7 Jan 15 8 a.m.
Dearest Parents,
All well etc. Many thanks for the King Albert book, which arrived yesterday. You did order those papers, n'est-ce pas ? I'm very anxious not to miss them.
I'm sorry to hear people in London seem depressed and not much theatre-going. What is the object? It seems stupid to me, worrying does no good, and only upsets the sons and husbands, etc., at the front, if they know about it.
I have thought about the Gieve waistcoat, several people on board have got them, they are expensive, but the prevalence of mines and submarines have influenced me to order one. The North Sea is rapidly becoming no place for Yachts!
Don't forget to make a bolt for the Underground when the Zeppelins come (as they will). A letter suggesting this ought to be sent to the Press signed "Thoughtful patriot" or something like that! Still it is good advice, to get underground.
Well, love to all hands, and the cook.
Yours, Stevie.
c/o GPO
Dear Father,
Will you hurry Gieve up with my waistcoat ? You might point out over the telephone that a gentleman in Light Cruiser is more likely to test its powers, than someone in a guardship. However, no need to tell Mother this.
Your devoted son,
Stevie
AT ROSYTH
Monday, 11th January
Since I last wrote in this book but little has taken place. We were in harbour until the 3rd (5 days) on which date, for the first time, there was a chance of going ashore. Of course, as we were almost stepping over the side, up went Blue Peters in every direction, and the usual "panic" ensued. The word "panic" which appears fairly frequently in these pages, conveys a different meaning to the Naval Mind from that usually associated with it ashore. With us it means a sudden upheaval, which is caused when a ship is ordered to sea in all haste. Signalmen dash here and there, boats come and go, mails are hurriedly made up. One's own boats are hoisted and secured for sea, etc., etc. On this day, 3rd January, all the excitement was due to an Admiralty report that two Zepps and 3 cruisers had left the Jahde river that morning. This was followed by a wire from the military authorities, to say that two Zepps had appeared over Chelmsford, and one over a place in Sussex. Things began to look interesting when the news came through : "Hostile aircraft have turned back" and I may mention here that we've never heard any more about them. We scanned the papers in vain. However, no news about the cruisers, and at 6 p.m. we went to sea in foggy weather. We stayed out three days in a S.W. gale and tried to do some firing, and on the 6th we came in again. Since then, special short 3-hour leave to Edinburgh has been arranged. It gives you 1' hours in town. I went up twice to Lady Marjorie's and saw Kythe.
We have also landed the men for football at Broom Hall, Lord Elgin's place.
The loss of the Formidable appears to have been very unfortunate. They were in close order, and only going 6 knots! It is scandalous no Nelson has arisen yet.
Thursday, 21st January
My birthday, and I hear that I have been awarded the Royal Humane Society's bronze medal.
c/o G.P.O.
24.1.15.
Dearest Parents,
Just a short line to say all is well, funny way to spend one's 22nd birthday, n'est-ce pas ? We are getting up lectures on various subjects to interest the men. . . .
I am keeping a careful record of our part in the War, the unwritten history will of course be the interesting part. A noted Admiral said the other day - We are having your Boer War -I agree - Is it too much to hope that these six months have been our Boer War? Facts point to this being so. The Germans have done very well, but they have not had the chances of making mistakes, their policy has been obvious - stay in - raids - and attrition, they do deserve full marks for the way they called in their foreign commerce raiders.
Yours with love
Stevie.
BATTLE OF THE DOGGER BANK
Written MONDAY 25th JANUARY There has been good hunting since I last wrote, but I must begin at the right place.
Monday, 18th January
On 18th we went to sea somewhat hurriedly, and with the B.C.S. we went down to do a stunt in the Heligoland Bight. Commodore (T) was out, and we hoped to sweep up a patrol of 32 boats said to be patrolling on the Ems River - Horns Reef - Line. We arrived at daylight 19th and saw nothing except a Zepp and a seaplane. At 11 a.m. we retired, having swept up close to Heligoland. A few floating mines were seen in the afternoon.
