Sir John Rushworth Jellicoe, 1st Viscount, was born in 1859.
A noted naval figure, he entered the Royal Navy as cadet in 1872 and eventually rose to command Britain's Grand Fleet from 1914 to 1916. He was appointed First Sea Lord, Chief of Naval Staff and Viscount after the Battle of Jutland in 1916.
He was appointed Governor-General of New Zealand in 1920. A keen yachtsman, he donated the Sanders Cup and sailed in the first series of races for the trophy.
He was created Earl at the end of his term in New Zealand. He died in 1935.
Biographical information courtesy of NZ Almanack
Visit the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography for more information