John Knowles Im Thurn was born in 1881, the son of J.C. Im Thurn. He was married to Margaret Elizabeth Flemming.
Im Thurn served in the Navy during the First World War. As a result of his accomplishments, he was mentioned in despataches plus granted a C.B.E. (1919). At the end of the war, he served as the Assistant Director of Electircal Torpedo and Mining. He held this position until 1920. Following this he was the Director of the Signal Department until 1921.
His next assignment was as the Commanding Officer of H.M.S. Ceres. He held this position until May 1923, when he was selected to be VADM Sir Frederick Field's flag captain in H.M.S. Hood. Im Thurn was a popular captain and served in the ship until April 1925. During his tenure, the ship had participated in the famous World Cruise of the Special Service Squadron, a public relations tour of various ports. As a result of the successful voyage, Im Thurn received the C.M.G. in 1924.
His next assignment was as the Commanding Officer of H.M. Signals School in Portsmouth. He held this position until 1928. Following this, he served as the Chief of Staff, Mediterranean Fleet (as a Commodore). He was promoted to Rear-Admiral in 1929.
In 1931, Im Thurn received the C.B. He also became the Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff 1931 - 1933. Next, he served as the Commanding Officer of the 1st Cruiser Squadron Mediterranean Fleet (1933 - 1935). He was promoted to Vice-Admiral in 1935 and retired directly afterwards. He continued to hold various postions for the next several years (notably, he was the Commodore RNR Convoys in 1935 and served at the Admiralty from 1941 to 1944).
His many decorations also included being a Knight of Malta (1936) and the Bailiff Grand Cross (1950). Im Thurn lived in Settle, Yorkshire and died on 5 July 1956.
Sources and References
"Who Was Who"