Edward (Ted)[2] Anson was educated in England, Egypt, Kenya and Sudan,[3] before joining the naval college, in 1943.
Anson qualified as a pilot in 1952 and joined 801 Naval Air Squadron on the carrier HMS Glory[4] and saw action in the Korean War, becoming a flight leader in 807 Naval Air Squadron with the carrier HMS Ocean.
As senior pilot of 895 Naval Air Squadron flying Hawker Sea Hawks from HMS Bulwark he took part in the Suez crisis in 1956.
Anson was promoted to captain in June 1971[6] and served as naval and air attaché to Japan and South Korea.
He became the flag officer Naval Air Command at HNAS Yeovilton as a rear-admiral in 1980.