Stuart Bonham Carter


Sir Stuart Sumner Bonham Carter, KCB, CVO, DSO was an officer in the Royal Navy who served in both world wars.

Naval career

Born the younger son of Lothian Bonham-Carter and Emily Maud Sumner, Bonham Carter joined the Royal Navy in 1904 and served in World War I commanding the block ship HMS Intrepid at the Zeebrugge Raid in 1918. He also commanded the destroyer HMS Shark in the closing stages of the War.
A keen cricketer, he played two first-class matches for the Royal Navy Cricket Club in 1925. He was appointed Chief of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief, Africa Station in 1928 and made Assistant Director for Navy Equipment in 1932 before becoming Chief Staff Officer to the Commander of the 1st Cruiser Squadron in 1934. He was given command of the Royal Naval Barracks at Chatham in 1937 and made Naval Secretary in 1939.
He also served in World War II commanding the 3rd Battle Squadron from 1940 and the 18th Cruiser Squadron from 1942. It is said that he had something of a reputation of being a Jonah in any cruiser in which he raised his Admiral's flag, as these kept being sunk from under his feet. He was made Flag Officer, Malta in 1942 and retired due to ill health in 1943 although he was recalled in 1944 to lead Naval Convoys.

Family

In 1933 he married Eve Lloyd; they had one child, Joanna. He is distantly related to the actress Helena Bonham Carter.

Memorial

There is a memorial to him at St Mary's Church, Buriton.