Boyce commanded three submarines and then a frigate before achieving higher command in the Navy and serving as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff from 1998 to 2001 and then as Chief of the Defence Staff from 2001 to 2003. As Chief of Defence Staff he is believed to have had concerns about US plans for a national missile defence system. In early 2003 he advised the British Government on the deployment of troops for the invasion of Iraq, seeking assurances as to the legitimacy of the deployment before it was allowed to proceed.
Early life
Michael Cecil Boyce, the first son of Commander Hugh Boyce DSC and his Afrikaner wife, Madeline (née Manley), was born in Cape Town on 2 April 1943.[1] His two brothers were Philip Boyce, a professor of psychiatry in Australia, and Graham Boyce, a diplomat.[1]
In 1971, Boyce married Harriette Gail Fletcher, with whom he had one son and one daughter.[2] Following the dissolution of his first marriage, he married Fleur Margaret Anne Rutherford (née Smith).[2] Lady Boyce died in 2016 at the age of 67.[35]
Boyce died from cancer on 6 November 2022, at the age of 79.[36][37]
A service of thanksgiving was held at Westminster Abbey on 13 July 2023.[38] Sir Graham Boyce, brother, Admiral Sir George Zambellas and Colonel Oliver Lee paid tribute.[39]
Honours
Boyce's banner as Lord Warden of the Cinque PortsBoyce's banner among the banners of Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath in Westminster Abbey
A Foul Anchor Or, pendent from the crossbar by its tail a Mouse Opossum Argent, the eye ring and claws Azure.[43]
Escutcheon
Azure, three interlacing Annulets Or, each held in the mouth by an Heraldic Dolphin embowed all in pairle Argent, finned Or.[43]
Supporters
On either side a Sea-Lion Argent, winged finned and navally gorged Or, each grasping with the interior paw a Sword Argent, hilt pommel and quillions Or.[43]
Motto
IPSIS FRETUS IMPEDIMENTIS POSSUM(I can trust myself with hindrances)[43]
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