Saturday, 23rd January
I got 4 hours short leave and went to Edinburgh by the 1.6 train. I then made arrangements to be on the end of a telephone wire, and went to Lady Marjorie's, where I met Kythe and Sir Kenneth, who were taking me to the Haymarket Rink to teach me curling. I had just begun to play, and had crashed down somewhat heavily whilst frantically "souping it oop" ! when the G.O.C., who was an opponent of mine, told me a message had come saying all L.C.S. officers back at once. (I was to leave curling for an even greater game as it turned out.) I dashed out, got a taxi, went to F. & F.'s [Ferguson and Forrester restaurant] to see if anyone was there, picked up two fellows in Prince's Street, warned the constable on point duty to tell N.O.'s to go back to their ships, and then proceeded at full speed to Dalmeny. We did the 10 miles in 20 minutes. Whilst waiting on the Hanse Pier for a boat, Engineer Captain Taylor came up to me, and in his usual charming manner was very friendly about the medal, etc. He always remembers officers who had been Cadets at Dartmouth when he was Engineer Commander there. (He was the only officer killed on our side yesterday, in the Tiger.)
L.C.S., B.S., 1st and 2nd B.C.S., and 3rd C.S. all went to sea after dark. For the account of the action see separate sheets.
Sunday, 24th January
We were at Action stations from 6.50 a.m. till 1a.m. I had the Middle Watch (12-4 a.m.) before, and the 1st and morning afterwards, consequently, I am rather tired to-day, as during the last 56 hours I've only had 8' hours turned in, in two whacks, also a snatched snooze when I could. We could get no breakfast yesterday, as the Action was just opening. At 10 a.m. I had a banana and a biscuit.
The first hit recorded by our Battle Cruisers was greeted with cheers by our men. Everyone was surprised to see the way the Blucher stood the hammering she got.
The two middle German B.C. were also getting a bad time; we saw a salvo of four from the Tiger hit the 2nd one and sheets of flame sprang up. The Lion was obliged to haul out of action by a submerged injury, hit by mine or torpedo as far as is known at present. V.A. Lion shifted his flag to Princess Royal and this delay, coupled with our nearness to Heligoland, enabled the remaining three to escape. Two of them had a bellyful, and must need pretty extensive repairs. Had we been able to get a grip on one more Battle Cruiser, the German Light Cruisers might have had to return in order to beat us off with torpedo fire.
In doing this they would have been brought to action by us. We were admirably situated as a support for this operation had it been ordered. As it was, all our flotillas were trailing along astern of us, and useless. The manner in which the action was forced was magnificent. Sir David led the Battle Cruisers in a manner worthy of our traditions, for in his flagship the Lion he received the concentrated fire of four ships. At 9 a.m. it did not appear possible that we could bring them to action, but by tenaciously hanging on to them and ignoring, or rather risking the great danger of torpedo attack from their four stern tubes, he managed to get within range and forced them to abandon the Blucher. Our gunnery also showed superiority. As for the greater part of the action the Germans had (10) 11-inch and (6) 8-inch bearing on (12) 13.5-inch, the Germans were better armed. Yet we sank the Blucher and seriously injured two others.
They damaged the Lion by torpedo or mine, and also hit her (no details yet); she had 11 men wounded. They also hit the Tiger (no details) wounding 7 men and killing Eng. Capt. Taylor.
The T.B.D. Meteor was also apparently damaged when we met them at dawn. No other injuries as far as I know at present. At 3 p.m. we gathered round the Lion, which was being taken in tow by the Indomitable, and L.C.S. and 48 destroyers guarded her through the night until 7 a.m. It was bright moonlight, and going at seven knots, which was her max. speed, was most uncomfortable. Especially as an Admiralty telegram arrived to say we were being chased by submarines from Heligoland. 4 salvage and seven ordinary tugs met her to-day.
We, with other B.C., swept South during the afternoon to meet any hostile T.B.D.'s. We hope, all being well, she will get into Rosyth at midnight to-night. We are going in at 5 a.m. H.M. has sent a congratulatory signal'I wish the Lion was in first. 8 p.m. She has stopped all leaks, is upright, and doing 8 knots in tow. Submerged flat flooded. Both engine rooms out of action due to shell piercing eduction pipes. Feed tank. holed. But all details are fragmentary so far.
