Who Is Lord Mountbatten? Age, Biography, and Wiki
- Full Name: Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl of Burma
- Date of Birth: June 25, 1900
- Date of Death: August 27, 1979
- Age at Death: 79
Born into a prominent family, Lord Mountbatten played a major role in the British Royal Navy and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. After a distinguished military career, he served as the last Viceroy of India before the country gained independence. His contributions to both military and political spheres have left an indelible mark.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 25, 1900 |
| Age | 79 Years |
| Birth Place | Frogmore House, Windsor, Berkshire, England |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Ireland |
| Date of death | 27 August, 1979 |
| Died Place | Mullaghmore, County Sligo, Ireland |
Popularity
Lord Mountbatten's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details about Lord Mountbatten's physical attributes are part of historical records:
- Height: Approx. 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 170 lbs (77 kg)
- Measurements: Athletic build typical of naval officers
After leaving the Admiralty, Mountbatten took the position of Chief of the Defence Staff. He served in this post for six years during which he was able to consolidate the three service departments of the military branch into a single Ministry of Defence.
Ian Jacob, co-author of the 1963 Report on the Central Organisation of Defence that served as the basis of these reforms, described Mountbatten as "universally mistrusted in spite of his great qualities". On their election in October 1964, the Wilson ministry had to decide whether to renew his appointment the following July.
The Defence Secretary, Denis Healey, interviewed the forty most senior officials in the Ministry of Defence; only one, Sir Kenneth Strong, a personal friend of Mountbatten, recommended his reappointment.
"When I told Dickie of my decision not to reappoint him," recalls Healey, "he slapped his thigh and roared with delight; but his eyes told a different story."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Lord Mountbatten was married to Edwina Ashley in 1922, and they had two daughters, Patricia and Jennifer. His marriage was unique and often discussed, particularly regarding its semi-open nature, reflecting the complexities of relationships in high society. There were rumors of affairs, but Edwina and Louis shared a lifelong companionship that contributed to their roles within the British monarchy.
In February 1947, Mountbatten was appointed Viceroy and Governor-General of India and oversaw the Partition of India into India and Pakistan. He then served as the first Governor-General of the Union of India until June 1948 and played a significant role in persuading princely states to accede to India.
In 1952, Mountbatten was appointed commander-in-chief of the British Mediterranean Fleet and NATO Commander Allied Forces Mediterranean. From 1955 to 1959, he was First Sea Lord, a position that had been held by his father, Prince Louis of Battenberg, some forty years earlier.
Thereafter he served as chief of the Defence Staff until 1965, making him the longest-serving professional head of the British Armed Forces to date. During this period Mountbatten also served as chairman of the NATO Military Committee for a year.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1979, Lord Mountbatten had an estimated net worth in the millions, anchored by his titles, estates, and military pensions. In today’s values, his net worth could be considered equivalent to tens of millions:
- Estimated Net Worth: £15 million (Approx. $20 million in today’s currency)
- Salary: Not publicly listed in periods prior to his death, but known to have substantial assets.
Career, Business, and Investments
Lord Mountbatten’s career spans significant historical events. Starting as a naval officer during World War I, he quickly risen through the ranks. His notable positions included:
- Viceroy of India (1947)
- Chief of Combined Operations (World War II)
- Mentor to the Prince of Wales
Mountbatten attended the Royal Naval College, Osborne, before entering the Royal Navy in 1916. He saw action during the closing phase of the First World War, and after the war briefly attended Christ's College, Cambridge. During the interwar period, Mountbatten continued to pursue his naval career, specialising in naval communications.
Following the outbreak of the Second World War, he commanded the destroyer HMS Kelly (F01) and the 5th Destroyer Flotilla. He saw considerable action in Norway, in the English Channel, and in the Mediterranean. In August 1941, he received command of the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (87).
He was appointed chief of Combined Operations and a member of the Chiefs of Staff Committee in early 1942, and organised the raids on St Nazaire and Dieppe. In August 1943, Mountbatten became Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia Command and oversaw the recapture of Burma and Singapore from the Japanese by the end of 1945.
For his service during the war, Mountbatten was created viscount in 1946 and earl the following year.
Social Network
While there were no modern social media platforms during his lifetime, Lord Mountbatten maintained a prominent presence in British high society, forming relationships with influential figures. His legacy continues through various historical discussions, documentaries, and books detailing his fascinating life story.
After his tenure as governor-general concluded, Mountbatten continued to enjoy close relations with Nehru and the post-Independence Indian leadership, and was welcomed as a former governor-general of India on subsequent visits to the country, including during an official trip in March 1956.
The Pakistani government, by contrast, lacked a positive view of Mountbatten for his perceived hostile attitude towards Pakistan and deemed him persona non grata, barring him from transiting their airspace during the same visit.
Education
Lord Mountbatten received education at the prestigious Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, which laid the foundation for his career in the military. His schooling provided him with leadership skills that greatly influenced his later professional life.
Mountbatten was educated at home for the first 10 years of his life; he was then sent to Lockers Park School in Hertfordshire and on to the Royal Naval College, Osborne, in May 1913.
