Bio Cdr Botterill

Commander Hugh W S Botterill MBE MA Royal Navy

Hugh Botterill grew up in Suffolk and was educated at Pangbourne College and the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, before joining the Royal Navy in 2001.

Appointed to HMS CARDIFF as an Officer of the Watch and Diving Officer, he was seconded to the Ship's affiliated regiment, the Royal Welch Fusiliers as part of the 1st Mechanised Battle Group based in Basra, Iraq as the Ports and Maritime Liaison Officer coordinating the activities of land and water borne forces in Southern Iraq. In recognition he was awarded a Fleet Commander’s Commendation.

Hugh has subsequently served in Offshore Patrol Vessels, Frigates and Destroyers, enjoying a variety of roles. He spent six cold but fascinating months as the Navigating and Operations Officer of HMS DUMBARTON CASTLE in the South Atlantic.  On return to the UK he became the Navigating Officer of HMS LANCASTER, a Type 23 Frigate where he undertook Operational Sea Training and Atlantic Patrol (North) involving visits to the USA, Sierra Leone and the West Indies as well as extensive anti submarine exercises in the Western Approaches. 

He then assumed Command of HMS BITER and Salford & Manchester Universities Royal Naval Unit in December 2007. This appointment was ended prematurely so that he could fulfil a newly created post in Southern Iraq as the lead Sea Trainer on the Iraqi Navies Offshore Patrol Vessels. 

Having completed Principle Warfare Officers course he was appointed as PWO(U) in HMS KENT, where he assisted in delivering the re-generation package as she emerged from re-fit, preparing her for operations in the Gulf and subsequently deploying on operations. 

Post HMS KENT he joined Flag Officer Sea Training as a Senior Warfare Officer (Under Water) and was the lead member of the Towed Array Response Team. 

Appointed to HMS DIAMOND as the Executive Officer 2015, he was responsible for ensuring the Ship was ready to fight and win. Having returned from the Mediterranean, conducting board and search operations off the Libyan coast, he was re-appointed to HMS DARING deployed on Operation Kipion. In recognition for his work in these two appointments he was nominated in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Having graduated from the Defence Academy, completing a King’s College London Master of Arts, he assumes Command of HMS RICHMOND in time to generate a newly formed Ship’s Company – this is the greatest privilege of his career. 

Hugh lives with his young family in Hampshire. He enjoys a wide variety of activities especially country pursuits, running and sailing; Hugh can occasionally be seen running on the South Downs chasing Boris, his badly behaved dog!