Frank Adcock

Sir Frank Ezra Adcock, (15 April 1886 – 22 February 1968) was a British classical historian who was Professor of Ancient History at the University of Cambridge between 1925 and 1951. In addition to his academic work, he also served as a cryptographer in both World War I and World War II.

Early life and education Adcock was born in Desford, Leicester, Leicestershire, on 15 April 1886. He was the son of Thomas Draper Adcock, the head of Desford Industrial School, and Mary Esther Adcock (née Coltman). He was educated at Wyggeston Grammar School, a grammar school in Leicester. He went on to study classics at King's College, Cambridge.

Military service Between 1915 and 1919, during World War I, Adcock worked for the Intelligence Division, Royal Navy. He also served as a lieutenant-commander in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve from 1917 to 1919.

Honours In the 1918 King's Birthday Honours, Adcock was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) 'for services in connection with the War'. He was elected a Fellow of the British Academy (FBA) in 1936. In the 1954 New Year Honours, it was announced that he would be made a Knight Bachelor. In 1953 he was appointed as Captain of the Royal North West Norfolk Golf Club in Brancaster. On 16 February 1954, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother at Buckingham Palace.

Later life On 22 February 1968, Adcock died at King's College, Cambridge.