Ted Anson (back row- 2nd from Right) with the other Test Pilots and Observers
Vice Admiral Sir Edward Anson KCB was born in Adelaide, South Australia. After being educated at Westgate-on-Sea, Kent and in Nairobi, Kenya, ‘Ted’ entered the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth in 1943. As a Midshipman and Sub-Lieutenant he served on board the aircraft carrier HMS Implacable and in the destroyer HMS Agincourt. After pilot training he served in the aircraft carriers HMS Glory, HMS Ark Royal, HMS Bulwark and HMS Victorious.
He was promoted Lieutenant Commander in 1959 when on loan to Blackburn Aircraft Limited as a Test Pilot. During this appointment he was closely associated with the development of the Buccaneer strike aircraft. On his return to the Royal Navy he was chosen to command the first RN Buccaneer Squadron – No 801 Naval Air Squadron – in 1962 and served with the Squadron embarked in HMS Ark Royal and HMS Victorious. Promoted Commander in 1964, ‘Ted’ took command of the frigate HMS Eskimo before serving as Commander (Air) at Lossiemouth, Scotland, and in HMS Eagle. He subsequently commanded the Inter-Service Hovercraft Unit. Following promotion to Captain in 1971 he was Naval Air Attaché to Japan and South Korea in 1972, based in Tokyo.During 1974 he became Commanding Officer of HMS Juno and Captain 4th Frigate Squadron.
In 1976 he took command of HMS Ark Royal and after promotion to Rear Admiral in 1980 took up his appointment as Flag Officer Naval Air Command at Yeovilton. He was promoted Vice Admiral in 1982 and appointed Chief of Staff to the Commander-in-Chief Fleet at Fleet Headquarters at Northwood.
