Ivan Thompson

Sir Cyril Ivan Thompson (1894–1970), usually known as Sir Ivan Thompson, was a British sea captain who was Commodore of the Cunard Steamship Company from 1954 to 1957.

Career

Thompson was born on 1 November 1894^[1] near Liverpool,^[2] where he was educated.^[1] He joined Joseph Chadwick and Son's Drum line in 1910. The following year, he moved to work for the Harrison Line, before joining Cunard in 1916^[1] as a third officer.^[3] During the First World War, he was serving on the RMS Caronia (then requisitioned for war service) and witnessed the next ship in the convoy suffer a torpedo attack. He also remained at sea during the Second World War and witnessed a torpedo attack on another ship in his convoy.^[4]

In 1942, Thompson was appointed a staff captain and served on the RMS Queen Mary, RMS Aquitania, and RMS Queen Elizabeth^[4] before he was promoted to take command of the MV Georgic in 1945.^[3] He subsequently commanded RMS Mauretania, the Caronia, Queen Mary, RMS Franconia, MV Britannic^[4] and the Queen Elizabeth.^[3] Between 1954 and 1957, he was Commodore of the Cunard Line and was knighted in the 1955 Birthday Honours.^[1]

Retiring in 1957, Thompson died at Liverpool after a long illness on 22 July 1970. He was survived by a widow, Eileen Smallwood, and four children.^[3]