James Dalgleish
South African Navy officer
About James Dalgleish
Lived 1891 – 1964 (aged 72). James Dalgleish was a South African.
Commodore James Dalgleish (18911964) served as the Chief of the Seaward Defence Force, which later became the South African Navy.
Life He was born in Edinburgh on 8 July 1891, the eldest son of John Dalgleish and his wife Jessie Norrie.
Naval career He joined the Merchant Navy at age 16 and served in the Royal Navy during World War I.
After demobilisation he served as a navigation officer on a survey vessel before being transferred to the hydrographic section of the South African Naval Service.
He became director of the Seaward Defence Force on 28 March 1941 after the death of Rear Admiral Guy Hallifax and was promoted to the rank of 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.
He died on 30 May 1964, and is buried with his parents in Warriston Cemetery in north Edinburgh. The grave lies in the modern sections to the north.
Awards and decorations
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Important facts
People in James Dalgleish's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
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Frequently asked questions
Who was James Dalgleish?
South African Navy officer
When was James Dalgleish born?
James Dalgleish was born on 8 July 1891 in Leith.
When did James Dalgleish die?
James Dalgleish died on 30 May 1964.
What nationality was James Dalgleish?
James Dalgleish was South African.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James Dalgleish. https://biography.guide/james-dalgleish/
MLA: "James Dalgleish." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-dalgleish/.
Chicago: "James Dalgleish." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-dalgleish/.
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