Lord John Rushworth Jellicoe was born in Hampshire, England, in 1859. His naval career began in 1872, when he was appointed to the training ship HMS Britannia as a midshipman. He qualified as a gunnery officer in 1883, was promoted to commander in 1891, and then promoted to captain in 1897. Lord Jellicoe held many high command positions throughout his career, including Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Commander-In-Chief of the Atlantic Fleet, and First Sea Lord to name a few.
In 1920, Lord Jellicoe was made Governor General of New Zealand, an office that he held until 1924. He also served as Grand Master of New Zealand's Grand Masonic Lodge during his time in the country.
Lord Jellicoe was married in 1902, to Florence Gwendoline Cayzer. They had six children - five daughters and a son who went on to be the second Earl Jellicoe.
Lord Jellicoe died from pneumonia in 1935, in his home in London.