I hear from Lion that in Blucher and Derfflinger one turret was lifted clean out of the ship in each case. This sounds incredible, but Lt. (G) of Lion swears to it, so do others. Once again many of the German shells did not burst.
I passed close to the Lion and saw the holes in her funnel, quite small, also one or two in her hull and the place where her armour was struck, and two plates came apart and stuck out 6 inches.
In the Tiger the shell that wounded 7 men and killed Capt. Taylor burst under the 6-inch Control Tower, and came up through. They were in the 6-inch C.T. The other men were bad hats, and stowed themselves away, instead of going on watch in the boiler room. They found a lonely and deserted spot in the middle of the ship and thought themselves safe, but a shell found them out, and hours after the action, when they were missed, their bodies were found. What a moral ! I don't believe the statement that the Kolberg was sunk ; we must have seen her I think.
Thursday, 28th January
As I write, Thursday night, 28th, there is a fresh scare afoot; we are at 1 hour's notice and in momentary expectation of sailing orders. We sailed at midnight, and stood over towards Heligoland, in order to co-operate in an air-raid, but as the weather blew up the stunt was off, and we came back again.
AT CHARLESTOWN, FIRTH OF FORTH
Friday, 29th January to Thursday 4th February
We then remained here (anchored off Charlestown) till the 4th, when the Commodore presented me with my Royal Humane Society's medal. In the evening the Notts and ourselves sailed for Newcastle, arriving there a.m. on the 5th.
H.M.S. Southampton
1st Light Cruiser Squadron,
c/o G.P.O.
3.2.15
Dearest Parents,
Thank you for your letter (Father's). I had not had one for over a week ! I was wondering if everything was all A1. It's wicked of me to grumble, as you both write so regularly, but you know what letters mean to us, the sacred link doubly precious in times like this. I thought you knew I get promoted on 28th instant. Kenneth on the 15th.
Stevie
AT NEWCASTLE
Friday, 5th February
We spent six very pleasant days there off Swan and Hunter's Yard, whilst they fitted us with a 3-inch High Angle gun. I saw my father for a few hours on his way through to town from Newcastle, and heard a good deal of London Gossip on Naval matters.
One or two quaint ships building in the Tyne, monitors with six bottoms and 15-inch guns, etc.
Wednesday, 10th February
Crosbie left the ship, Sub-Lt. Haworth Booth joined in lieu. At noon I went up to Newcastle with patrol and picked up 9/18 absentees. At 9 p.m. we sailed, and arrived here at 6 a.m.
LETTERS TO HIS PARENTS BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND DECEMBER 1915
H.M.S. Southampton
1st Light Cruiser Squadron
14.2.15.
Dearest Parents,
Since I last wrote I have had a step up in the world. One of our Lts. has been taken away and a junior Sub., Haworth-Booth, ex H.M.A.S. Australia, has been sent instead of him. I, meanwhile, have stepped into the absent one's shoes; that is to say, I have been elevated to the dignity of having a division completely in my own hands, a couple of mess-decks, and, last but by no means least, I am, as far as the Whiteheads are concerned, Torpedo Lt. of the ship. I feel a sort of vain-glorious pride in this latter fact, when I think that this ship is the biggest ship in the Navy not to have a Torpedo Lt. It has always been just touch and go whether this class were to have a proper Lieut. (T) or not.
Another thing that really rather pleases me is, that it had been generally considered that as the late Lieut. had 4 years in, and that for the importance of the job I am very junior, that it would be given to the Senior Watchkeeper, who has 6 years in, a nice chap, but does not overwork. In fact, the late Lieut. had turned over all the papers, etc., to this chap, and it was rather awkward for me when he had to turn over everything to me on the Commodore sending for me this forenoon, and telling me to take on the job.
It is a top-hole job, as the torpedo offensive is very important in these ships, and it won't be for lack of trouble if we are not on the top line in that respect.
