HMS Collingwood

Military experience

Born in Wales in 1959 and educated at Haileybury College, Mike Mansergh joined the Royal Navy in 1977, completing initial training at Britannia Royal Naval College as a University Cadet, before a 3 year English degree at Southampton University.

After early navigation appointments in mine countermeasures vessels, anti-submarine frigates and the Royal Yacht Britannia, he qualified as a Principal Warfare Officer, specialising in communications.

He deployed to the Gulf during the Iran-Iraq war in HMS York in 1987, followed by an exchange posting to the French Navy, serving in the frigate Dupleix, based in Toulon and deployed on operations off Lebanon and in the Far East.

He returned to the Gulf again in HMS Coventry in 1991 and 1993, as well as a short period in the Adriatic. During command of HMS Boxer 1996-98, he conducted counter-drug and disaster relief operations in the Caribbean, supporting Montserrat during volcanic eruptions. He later commanded HMS Cumberland, deployed to the Indian Ocean, the Gulf and in UK waters during 2002-03 and has spent 2 years commanding the Fleet Flagship, HMS Ark Royal.

Staff appointments have included Britannia Royal Naval College, Commander UK Task Group, a NATO posting at Iberlant HQ in Portugal, 2 years as the Warfare Officers’ Appointer and Ministry of Defence appointments as Naval Assistant to First Sea Lord and as Captain Navy Plans. On completion of an assignment as Commodore of the Portsmouth Flotilla, he became Director Naval Personnel in June 2009.

A graduate of the Higher Command and Staff Course, Honorary Liveryman of the Coach Makers and Coach Harness Makers, Freeman of the Shipwrights’ Livery Company and Younger Brother of Trinity House, he enjoys all sport, including fishing, when the opportunity allows, and is a keen but unaccomplished windsurfer.

He lives in West Sussex with his wife Julia and 2 teenage daughters.