Friday, September 29, 2006

Admiral of the Fleet Sir Michael Pollack

Just read in today's Telegraph that Sir Michael Pollack has died. I first met him in the 1980s. I had been elected as Chair of the Montgomeryshire District Council and in a new 'openness' initiative was presenting the Council budget at a public meeting. The rather quietly spoken representative of Churchstoke Community Council stood up to ask a question. The novice hill farmer turned council leader was up against recently retired Admiral of the Fleet Sir Michael Patrick Pollack. CB. KCB. GCB., former First Sea Lord.
This was the man who had commanded the Ark Royal, the Tiger on which Harold Wilson met Ian Smith to try to settle the 'Rhodesia' question and who oversaw the first test firing of the Polaris Missile.
Sir Michael was a good listener and seemed just as committed to the affairs of the village of Churchstoke as he had been to the defence of the Realm. He was special which is why I telephoned several of my friends in the Welsh media. His passing should be noted with appreciation and respect.

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