The Epaulettes of the Father of the RAN – Vice Admiral Sir William Creswell KCMG KBE Gregory, Mackenzie J. · Dec 6, 1997 · Sir William was born at Gibraltar in 1852. At age 13, he entered the Royal Navy, joining the “Britannia” as a Cadet. As a Midshipman in H.M.S. “Phoebe” he enjoyed ...