Robert Stannard (Royal Navy officer)

Robert Stannard was a British Royal Navy officer who served during World War II. He is best known for his command of HMS Graph, a German U-boat (U-570) which was captured by the Royal Navy in 1941.

Stannard received command of Graph after its capture. The submarine was then used extensively by the Royal Navy for training purposes, allowing British sailors to learn about the design and operation of German U-boats. This proved invaluable in developing effective anti-submarine warfare tactics. Stannard played a key role in this process, utilizing his knowledge of the vessel to educate and train other officers and crews. He commanded Graph for a significant period, ensuring its continued operational readiness and its effective use in training exercises.

Following his command of HMS Graph, Stannard continued to serve in the Royal Navy, though specific details of his subsequent career are limited in publicly available records. His contribution to the Allied war effort through his role in exploiting the captured U-boat is nonetheless considered significant.