Holland, Cedric Swinton, Vice-Admiral, 1889-1950.

The material relating to Vice-Admiral Cedric Swinton Holland consists of his certificates of service, 1906-1933; midshipman's journals, 1906-1909; private journals, 1914 - 191936; and some official papers relating to wartime events, including the bombardment of the French Fleet at Mers-el-Kébir in 1940. Holland, who was opposed to the use of force against the French, was sent in as chief negotiator and these documents contain valuable information relating to the negotiations, the controversy surrounding the British action and the attitude of the French Navy. The collection also has some papers relating to Holland's role as naval representative of the Supreme Allied Commander, South-East Asia during the Japanese surrender in September 1945. There are also some photographs, press cuttings, letters, lecture notes and ephemera that document his career.