Reginald Gay Copleston

Commander (retired) Reginald Gay Copleston, O.B.E. (23 February, 1875 – ) served in the Royal Navy.

Life & Career

Born in Devon the son of a Reverend J. Copleston of Offwell Rectory in Honiton, Copleston gained eight months' time on passing out of Britannia.

Copleston was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 22 June, 1897.

In 1904 Captain Warren of Vindictive felt that Copleston "performs his duties with extreme deliberation & at time perfunctorily." Copleston was appointed in command of the "A" Class destroyer Porcupine on 30 January, 1904. He was in her just two weeks before he was sent to command Violet on 13 February, having damaged Porcupine while entering Granville Dock, Dover. Misfortune found him in Violet, too, as he collided with Swordfish after entering the Basin with "far too much speed." On 9 May, however, he was sent back to command Porcupine.

Copleston was appointed in command of Rocket on 1 April, 1905 and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander in her on 22 June, 1905.

Copleston commanded Tiger for five months and Charger for sixteen, damaging the propeller of the latter ship through what the Commander-in-Chief, Nore determined to be a want of care. On 16 July 1907, Copleston was appointed to Good Hope of the Second Cruiser Squadron as first officer. He left the cruiser after being placed on half pay on 28 March 1908. On 29 September 1908 he attended a War Course and in late January 1909 went to Excellent for a Senior Torpedo and Gunnery Course. These studies were concluded on 19 March and on 4 April, Copleston was appointed in command of the second class protected cruiser Sirius.

Copleston was placed on the Retired List at his own request on 7 March, 1911, to receive a step in rank upon attaining age 40. On 11 May, he was appointed to Terpsichore, additional, to become the Librarian at the Royal Naval War College. When war loomed, he worked with the Flag Captain, Portsmouth managing the mustering of trawlers and yachts.

Copleston was advanced to the rank of Commander on the Retired List on 23 February, 1915 upon reaching his fortieth year. One month later, he returned to the Royal Naval War College as Librarian. On 14 January 1916 Copleston applied for command of a mine sweeping vessel. Accordingly, on 28 January he was appointed in command of the sweeping sloop Asphodel.

Copleston commanded Asphodel until being appointed Commander of Patrols, Malta on 18 August, 1917.

Post-War

On 29 November 1918, Copleston was granted leave in England to see to his seriously ailing father. His appointment in Malta ended on 13 December 1918 when he reverted to the Retired List.

See Also

• Service Records
• Wikipedia

Bibliography

Naval Appointments
Preceded by The Hon. Cyril A. Ward	Captain of H.M.S. Porcupine 30 Jan, 1904 – 13 Feb, 1904	Succeeded by Reginald G. Copleston
Preceded by Anselan J. B. Stirling	Captain of H.M.S. Violet 13 Feb, 1904 – 8 May, 1904	Succeeded by Thomas A. Williams
Preceded by Reginald G. Copleston	Captain of H.M.S. Porcupine 9 May, 1904 – 1 Apr, 1905	Succeeded by Michael Barne
Preceded by Michael Barne	Captain of H.M.S. Rocket 1 Apr, 1905 – 20 Oct, 1905	Succeeded by Henry F. D. Jelf
Preceded by Henry F. D. Jelf	Captain of H.M.S. Tiger 20 Oct, 1905 – 31 Mar, 1906	Succeeded by William S. F. Forbes
Preceded by Christopher P. Metcalfe	Captain of H.M.S. Charger 31 Mar, 1906 – 16 Jul, 1907	Succeeded by William D. Irvin
Preceded by Edward G. Lowther-Crofton	Captain of H.M.S. Sirius 4 Apr, 1909 – 5 Feb, 1910	Succeeded by Edward G. Lowther-Crofton
Preceded by New Command	Captain of H.M.S. Asphodel 28 Jan, 1916 – 18 Aug, 1917	Succeeded by James C. Wauhope