Sir Frank Twiss

The naval career of Sir Frank Twiss is profiled in the Navy’s People ‘Themes’ section of Sea Your History. Here are some photographs and documents relating to his career beginning with his first commission as a midshipman to his final position of Second Sea Lord.

Flimsy certificate: Twiss, HMS Emerald, Jul 1933

Flimsy certificate: Twiss, HMS Emerald, Jul 1933

Certificates like this are known as 'flimsies'. Officers receive one at the end of every appointment. They are signed by their commanding officer and are a sort of report card. This certificate comments on Twiss's work as a Lieutenant on HMS Emerald. The Captain of the Emerald noted that Twiss conducted himself "To my entire satisfaction." *This is a standard positive phrase. Occasionally it is changed to the more negative, 'to his entire satisfaction'. Printed black ink template on paper with blue ink handwritten additional information. Admiral Sir Frank Twiss was born 7.7.1910. He started training at Dartmouth in 1924 as a Gunner Cadet Seaman branch. He was promoted to Lieutenant 1931; Commander 1945 and also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross; Captain 1950 ; Rear Admiral 1960; Vice Admiral 1963; Admiral 1967. He served as Naval Secretary to the Admiralty 1960 - 1962 when he was created Commander of the Bath. He was Flag Officer Flotillas Home Fleet 1962 - 1964 and then Commander of the Far East Fleet 1965 - 1967. At the same time he was made a Knight Commander of the Bath. He became Second Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Personnel in 1967 and retired in 1970.

Aerial view of Singapore Naval Base c.1967.
Admiral and Lady Twiss with a group of Naval Personnel and family guests at a review c.1967
Twiss on the mess deck c.1967.
Singaporean children arriving for a party, 1967.
Musical performance at a party - large number of children and adults present c.1967.
Twiss talking to Commanding Officer and Executive Officer of HMS Victorious c.1967.
Wessex Helicopters lined up at RNAS, possible Singapore (Twiss Far East Fleet Command 1967)
Twiss inspecting displays, possibly in survival school c.1967
Twiss and inspecting team with umbrellas in heavy rain c.1967.
Starboard view of Vice Admiral's barge with Twiss on board (Twiss Far East Fleet Command 1967)
Admiral Twiss accompanying General Sir Cleaver in Landrover c.1967.
Twiss embarking in HMS Falmouth c.1967.
Twiss inspecting number plate of car 0007 RN c. 1967.
Twiss in Admiral's Barge with Army Officer passing down starboard side of HM ships c.1967
Ceremony of Transfer of an HM ship to an RAN ship with Fort Rosalie in the background c.1967.
Starboard view of HMS Hampshire, c.1967.
Group of Naval officers at a dinner given by Admiral Twiss, 21st March 1967
Twiss leaving HMS LEOPARD by jackstay transfer c.1967.
Twiss addressing a ship's company c.1967.
Invitation card to Vice Admiral and Lady Twiss to attend a farewell supper at HM Naval Base Singapore (Twiss Far East Fleet Comm
Royal visit from HRH Princess Margaret to HMS Coquette, 5th July 1954
Royal visit from HRH Princess Margaret to HMS Coquette, 5th July 1954
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Vice Admiral Sir Frank Twiss at HMS Ganges - saluting on platform c.1963-67
Vice Admiral Sir Frank Twiss inspecting boys at HMS Ganges c.1963-67.
Extract from a Midshipman's journal of Frank Twiss.
Extract from a Midshipman's journal of Frank Twiss.
Extract from a Midshipman's journal of Frank Twiss.
Extract from a Midshipman's journal of Frank Twiss.
Extract from a Midshipman's journal of Frank Twiss.
Extract from a Midshipman's journal of Frank Twiss.
Extract from a Midshipman's journal of Frank Twiss.
Extract from a Midshipman's journal of Frank Twiss.
Extract from a Midshipman's journal of Frank Twiss.
Extract from a Midshipman's journal of Frank Twiss.
1978_294_ex11.jpg
Extract from a Midshipman's journal of Frank Twiss.
Extract from a Midshipman's journal of Frank Twiss.
Extract from a Midshipman's journal of Frank Twiss.
Extract from a Midshipman's journal of Frank Twiss.
Extract from a Midshipman's journal of Frank Twiss.
Portrait photo: Vice Admiral Sir Frank Twiss c.1963-67
Twiss's Appointment to Second Sea Lord, dated 11th January 1967.
Twiss's appointment as Captain of HMS Ceylon, dated 1st November 1957.
Appointment as Lieutenant Commander of HMS Drake, dated 24th August 1940.
Twiss's appointment as Naval Cadet of HMS Revenge, dated August 1927.
Flimsy certificate: Twiss, HMS Excellent, dated 5th January 1949
Flimsy certificate: Twiss, HMS Emerald, Jul 1933
Certificate of examination for Frank Twiss for the rank of Lieutenant at Royal Naval College Greenwich . Dated 25th March 1931.
Certificate in Gunnery for Frank Twiss for the Rank of Lieutenant, dated 1st July 1931.
Certificate of qualification for Instruction in Gunnery
Crossing the Line booklet HMS Emerald, 1933.
An explanation of Crossing the Line.
Letter from 1st Sea Lord Admiral Sir Michael Le Fanu to Twiss, dated 11th December 1969. Front.
Letter from 1st Sea Lord Admiral Sir Michael Le Fanu to Twiss, dated 11th December 1969. Back.
Letter from Michael Le Fanu to Twiss about Twiss leaving his post of 2nd Sea Lord, dated 16 March 1970.
Letter from Michael Le Fanu to Twiss about Twiss leaving his post of 2nd Sea Lord, dated 16 March 1970.
Spirit Ration Card dated, 16th July 1970.