with seniority from 18 June 1985, coinciding with his appointment as Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Policy and Nuclear). In this position at the , he advised on strategic policy matters, including nuclear deterrence and during the final years of the . He was subsequently promoted to with seniority from 20 October 1987, taking up the role of Naval Air Command. This command oversaw the Royal Navy's assets, including carrier operations and aircraft procurement, building on his prior experience as of HMS Illustrious. Slater reached full rank in 1991 upon appointment as , responsible for operational readiness and deployment of naval forces amid post-Cold War transitions. These successive promotions reflected his expertise in , , and , positioning him for higher leadership within the Admiralty.

Tenure as First Sea Lord

Admiral Sir Jock Slater was appointed First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff on 10 July 1995, succeeding Sir Benjamin Bathurst. His tenure occurred during a period of transition following the end of the , with the Royal Navy adapting to reduced budgets and shifting from large-scale deterrence against the to more flexible expeditionary operations. As Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff prior to his appointment, Slater had already contributed to defence cost studies aimed at efficiency amid fiscal pressures, which continued to shape naval priorities under his leadership. Slater oversaw the Navy's involvement in NATO-led operations in the , including support for enforcement of no-fly zones and maritime interdiction in the as part of responses to the Bosnian conflict. These efforts highlighted the service's pivot toward and crisis response, with assets like aircraft carriers and amphibious forces demonstrating versatility in multinational coalitions. His strategic oversight emphasized maintaining operational readiness despite ongoing force structure reviews and resource constraints inherited from earlier post-Cold War adjustments. A pivotal aspect of Slater's tenure was his influential role in the 1998 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), initiated by the incoming Labour government in 1997. In the SDR's naval foreword, Slater underscored the need to configure forces for emerging "radical and unpredictable" threats, advocating for sustained investment in versatile capabilities. He successfully pressed for the retention and modernization of carrier-borne , arguing against to preserve the Navy's ability to project air power independently—a stance that countered broader pressures for cuts and ensured the continuation of platforms like the Sea Harrier. Slater also championed the Royal Marines Band Service, securing public and institutional recognition for its contributions during his time in office, reflecting his broader commitment to naval traditions and morale. He retired from the post in late 1998, handing over to Admiral Sir Alan West amid the implementation phases of the SDR, which ultimately led to a leaner but more deployable force structure.

Post-Retirement Activities

Service to the Monarchy and Advisory Roles

Following his retirement from the Royal Navy in October 1998, Slater was appointed of in 1999, a position in which he assisted the in ceremonial duties and representation of within the county. This honorary role underscores his continued service to the in a civilian capacity, reflecting the tradition of appointing senior naval officers to such positions to maintain links between and the armed forces. In advisory capacities, Slater served as Senior Military Adviser to starting in February 2000, providing expertise on long-term planning and analysis for defence-related projects. He also acted as a of VT Group (formerly Vosper Thornycroft), contributing strategic oversight to the and defence contractor during the early 2000s. Additionally, as an Elder Brother of , he participated in the corporation's advisory functions to the government on maritime safety, navigation aids, and wreck removal, a role he continues to hold. Slater chaired the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) from July 2004 to November 2008, succeeding Peter Nicholson and preceding Lord Boyce; in this leadership position, he oversaw operations and policy for the charity, drawing on his naval experience to guide search-and-rescue initiatives.

Leadership in Naval Associations and Public Commentary

Admiral Sir Jock Slater has held prominent leadership positions in organizations supporting naval personnel and maritime safety. He succeeded Sir Michael Bett as Chairman of the White Ensign Association, a charity aiding dependents of Royal Navy officers, in February 2003. In May 2023, he was appointed President of the same association, continuing his involvement in fostering support for naval families. Additionally, Slater served as Chairman of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) from July 2004, overseeing the volunteer-led lifeboat service during a period that included the introduction of advanced Shannon-class vessels, one of which was named Jock and Annie Slater in his and his wife's honor in July 2013. He also acts as President of the Royal Marines Association Concert Band, promoting musical traditions within the naval community. In public commentary, Slater has critiqued decisions impacting naval capabilities. In a July 2010 interview, he expressed concern over proposed defence cuts under the Strategic Defence and Security Review, warning that halving the planned fleet of Type 45 destroyers from twelve to six would create an "enormous gap" in the Royal Navy's air defence coverage, attributing the shortfall to outdated equipment priorities rather than fiscal constraints alone. His remarks highlighted risks to operational effectiveness amid fiscal pressures, urging a reevaluation to avoid compromising . These statements reflect his ongoing advocacy for maintaining robust naval resources post-retirement.

