Horatio Nelson Lay (admiral)

Horatio Nelson Lay (23 January 1903 Skagway, Alaska, USA - 1988 Perth, Ontario) was a Rear Admiral of the Royal Canadian Navy.

Career
In 1918 he was a Naval Cadet at the Royal Naval College of Canada. In 1921 he was made a Midshipman and assigned to HMS Resolution for training. His next assignment was to HMS Cloud in 1923 for more training.

In 1924 he was sent to the Royal Naval College, Greenwich and RN Barracks Portsmouth for Sub-Lieutenant courses. His next assignments were to HMCS Patrician in 1925. To HMS Tiger for big ship experience prior to torpedo course in 1927. To HMS Repulse for further experience in 1928. To HMS Vernon for Long Torpedo Officers Course in 1929. He was then made Torpedo Officer Atlantic Coast in 1930.

In 1931 assigned to HMCS Skeena. Torpedo Officer Pacific Coast in 1933. To HMCS Vancouver as First Lieutenant in 1934. Torpedo Officer Pacific Coast in 1937. To Royal Naval Staff course in 1938.

He became the first Commanding Officer of HMCS Gaspe (Fundy Class Minesweeper - J94) from 12 January 1939 to 17 August 1939 and as Staff Officer Operations to Commanding Officer Atlantic Coast.

His next command was as Commanding Officer of HMCS Restigouche (River Class Destroyer - H00) from 26 December 1939 to 23 June 1941.

He was then made Director of Operations from June 1941 to October 1943.

He was the only Canadian Commanding Officer of HMS Nabob (Escort Aircraft Carrier - D77) (a Royal Navy ship manned by Canadians) from 15 October 1943 until she was damaged on 22 August 1944. HMS Nabob was damaged by U-354 on 22 August 1944. Twenty-one crew were killed in the attack. She was paid off on 30 September 1944, beached and finally scrapped in 1977.

He was next sent to Canadian Naval Mission Overseas London for negotiations with the Royal Navy for aircraft carriers in 1945. Then to US Army/US Navy Staff College and to Naval Service HQ as Director of Plans and Naval Intelligence.

In 1948 he became Acting Commodore and sent to Naval HQ as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Plans and Air). Canadian Naval Attache Washington and Naval member of the Canadian Joint Liaison Staff in 1949. Naval HQ as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Warfare) and Member of the Naval Board of Canada in 1952.

He was promoted to Rear Admiral and assigned to Naval HQ as Vice-Chief of Naval Staff and as Chief of the Naval Staff in 1954, serving until his retirement in 1958.

After retirement, he was active in the Ottawa United Appeal from 1958 to 1972.

Awards

 * Order of the British Empire (OBE) - "For gallantry and distinguished services before the enemy. This Officer was in command of one of HMC Destroyers engaged in convoy and other duties in United Kingdom waters in the early part of the war, and assisted in the evacuations from France. As Senior Officer of a convoy escort group in the Atlantic over a considerable period, his keenness and efficiency were an inspiration to those serving under his command."
 * Mention in Despatches - "For good service when his ship HMS Nabob was damaged." "For courage, resolution and skill in Northern waters (London Gazette Citation)."