James Dalgleish

Commodore James Dalgliesh served as the Chief of the Seaward Defence Force, which later became the South African Navy.

He joined the Merchant Navy at age 16 and served in the Royal Navy during World War I.

After demobilisation he served as Navigation officer on a survey vessel before being transferred to the Hydrographic section of the South African Naval Service. He later commanded the SAS Protea until it was decommissioned in 1933.

He became Director of the Seaward Defence Force on 28 March 1941 after the death of Rear Admiral Guy Hallifax and promoted Captain. He was promoted to Acting Commodore on 1 May 1946 and confirmed in that rank on 1 August 1946.

He retired on 30 November 1946.