Roderick Douglas Macdonald

Early Life and Education

Vice Admiral Sir Roderick Douglas Macdonald KBE (25 February 1921 – 19 January 2001) was a British naval officer who had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy.

Macdonald completed his school education at Fettes College, Edinburgh. He was captain of the Scottish rugby student team in 1938 and joined the Royal Navy as a sea cadet in 1939.

Naval Career

He saw action during World War II, participating in the Norwegian Campaign. After the war, he commanded various ships, including HMS Bristol, and was mentioned in dispatches for actions against EOKA. Between 1965 and 1966, he commanded naval forces in Borneo.

In 1973, Macdonald was appointed Chief of Staff Naval Home Command, and then in 1976, he became Chief of Staff of Allied Naval Forces Southern Europe at NATO (NAVSOUTH). He retired from active duty in 1979.

Later Career

After retiring from the Royal Navy, Macdonald pursued a career as an artist. He was chieftain of the annual Highland games on the Isle of Skye and published his book "The Figurehead" in 1993, detailing his early wartime experiences in the Royal Navy.

Macdonald passed away on 19 January 2001 and is buried in Portree cemetery on Skye.

References

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