In 1882 he received the Royal Naval College prize when qualifying for Torpedo Lieutenant. He served as Senior Staff Officer of the "Vernon" from 1886 until promoted to Commander. As a Captain he was Naval Attaché from 1897-1899. In May, 1901, he was nominated a Fellow of the Royal Society for his researches in electrical physics. In February, 1902, he was appointed Assistant Director of Torpedoes, and, after further services at sea, Controller of the Navy in February, 1905.
From September 12th, 1905, to October 18th, 1906, he was Aide-de-Camp to the King, being promoted Rear-Admiral on the latter date.
On November 9th, 1906, he received the K.C.V.O., and from October 16th, 1908, to October 10th, 1910, he was in command of the Third, afterwards known as the Sixth, Cruiser Squadron.
ADMIRAL SIR HENRY B. JACKSON
On June 23rd, 1910, he became a K.C.B., and on the 21st December of the same year was Admiralty representative at the International Conference on Aerial Navigation at Paris.
He was in command of the Royal Naval War College from February, 1911, to January, 1913, becoming a Vice-Admiral on March 15th of the first mentioned year.
During the Naval Manœuvres in July, 1912, he temporarily commanded the Seventh Squadron, hoisting his flag in H.M.S. "Illustrious." He was Chief of the War Staff in January, 1913, and was promoted to Admiral on February 10th, 1914.
He was nominated Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean in August, 1914, but on the outbreak of war was retained for special service at the Admiralty.