A portrait of Rear-Admiral Philip Louis Vian, published shortly after he had commanded the Royal Navy force which had frustrated the attacks of a greater Italian naval force during the Second Battle of Sirte. Born in 1864, Vian had served on several Royal Navy ships during World War I, and served with distinction throughout World War II. Continuing his naval career following the war, he was ultimately made Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet and promoted to Admiral of the Fleet. He retired from the Royal Navy in 1952 and died in 1968.