Admiral Sir Charles Edmund Kingsmill 1855-1935
Text from the plaque
Admiral Sir Charles Edmund Kingsmill was the founder of the Canadian Navy. Born in Guelph, Ontario, he attended Upper Canada College and in 1869, entered the Royal Navy in Britain. In 1908, he returned to Canada to advise Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier on the creation of a Canadian navy. He served as the first director of the naval service from 1910-1920 and saw the new navy safely through a period of limited resources and political controversy, and the demands of the First World War. During the War, Kingsmill strengthened the command and intelligence gathering organizations, essential foundations for the future growth of the Canadian Navy. Throughout his service he encouraged and supported the training of young Canadian officers who would eventually lead Canada's great naval efforts of the Second World War and early Cold War. Kingsmill was knighted by King George V in 1918. He died at his summer home near Portland and is buried here in Emmanuel Anglican Cemetery.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
Find the place
The United Counties of Leeds & Grenville
The Township of Rideau Lakes
In front of a cemetery
on the north side of Highway 15
2.3 km west of Portland
N 44 41.024 W 76 12.568
Recorded June 2010. Check current access before visiting.
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Visitors' notes
May 23, 2013
I cannot believe that no comments have yet been posted! We must remember our history and the story of Admiral Sir Charles Kingsmill is a fascinating one. His summer home on Grindstone Island, Big Rideau Lake, still stands and again this year (Saturday, August 3, 2013) we will hold another Sail Past and Salute where a costumed Admiral will take the salute in Portland's Hanna Park by the water in conjunction with the annual chicken BBQ with music in the park. The Admiral was the 'father of the Canadian Navy' and his grandson still resides in the area. Come out to celebrate and enjoy a day in the country!