AdmiralSir Heathcoat Salusbury GrantKCMG CB (13 February 1864 – 25 September 1938) was aRoyal Navy officer who served during theFirst World War, most notably as the captain ofHMSCanopus.[1][2]
Heathcoat Grant was born on 13 February 1864, the son of Capt. John Grant, and a scion of theGrants of Glenmoriston. He entered HMSBritannia as a cadet in July 1877, placing thirty-seventh out forty-six successful candidates. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1887, commander in 1899, and captain in 1904. He was navalattaché inWashington, D.C. from 1912 to 1914.[2]
At the outbreak of theFirst World War, Grant was appointed in command of thepre-dreadnought battleshipHMSCanopus, which was sent to theFalkland Islands to reinforceRear AdmiralChristopher Cradock's squadron. Cradock had initially intended to takeCanopus with his squadron, but left her behind due to her slow speed and need for overhaul; an order from theFirst Sea Lord that Cradock should not risk engagingMaximilian von Spee's squadron withoutCanopus arrived after Cradock had already sailed.
After Cradock's squadron was destroyed at theBattle of Coronel by von Spee,Canopus was assigned to defendStanley Harbour, and fired the first shots at theBattle of the Falkland Islands, when von Spee's squadron was destroyed.
In 1915,Canopus took part in theDardanelles Campaign, for which Grant was appointed a CB.
Grant remained in theCanopus until 1916
Grant was promoted to vice-admiral on 25 March 1920 and was retired the following day. In 1923, he published his recollections of his time in command ofCanopus inThe Naval Review. He was promoted to admiral on the retired list on 8 May 1925.