I initiated my first day in office by having a Royal Row with the Gunner (T) who bitterly resents "an officer not yet promoted to Lieut. being placed over a gunner with six years experience." Of course, he thinks I am a Mug, and that, in my ignorance, I shall leave everything to him. I fear he will have this illusion shattered. As I told him to-day, I look upon him as an expert, but he got rather fed up, when after, a long yarn about what I was to do, etc., I said that "My experts were only required to advise when consulted." He was always having a kind of running fight with my predecessor, and I am determined to start with my position cut and dried, and decide once and for all, that as I bear the ultimate responsibility, I am going to have anything I see fit done.
Amongst other changes, this alters my position in Action to the Conning Tower, from whence I loose my "tin-fish." This is a better billet than my old tin bath, made of sheet iron underneath the after funnel, as the C.T. has got several very respectable inches of armour.
If what you say about Sir What's-his-name is true, everyone thoroughly agrees in the Mess. He is defined as follows :
"He never spoke in peace because he was deaf; everyone thought he must be thinking a lot. When War came, everyone said, good gracious, what on earth was he doing the whole time ?"
H.M.S. Southampton
1st Light Cruiser Squadron
15.2.15
Dearest Mums
S. is either an ass, or Hypocrite, if he does not wish to see his people. Possibly he has a snug little establishment ashore, in which case the Hypocrite is in evidence, or else he belongs to the gang which favour what are commonly called "blood and iron" ships, i.e. they strip their cabins, throw the chairs over the side, and chant in chorus "We are at War, let's be as unhappy and as uncomfortable as possible!" I know two ships like this that haven't seen a German yet, or even heard one.
Lately the Admiralty have been obliging them to be reasonable and give leave when possible.
The fact is that modern War is quite another kettle of fish to what War used to be.
The thing has got to be run on business lines, and a factory where the employees are treated as machines and sweated never pays. It's the up-to-date places, like "Sunlight Soap," etc., where the human element comes first, that succeed.
In War, everything possible to ensure that the mental, moral and physical comfort of troops, or ship's company is a maximum should be done, and in this ship is done. If the night previous to action, you had a good dinner and attended the theatre, why should you not fight as well, as a miserable individual who has not been ashore for a month?
Stevie
H.M.S. Southampton
1st Light Cruiser Squadron
21.2.15
Dearest Parents,
All well etc., and very many thanks for the books.
Enclosed please find my second effort, done before the arrival of the books. I am struggling to express myself, and learning the use of colours at present. A fellow enthusiast Garey the young doc., is also resuming it'he is rather good.
I happened to mention to someone the other day in the Commodore's hearing, that I had heard that a stunt was going to take place at the Dardanelles. He jokingly said that he is going to write to someone and tell them that the worst place for leakage is the United Service Club! One never knows how to take him, so I think it would be better in future if you did not put any inside service news in your letters. I have destroyed your enclosures. I have sometimes thought the Commodore knew I was getting the news of the day from town, as he often says, laughingly, "Well, I look to you for the latest news." However, of course, you know best what can be put in a letter, and what cannot. I imagine all your letter news is Club gossip, and therefore, more or less public property. However, I thought I'd tell you.
Love and Kisses
Yours truly
Stevie
H.M.S. Southampton,
1st Light Cruiser Squadron
Dearest Parents,
Enclosed is a photo of the Watchkeepers and Control officers of this ship. One of us is on watch during the day, and two from dusk to dawn. Many, many long hours have we kept together. I am always on as O.O.W. at night, or else the chap on my left. The other three are O.O.W. with us during day, and control at night. Reading from left to right :
Lt. Gregory.............. alias "old Man Gregs."
Lt. Crosbie............... John MacKlusky.
Lt. (G) King............. Kid King.
Sub. Lt. K- H........... The Quirk,
Lt. Rogers, R.N.R ...... Button Eyes or Slippery Rodge.
We are in working rig, and in my hand is my mug, affectionately known as the "family plate," "Bournville Cocoa," the watchkeeper's friend, is to the fore, flanked by the electric kettles; how we've blessed them some of the long, cold, rain and snowy apparently endless nights.
