H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - Biography of Admiral Sir Thomas Hugh Binney, K.C.B., C.B., K.C.M.G., D.S.O.

Brief Notes and Career History

Born: 9th December 1883, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Essex. Known as Hugh (rather than Thomas).

H.M.S. Cardiff, 1923 to 1925. Flag Captain to Admiral Chatfield. Cardiff was a cruiser of 5,400 tons which formed part of the 3rd Cruiser Squadron. (Six "C" class cruisers in all). The squadron operated in the Mediterranean, initially in the Dardinelles area.

H.M.S. Nelson , 1928 to 1930. Again as Flag Captain to Chatfield, who at this time was Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Fleet.

H.M.S. Hood (Captain), 1932 to 1933. At this stage in his career Binney had already served the usual length of time in a sea-going appointment as a Captain but was appointed to Hood at the behest of Admiral Kelly, Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Fleet, who felt that following the Invergordon mutinies what was needed was a Captain who could "draw the best from his subordinates". His time on Hood included a cruise down the East Coast of the UK (aka "Depression Cruise") which, it was hoped, would both raise the morale of the populace of those parts during the depression, and maintain the prestige of the fleet and Hood herself. The morale of the men did improve and Hood won the Home Fleet regatta. Gunnery also showed marked improvements during Binney's time as Captain (under the guidance and leadership of the Gunnery Officer Longley-Cook). A cruise to Gibraltar and the Mediterranean followed.

During 1939: Chair of Admiralty Committee on use of anti-submarine vessels. Recommended that vessels should be used in close support of convoys rather than on independent operations in search of U-boats.