Michael Boyce, Baron Boyce Cause of Death

Admiral of the Fleet Lord Michael Boyce, the Cold War submarine commander passed away at the age of 79 after a cancer battle on 6 November 2022.

Paying tribute to his predecessor, Sir Tony said: ‘I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Admiral of the Fleet Lord Boyce, who has died peacefully after a long illness.

‘Of his many achievements, Lord Boyce was most proud to be a submariner.

‘His quiet determination and focus under pressure represented the best of the Silent Service and served him throughout an extraordinary career where duty and loyalty to his country were always utmost.

‘His integrity as Chief of the Defence Staff will remain an example to all those who aspire to lead.’

Michael Boyce was known as ‘Iceman,’ who later challenged Tony Blair’s authority as Chief of the Defence Staff in the run-up to the 2003 Iraq War.

In the late 1990s, Lord Boyce was Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet, Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Atlantic Area, and Commander of Naval Forces North Western Europe, from 1998 to 2001.

He was then named Chief of the Defence Staff, making him the last First Sea Lord to serve as Britain’s military commander before Admiral Sir Tony Radakin’s appointment last year.