Defence Policy Views and Legacy

Advocacy for Naval Strength

During his tenure as First Sea Lord from 1995 to 1998, Slater advocated for the preservation of carrier-borne aviation capabilities, successfully arguing against their elimination in favor of land-based alternatives. Post-retirement, Slater has repeatedly criticized reductions in naval force levels, emphasizing the risks to national security. In July 2010, he stated that a decade of under-investment had resulted in a serious shortage of ships for the Royal Navy, pointing to the halving of planned Type 45 air defence destroyers from 12 to 6 and the decline in escort numbers from an advocated 35 frigates and destroyers to 22. He warned that further cuts would impose enormous strain on the service, urging focus beyond immediate conflicts like Afghanistan to future maritime needs. In response to the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), Slater described it as a rushed cost-cutting exercise lacking strategic of Britain's global role, leading to diminished numbers of frigates, destroyers, submarines, and amphibious assets, alongside a decade-long gap in fixed-wing carrier aviation. He characterized the Armed Forces, particularly the Royal Navy, as being in a precarious state with unbalanced and despairingly low force levels, accusing the government of taking unacceptable risks and offering hollow promises of future capabilities. Slater continued his advocacy in 2019 by co-signing a letter to titled "For want of frigates," where, as former senior naval officers, they highlighted how insufficient escort numbers endangered operational flexibility and . His positions underscore a consistent emphasis on prioritizing naval investment to sustain deterrence, , and alliance commitments amid evolving threats.

Criticisms of Government Policies

Sir Jock Slater has repeatedly criticized government defence policies for chronic under-investment in the Royal Navy, resulting in persistent shortages of operational ships and capabilities. In July 2010, he highlighted how a decade of insufficient funding had already created a "serious shortage of ships," warning that additional reductions amid the Strategic Defence Review would impose "enormous strain" on the service's ability to meet commitments. Slater specifically condemned decisions to scale back planned acquisitions, such as halving the fleet from 12 to 6 vessels and reducing the overall number of frigates and destroyers from an initial proposal of 35—later adjusted to 32 under Defence Secretary George Robertson—to just 22, describing the outcome as "unsatisfactory" and reflective of short-term fiscal priorities over strategic needs. He attributed these shortfalls partly to unfulfilled commitments from the 1997-1998 Strategic Defence Review, including premature retirements of vessels and cuts to maintenance budgets that eroded fleet readiness. Broader critiques focused on the risks of over-reliance on immediate conflicts like Afghanistan at the expense of long-term planning. Slater argued that failing to anticipate future uncertainties across maritime, land, and air domains represented a "short-sighted" approach, potentially leaving the UK vulnerable to emerging threats. He also opposed proposals to scrap the Trident nuclear deterrent, stating in 2010 that doing so would be "out of our tiny minds," emphasizing its irreplaceable role in national security. Earlier, in November 2007, Slater publicly endorsed former Secretary-General Lord Robertson's call for a "major increase" in the defence budget to address systemic underfunding. This echoed his 1996 stance, quoted in debates, against "blindly continuing to cut the budget" without regard for sustained naval strength. These views underscore his consistent advocacy for prioritizing verifiable naval requirements over politically driven economies, drawing from his experience as First Sea Lord during the 1990s defence reviews.

Personal Life

Family and Private Interests

Slater married Ann Frances Scott on 29 July 1972. The couple has two sons, and . His private interests encompass outdoor pursuits and . In his youth, Slater studied the and, in 1955, was selected as a member of a naval ensemble.

Honours and Recognition

Slater was appointed Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) in 1971 in recognition of his service as an Extra to Queen Elizabeth II. He was created a Knight Commander of the (KCB) in the 1988 as . Slater advanced to Knight Grand Cross of the (GCB) in the 1992 following his promotion to full Admiral. In 1999, he became (DL) of . Beyond these orders and appointments, Slater's contributions to maritime governance earned him election as an Elder Brother of and as Past Prime Warden of the Shipwrights' Company; he is also a Freeman of the .

References

  1. https://rmacb.org.uk/our-president-admiral-sir-jock-slater-gcb-lvo-dl-rn/
  2. https://association.sedberghschool.org/os-club/interview-with-admiral-sir-jock-slater-sh-51-56/
  3. https://prabook.com/web/jock.slater/518764
  4. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12668012.sir-jock-to-become-first-sea-lord/
  5. https://association.sedberghschool.org/os-club/honouring-the-royal-yacht-britannias-sedberghian-crew/
  6. https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2008/07/university-looks-forward-to-graduation-2008.page
  7. https://www.facebook.com/groups/645007547778015/posts/805478525064249/
  8. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199798/cmselect/cmdfence/138/8090346.htm
  9. https://www.bbc.com/news/10520758
  10. https://fissilematerials.org/library/mod98.pdf
  11. https://www.cfc.forces.gc.ca/259/290/301/305/borbone.pdf
  12. https://aviationweek.com/retired-royal-navy-adm-sir-jock-slater
  13. https://www.trinityhouse.co.uk/about-us/governance/the-court
  14. https://fundraising.co.uk/2004/07/09/new-chairman-rnli/
  15. https://lifeboatmagazinearchive.rnli.org/volume/61/588/above-and-beyond
  16. https://www.thetimes.com/article/on-the-move-n2q5nwzv5vc
  17. https://www.whiteensign.co.uk/the-white-ensign-association-announces-its-new-president/
  18. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-dorset-23258318
  19. https://warshipsifr.com/features/the-royal-navy-at-the-heart-of-the-nation/
  20. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/letters/3644383/Letters-to-the-Telegraph.html
  21. https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/1996-02-01/debates/f93bead9-fbd6-4366-acfd-1ffe7bb054d2/RoyalNavy
  22. https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/52952/supplement/2/data.pdf
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