I am very afraid that when I get promoted on the 28th Feb. that they will try and chuck me out of this and put me in one of these New Ships. I simply must stay in a Light Cruiser, and if I must be replaced by a Sub, the only place I should like to go to would be the flagship of the Caroline class, or failing that, a job in a harwich flotilla leader. I can't find out for certain whether they are forming another L.C.S., but have strong reasons for believing so. At any rate, for heaven's sake save me from a Battleship (e.g. Barham and Co.). The life led in the Battle Squadron after the excitements and weekly alarms of an L.C.S. would be stagnation. Many, in fact nearly all, battleships have not fired a gun in anger since the War began. We have been in Action moretimes than any other squadron in the Service, though you might not think so from the press'I won't be more precise.
So once again I urge you to do your utmost to (a) Keep me in the ship, and if that is not possible, to get me into the flagship of the Caroline class. I don't mind much which. I don't think we shall have much trouble from the German B.C. for a few weeks. If the Q. Mary had been there, it would have been better.
Many ideas are being revolutionized ; I am putting it all down very carefully for future use! though I fear after this War we shall stagnate. Perhaps we shan't hear quite so much of this beastly "where's the Navy ?" after the 24th. It makes me so wild, we might be having the time of our lives on the Riviera from what some people say and write. When they write to me, I give it them in the necks; ignorant of the most elementary principles of Naval warfare, they bleat like goats.
"Floaters," i.e. Mines ' la d'rive, are a nuisance and getting worse.
Life in the B.S. and C.S. and kindred stay-at-homes, and "will support B.C.S. and 1st L.C.S. 100 miles to the N.W." type of squadron is chronic. You must be something that goes 23 knots to smell a "Hunnery " and 26 knots to see one. Since war broke out I've seen 4 German B.C., about a dozen different Lt. C., about 30 or 40 destroyers, Zeppelins, submarines and mines, and been fired at by all these. I only give you this catalogue to compare with the record of one Battle Squadron, one ship of which has fired one gun across the bows of a tramp ! We have a fairly strenuous time, but we get something for our money.
My routine at sea when anything is doing is as follows :'We will suppose the ship sails at 8 p.m., and goes to the dear old Bight, or some such place.
8 p.m. on the 25th'1915. Ship sails.
9 p.m. I turn in, Gieve's waistcoat handy.
11.50 p.m. Up I get, one Gieve's waistcoat, two woollen ditto and a Shetland, Greatcoat, trousers, two pairs of socks and bread and butter. Then on watch till 4 a.m., and so on as for 1st day.
That is an accurate description of 48 hours of my life when we are on a "stunt." So now you know. I'm not a bit bored or fed up, and quite prepared for two years of this war.
Your devoted son
stephen king-hall.
Sunday, 28th February
I shipped my second stripe. A great moment.
H.M.S. Southampton
1st Light Cruiser Squadron
By moonlight.
Dearest Parents,
There is little to tell you except that I am well, and very fit, in fact I had reason to run a good distance to-day (we do get ashore sometimes you know) ; there is no doubt, that the Navy goes to war in a luxurious way compared to our gallant Army. Contrast their hours in the trenches, rain, lying on the ground, marches etc. with us. We have long hours at sea, but we have to come in for coal and that usually means 24 hrs. rest and clean up. Our food is as good as in peace, we have a piano, a comfortable and well lit and warmed mess, with books, magazines, papers, a cabin, slightly denuded true, but a cabin with a bunk for all that and weighed against all that, we have the dangers of mines and submarines.
From reliable information I can say that the net result so far of underwater fire, is as follows :
If you are over or near the point of impact in a small ship you never know " wot 'it yer "so it doesn't matter much, otherwise, if it's calm and you can swim, as there are always other ships handy, you stand a very decent chance. I do wish I could feel mother wasn't worrying. . . .
H.M.S. Southampton
1st Light Cruiser Squadron,
Friday
Dearest Mother and Father,
Many thanks for your telegram which was much appreciated. I put my stripes on the day before yesterday.
If you look at the Navy List you will observe I move up a few places. It seems very curious to be going about with two stripes on it, and snotties touching their hat to you ashore. Somehow one has always looked on lieutenant's rank as the height of achievable ambition; Commander, Gapt. and Admiral were vague positions which one approached when life was to all intents and purposes over ! and now one has to start all over again, and what a long stretch before anything can happen.
