The Papers of Vice-Admiral Wilfred Tomkinson

Fonds

Reference Code: GBR/0014/TOMK

Scope and Contents

Many of the papers relate to the Invergordon Mutiny and Tomkinson's subsequent treatment by the Admiralty. The British attacks on Zeebrugge and Ostend in 1918 also feature in some of the documents. Tomkinson left a large number of photographs which illustrate his naval career and his family life.

Dates

Creation: 1892 - 1945

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for consultation by researchers using Churchill Archives Centre, Churchill College, Cambridge.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers wishing to publish excerpts from the papers must obtain prior permission from the copyright holders and should seek advice from Archives Centre staff.

Biographical / Historical

Wilfred Tomkinson was born in 1877. In 1907 he married Edith Joan and they had 1 son and 4 daughters together. Tomkinson died 7 October 1971.

In 1891 Tomkinson joined "HMS Britannia", in 1900 he served in the China War and in 1918 was involved in the operations against Zeebrugge and Ostend. In 1926 he served as Naval ADC to the King. In 1927 he became Chief of Staff to Admiral Sir Roger Keyes, Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet. In 1931 he was made Vice-Admiral. He was later relieved of his command following the mutiny at Invergordon. During 1940-42 he served as Flag Officer in Charge Bristol Channel. He was awarded a number of honours including foreign Orders.

Extent

9 archive box(es)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

These papers were deposited at Churchill Archives Centre in 1972 by Tomkinson's son.

Related Materials

The papers of Captain Andrew Henderson (ref. HEND) and Admiral Sir (Alfred) Dudley Pound (ref. DUPO) are also held at Churchill Archives Centre, Cambridge.

General

This collection (fonds) level description was prepared by Louise King of Churchill Archives Centre in July 2003, using information from existing box lists and the papers themselves.