| Office of the Admiral Commanding, Reserves | |
|---|---|
 Ensign of the Royal Navy | |
| Admiralty, Ministry of Defence | |
| Reports to | First Sea Lord, then Second Sea Lord |
| Nominator | Secretary of State for Defence |
| Appointer | Prime Minister Subject to formal approval by the King-in-Council |
| Term length | Not fixed (typically 1–4 years) |
| Inaugural holder | Vice-Admiral Sir John W. Tarleton |
| Formation | 1875-1976 |
The Admiral Commanding, Reserves, was a senior Royal Navy post that existed from 1875 to 1976.
Before 1857 the HM Coast Guard was attached to the Customs Service for revenue duties, and was a Controller-General of the Coastguard. [1] In January, 1869, Captain Willes was called to the Admiralty to assist the First Naval Lord in conducting the duties of the Coastguard and the Royal Naval Reserve, as well as to give general assistance in other matters, and, in October, 1870, was confirmed in office with the title of Chief of the Staff, Naval Reserves. The office of Chief of the Staff [2] was continued but for a brief term, and, following an Order in Council of December 12, 1874, an Admiral Superintendent of Naval Reserves was appointed to take charge of the Naval Reserve afloat. [3] He was also given charge of Coastguard stations ashore, the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Naval Artillery Volunteers, and the Seamen Pensioners' Reserve.
In 1903 responsibility for the HM Coast Guard passed to the Admiralty. On 21 May 1903 the office of Admiral Commanding Coastguard and Reserves was established, the first incumbent being Admiral Sir Ernest Rice.
After 1903 the Admiral's duties included: [4]
In March 1923 responsibility for the majority of the functions of the Coast Guard was passed to the Board of Customs and Excise and the Board of Trade. [5] In July 1923 the office was then re-styled Admiral Commanding, Reserves, which remained the title until the post was abolished in 1976. Successive Admirals Commanding were supported in their duties by an assistant until 1902 and then a chief of staff until 1976.
Responsibility for administering reserves then came under the Commander-in-Chief, Naval Home Command, as a dual role until 1994. From 1994-1996 the Second Sea Lord became responsible for managing reserves.
Post holders included: [6]
From 1968 until 1976 this post holder co-held the title, Director-General Naval Recruiting.
Post holders included: [8]
Included: [9]