Derek Empson


Sir Leslie Derek Empson, was a senior officer in the Royal Navy who served as Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command from 1974 to 1975.

Naval career

Educated at Eastbourne College, Empson joined the Royal Navy at as a pilot 1940. He served in the Fleet Air Arm during the Second World War.
Empson was appointed Naval Assistant to the First Sea Lord in 1957 and then became Commanding Officer of in 1963. He went on to be Flag Officer, Aircraft Carriers in 1967 and then Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff in 1968. He was made Commander-in-Chief, Far East Fleet in 1969 and Second Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Personnel in 1971. Finally he became Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command and Flag Officer Portsmouth Area in 1974. He retired in 1975.

Later life

In retirement, Empson worked as a consultant for EMI. He also held the posts of Rear-Admiral and then Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom.