Bernard Rawlings (Royal Navy officer)

Bernard Rawlings (12 November 1889 – 30 June 1962) was a British Royal Navy officer who served during both World War I and World War II. He rose to the rank of Vice-Admiral.

Rawlings entered the Royal Navy in 1904. During World War I, he served primarily in destroyers and was mentioned in dispatches.

Between the wars, Rawlings held various staff and command positions. He specialized in signals and communications.

During World War II, Rawlings commanded the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious from 1941 to 1942. He played a crucial role in the defense of Malta and in convoy protection in the Mediterranean. He subsequently commanded the 1st Battle Squadron in the Eastern Fleet, facing off against the Japanese Navy in the Indian Ocean. He hoisted his flag in HMS Queen Elizabeth. Later in the war, he became Second-in-Command of the Eastern Fleet. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 1942, and promoted to Knight Commander of the Order (KCB) in 1945.

After the war, Rawlings held senior positions within the Royal Navy, including Flag Officer, Scotland. He retired from the Royal Navy in 1948.