I wish they'd try the experiment of giving some of the junior Lts. independent small commands in the monitor and suchlike line. It is very hard to distinguish oneself nowadays in a cruiser or battleship with the best wishes in the world. In the Army, if you leave your trench to carry a message etc., under fire, or do some personal deed of valour, you get Kudos, but for example, in this ship you are no better off one side of the deck than the other! and you only look at a ship about 8 miles off and mumble a few numbers down a telephone; the gunlayers never know which are hitting. There is not half the scope for individuality. I envy those fellows at the Dardanelles; I wonder if we shall ever get any leave, I don't sniff any yet, though I think it is generally admitted we are due for some soon, as most ships have had a few days since the war began.
What we sez is, "Hang the leave if My Lords can give us a scrap, but if there ain't no fightin' on tap, we aren't adverse to a week's glorious life in London town."
Enclosed are two of works of art (sic). I think they show improvement; I'm simply bubbling over to try and express what I see, but I don't know how to.
Love,
Stevie.
H.M.S. Southampton,
2nd Light Cruiser Squadron,
c/o G.P.O.
6.3.15
Dearest Mother,
Thank you very much for the "Prussian Hath Said in his Heart" it is most interesting, and I finished it at a sitting. I must say he states his case very convincingly; it (the book) is being passed round the mess. The other day I was respectfully saluted ashore by a crowd of Mids. I smiled to myself as I thought of the day when I had looked on a Lieutenant as the virtual apex of the Naval Heights. It is rather curious running up against chaps in my own term, who in many cases are destined to remain Subs for perhaps another year. Some people get quite short in their conversation when, after a few minutes, the second stripe hits them in the eye.
I've been playing a good deal of hockey and rugger lately, though the weather where we are is incredibly warm for March, quite warm enough to lie on the grass and bask in the sun. Sometimes, for an hour or two, one gets away with a pipe into some pretty nook, and the war might be over, or never begun.
Love
Stevie
H.M.S. Southampton
1st Light Cruiser Squadron,
c/o G.P.O. London
1.4.15. Dearest Parents,
I had a letter from both of you to-day. I'm glad the "fund arrangement' is satisfactory, there are vague rumours of leave somewhere in the distant future, but if you ask me, they will never get beyond the rumour stage ; however they provide a certain zest to conversation, which is rather liable to flag a bit when the war is taboo. Of course we have our tame military expert, known as 'Belloc.'[Hilaire Belloc] Needless to say, though he wears 3 stripes, he talks the most utter drivel, and is always predicting fantastic moves on the part of the Russians, which never come off. A very favourite habit of his is to make a dogmatic statement such as 'Buda-Pest will fall in a month 'and then turn round as much as to say 'Anyone deny that?"
Everyone is too busy or bored to trouble one way or the other usually.
Amongst other notabilities in the Mess, whom you ought to know by reputation, are . . .
(1) Lt. Gregory, our senior watchkeeper, usually known as "old man Gregs."
Recreations : Evading watchkeeping, and card playing - Address c/o Douglas Stewart, Turf Accountant, London; also about once a month insists on singing a song in a "basso profundo" voice. It is an eagerly awaited performance. Can show much energy at times.
(2) Asst. Paymaster Stoddart.
This gentleman, aged 24, is Censoring this letter. So I must be cautious.
One of the hardest working officers in the ship, if not indeed in the Navy, yet such is the rapidity of his action, that he frequently disposes of immense quantities of work in a very short time.
He is thus able to devote much time to silent reflection in a horizontal position on his bunk. Plays the piano, and has broken many a fair young heart (Oban, Alexandria, Malta, Barcelona, Algiers, Toulon, Weymouth).
We have decided that after the war, as a last resort, we could give dancing exhibitions on the stage.
(3) Lt. King-Hall.
This bright young officer, whose absolute lack of liver, and merry chatter at the breakfast table, is like a ray of sunlight in the mess, which to continue the analogy, acts on some of the older members as if they were photographic plates, is by common consent, the toiler on the deep.
In fact, it's a matter of wonder how he manages to sustain the strain.
Notwithstanding this, fresh burdens are being almost daily thrust on his devoted head. Supported and sustained by the illustrious example of his forebears and the nutritious properties of chocolate (please send) he struggles on; the "tout ensemble" forms a touching and alas but too rare a picture of "devotion to duty."
