Carl Alarik Wachtmeister

Vice Admiral Count Carl Alarik Hansson Wachtmeister (28 March 1865 – 26 November 1925) was a senior Swedish Navy officer who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Coastal Fleet (1919–1923) as well as of Stockholm Naval Station (1923–1925). Wachtmeister was born into a noble family. He joined the Royal Swedish Naval Academy in 1878 and graduated in 1884 as an underlöjtnant. Early in his naval career, he gained extensive experience through training and command of ships, including the brigs Skirner and Snapphopp. He was promoted steadily, taking on significant responsibilities such as commanding vessels, leading cadet units, and working on modernization proposals for coastal defence ships. By the early 1900s, he held several key staff and leadership roles, including command of the cruiser Fylgia and the Royal Swedish Naval Academy. Wachtmeister was instrumental in reforming military law and contributed to naval training programs. During World War I, he served as Flag Captain and later became Inspector of the Submarine Service. He was promoted to rear admiral in 1919 and led the Coastal Fleet until 1923. Alongside his military duties, he advised on international naval treaties and was involved in civil service roles, including the Supreme Court. He was promoted to vice admiral shortly before his death in 1925.