Peter Abbott

Admiral Sir Peter Charles Abbott, GBE KCB (12 February 1942) is a former Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff.

Early life
Abbott was born on 12 February 1942. He was educated at Queens' College, Cambridge.

Military career
Abbott was commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1964. He commanded the minesweeper, HMS Chawton, from 1972 to 1975 and then joined the staff of the Senior Naval Officer in the West Indies.

He commanded the frigate, HMS Ambuscade, from 1976 to 1980 when he was made second-in-command of the aircraft carrier, HMS Bulwark.

He was the Chief of Defence Staff's briefer during the Falklands War in 1982. He then commanded the frigate, HMS Ajax and the First Frigate Squadron from 1983 to 1985.

He became Director of Navy Plans in 1985 and, having been promoted to Rear Admiral, he was appointed Flag Officer Second Flotilla in 1989. He was made Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff in 1991 and, having been promoted to Vice Admiral, was appointed Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic in 1993. He became Commander-in-Chief Fleet and promoted to Admiral in 1995 and Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff in 1997.

In retirement he was made Chairman of the Trustees of the Royal Naval Museum. He is also President of MSSC, governing charity of the Marine Society and the Sea Cadets.

Honours and decorations