Yet such are the distorted views of some, that only yesterday our first Lieutenant declared that Lt. King-Hall was one of the cutest little devils for lurking anyone else for a job of work that the New or Old Schemes had ever produced.
There are many others, each with their peculiarities, a close study of which is essential (especially in the case of Seniors) if the maximum enjoyment is to be derived from life.
It is even in fact essential to cultivate the habit of recognising instantly the footsteps of such magnates as the Commander and Commodore. This is particularly useful during days on, when tho' one is technically allowed below, if there is nothing going on, yet should the Commodore elect to take the air, he likes to see someone strolling about. Seated behind my cabin curtains, on the flank of his approach to the hatch, I hear his tread, and as his body vanishes on deck, I also rise and shoot up a hatchway further forward, and then stroll aft in a dignified manner primed with all information concerning wind and barometer.
All these are really only a few of the very necessary trade secrets, which every young man who wishes to be successful will store up.
Love and kisses to all,
Your devoted Son,
W.Stephen king-hall.
H.M.S.Southampton,
c/o GPO
9.4.15
Dearest Parents,
All well etc., as usual I'm glad to say. When the War first started, everyone was very eager to be doing something - what, no one quite knew, but after several months of the North Sea, disillusionment came in, and one realised now that in a War of which one cannot foresee the end, and it is still going strong after 9 months, it does not pay to burn the candle at either end.
Enclosed are two rather indifferent snapshots. However, they portray what one might say was my everyday face, and not the one that custom decrees one shall assume on entering a studio. A mother's gaze will doubtless discern the extra stripe and ribbon.
At the present moment it is blowing like ten thousand demons, but I'm very snug in my cabin, puffing away at a pipe. With reference to my smoking, I don't think I smoke too much, I've never noticed any effect.
Love STEVIE
H.M.S. Southampton,
1st Light Cruiser Squadron,
20.5.15
Dearest Mother, I think that leave can be relied on as due to materialise sooner or later, in which case a careful schedule to include at least one theatre, supper, etc., in town would have to be arranged. Not a second must be wasted.
The other day I was on watch as dawn slowly broke over the waters from without a ragged frame of heavy clouds. As I swept the calm sea with my binoculars, in order to detect the tell-tale feather of a periscope, or the black spot that denotes a drifting mine, I thought for an instant of what that moment meant for hundreds of thousands of men. True, my comrades in the Dardanelles were well embarked on a fresh day, and doubtless the little flotilla of mine-sweepers was even then returning to the shelter of Tenedos after its night's work, but my brothers in the trenches'I pictured the listening patrols coming back to the trench, the beginning of the daily bombardment, of the sniping, the whirr as the aircraft mounted to their daily task'all these scenes passed through my mind as I gazed across the sea, and saw all around me the dim forms of other ships which had been, until this moment, wrapped in darkness.
Even so with us all over the North Sea, from Muckle Flugga to the Straits, men were stirring and preparing for another day in the bitter struggle.
But it is daylight, and such thoughts vanish with the last shadows of night, greater matters take their place, there is indeed this matter of a cup of cocoa, ordered now some 30 minutes, and yet it tarrieth in its arrival on the bridge' actualities prevail in War.
Your affect son,
Stevie.
H.M.S. Southampton,
c/o G.P.O. London
28.5,15.
Dear Father,
Don't forget to write to A.J.B. and pitch it pretty strong, quote Australian govt. I should give him a fortnight to three weeks to settle down. I should say something like this:
'Dear ''
Tho' 66, I am still in full possession of my mental and physical powers. In a crisis such as we are at present undergoing, it is not only intolerable to myself, but it must surely be economically unsound, that no use can be found for whatever talents I may possess.
My record, and the position I have attained in H.M. Navy, speak for themselves, but I should also like to draw your attention to enclosed extracts from letters from the Australian government. Allow me, therefore, to repeat my offer which I made last August, i.e., I am anxious to serve in any capacity, where I can be of value to the State. I do not desire a salaried position, but I do wish to put my shoulder to the wheel.
