Who's Who - Edward Bingham
Rear-Admiral Edward Barry Stuart
Bingham (1881-1939) served with the Royal Navy during the First World War
and was awarded the
Victoria Cross for his actions in engaging the German
battle fleet at Jutland.
The Honourable Edward Bingham, the son of Lord Clanmorris (who resided at Bangor Castle), entered the Royal Navy in 1895. When the First World War broke out he was handed command of HMS Invincible which saw action in December 1914 at the successful Battle of the Falkland Islands.
During the inconclusive 31 May/1 June 1916 Battle of Jutland - possibly the greatest demonstration of naval firepower in history - Captain Bingham commanded a destroyer division.
His actions in bringing his own destroyer, HMS Nestor, to within 2,750 metres of the opposing German battle fleet at Jutland so that he could bring his torpedoes to bear, with the result that Nestor was sunk, earned him the Victoria Cross (one of relatively few awarded for naval bravery during the First World War).
Picked up by the Germans at Jutland Bingham remained a prisoner of war until the armistice. Remaining in the post-war Royal Navy he ultimately retired a Rear-Admiral in 1932 and was also awarded an OBE.
Bingham, who died in 1939, is buried in Golders Green cemetery in north-west London.
A "dogfight" signified air combat at close quarters.
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