convoy as an escort and once it reached the Middle East, was detached for operations in the Persian Gulf. By 1917, Philomel was worn out and returned to New Zealand. Despite his own desire to continue on operational service, Hall-Thompson's active participation in the war ended. Now back in New Zealand, he continued to advise the government on the development of the country's naval service. Late in 1917, the German raider ship laid mines in New Zealand waters. Initially considering it implausible that a minefield was responsible for sunk shipping, Hall-Thompson organised the minesweeping operations of 1918 to clear them. For his services during the war, he was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George and awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, 3rd Class, by Emperor Taishō of Japan. Postwar period In 1919, much to his disappointment as he enjoyed living in New Zealand, Hall-Thompson was recalled to England. The New Zealand defence minister at the time, James Allen, was also disappointed as he had established a good working relationship with Hall-Thompson. In 1920 Hall-Thompson was given command of the battleship and two years later became Aide-de-Camp to the King. He contributed a chapter to a volume of the Official History of New Zealand's Effort in the Great War, writing about the work of Philomel and this was published in 1923. He was appointed First Naval Member & Chief of the Australian Naval Staff with effect from January 1924 and later that year was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath. He completed his term with the Australian Navy in 1926 and went on to command the 3rd Battle Squadron of the Atlantic Fleet from 1927 to 1928. He then led the Reserve Fleet for two years. Later life Hall-Thompson retired in 1932 with the rank of admiral. He lived in Kent until he died on 6 July 1950, survived by his wife and four children. A son, Derrick, was also a career officer in the Royal Navy and ended his career as a rear admiral. A daughter, Mary (later Mary Austin), was awarded the DBE for community service in Australia. Notes References |- 1874 births 1950 deaths Companions of the Order of St Michael and St George Companions of the Order of the Bath Recipients of the Order of the Rising Sun, 3rd class Royal Navy admirals Royal Navy personnel of