Early Life and Career
Cradock was born at Hartforth, Richmond, North Yorkshire. He earned a reputation for great gallantry.
He entered the Royal Navy in 1875, and saw action in the Mediterranean, serving with distinction.
In 1900 in China during the Boxer Rebellion, he commanded a mixture of British, German and Japanese sailors during the capture of the Taku forts and received the Prussian Order of the Crown with swords as a result.
Cradock was promoted to Rear-Admiral in 1910. He was involved in the sea rescue of the passengers and crew of the SS Delhi in December 1911. He was awarded the KCVO in 1912. In 1913, he was given command of the North America and West Indies Station.
He was the author of three books, 'Sporting Notes in the Far East' (1889), 'Wrinkles in Seamanship' (1894), and 'Whispers From the Fleet' (1907) which contained advice for naval officers.
He was not married, but kept a dog which accompanied him at sea. He commented that he would choose to die either during an accident while hunting (this was his favourite pastime), or during action at sea.
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