David Wells (admiral)

David Wells
Born	(1918-11-19)19 November 1918 Inverell, New South Wales
Died	27 September 1983(1983-09-27) (aged 64) Coolah, New South Wales
Allegiance	Australia
Service / branch	Royal Australian Navy
Years of service	1933–1975
Rank	Rear Admiral
Commands	HM Australian Fleet (1974–75) ANZUK (1971–73) Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (1970–71) East Australia Area (1968–70) HMAS Albatross (1967–68) HMAS Melbourne (1965–67) HMAS Voyager (1959–60) HMAS Queenborough (1954–56)
Battles / wars	Second World War Battle of the Atlantic Battle of the Mediterranean Arctic convoys South West Pacific theatre Battle of Leyte Gulf Vietnam War
Awards	Commander of the Order of the British Empire

Rear Admiral David Charles Wells, CBE (19 November 1918 – 27 September 1983) was a senior commander in the Royal Australian Navy, who commanded ANZUK in Singapore from its formation in November 1971 until 1973.

Naval career

Wells entered the Royal Australian Navy's College at the Flinders Naval Depot in January 1933, aged 14. Almost four years later, he was awarded maximum time towards early promotion to lieutenant) as well as prizes for excellence in maths, physics and chemistry.

He earned the Otto Albert prize for seamanship, and the King's Gold Medal for most exemplary conduct, performance of duty and good influence among his peers. Wells was promoted to midshipman in January 1937.

From 1970–71 Rear Admiral Wells served as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff in Canberra, in recognition of which he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1971. Wells commanded the tri-nation and tri-service ANZUK force based in Singapore from 1971 to 1973 and, on his return to Australia, was posted as Flag Officer Commanding HM Australian Fleet from February 1974 to November 1975, after which he retired.

Last years and death

Wells died at Coolah, New South Wales on 27 September 1983, aged 64.