Though ready to serve wherever required, I should like to point out that I have had much experience in dealing with labour leaders, notably in Australia, and I therefore suggest, that I might be most profitably employed in some form of committee work, etc., --(enlarge on this, and also mention public speaking).'
This is only an outline, but I do wish you'd follow my ideas. At any rate, it can do no harm.
Yours with love,
Stevie.
P.S.'You might get them to send you on a tour amongst working classes to impress necessity of effort over the War.
H.M.S. Southampton,
10.6.15
Dearest Parents
All well etc., and at present we are enjoying simply perfect weather. The evenings are delicious, and when the exigencies of the service permit, we get the gramophone on the quarterdeck after dinner and dance, waltzes, onesteps, ballet-dances, free dancing, etc. So you see we are keeping merry and bright, which is more important than a lot of people think.
The band (now 31) is a mainstay, and we are trying to get Admiralty support.
Stevie
H.M.S. Southampton,
20.6.15
Dearest Parents,
All well, etc., and as usual. I often think of the joys of getting a separate command, though, of course, this is quite a nice ship and all that, still, here I am rather stuck, as it were, and no prospect of anything ever taking place, except a swim in the North Sea as the result of a lucky shot by a submarine, or an erring mine. With the tremendous amount of New Construction coming on, especially in destroyers, all the young Lieutenants with a couple of years in or so, at present in command of the oil torpedo boats and old 30- knotters, will be shifted on, and there will be many vacancies going I should think. I imagine the Commodore would not mind recommending me, if an opportunity occurred.
I don't want to stay more than a couple of years at the most in this ship, I think you get stale if you stay in one place too long. It's impossible to know what they are building, all sorts of quaint things for different places, and what I'd like is a billet where one had a chance of doing something, with a good sporting risk thrown in for preference. I often wish I'd gone in for flying. You haven't heard at the Club whether the Admiralty want a young Lieutenant of intelligence to do something really risky have you ! ! ? If so, I'll insure my life and roll up for the job. Of course it's very noble and all that to think that one is doing one's duty, but it is a confoundedly " ennuyeux " proceeding, I only hope the Germans are more so. I'm just in the mood now for a really chippy action. I almost wish I was a soldier, you do get a run for your money !
I suppose old Nelson's crowd had the same show off Toulon, but under more unpleasant circumstances. And even then, young chaps used to go meandering off in brigs and sloops and cutters, and have the deuce of a time.
I suppose this will last another 5 years, and I'm quite sure that if the Germans can stick it, we can. At all events, we do go to sea (I don't know whether the Censor will pass this, but as we've been in action of sorts, it's more or less self-evident), but as far as I know, the uttermost limit of the German efforts in the N. Sea are comparable to London to Margate and back. I've heard strong rumours from various good sources that Joffre says this and that, the substance being they'll be on the Meuse in August-Sept.: though what truth there is in it all I don't know. none, I should think, eh ?
This feeling of unrest is very prevalent I think amongst all the young fellows; it is due to the conditions of Modern Naval War, the sort of mutual repulsion which modern fleets and mines and submarines have on each other. However, I fight against it, and I think enjoy life as much as anyone. It really boils itself down to lack of outlet for superfluous energy. One puts it into things which filled one's life in peace, i.e. the state of the Quarterdeck planking, or something like that (though the Bloke would probably query this on my part !) and all the time one's common sense says that it doesn't really matter what the Quarterdeck looks like. Of course, there's a lot to be done, Service duties, drills, etc., etc., but one's appetite when sharpened by being at War, is not readily appeased by Hum-Drum diet. (Really, I'm writing quite a hot-stuff literary letter, don't you think so?).
Well, well, I might be very much worse off, in some thumping great battleship, where you never appear on the Upper Deck unless you sport 3 stripes, and aiguillettes. To-morrow I will inaugurate a campaign in my division, and throughout my part of the ship, which will fill the Captain of the top, and some 50 odd flat feet. 1. (a) With pained surprise. 2. (b) With dignified disgust. I've got to have at some one, and they shall receive my energy, in massed formation. I will e'en spend ' an hour now, elaborating my plan of campaign, whilst they blissfully snore in serried rows.
Love and kisses,
From, Stevie
Dearest Parents
... I think two years is quite long enough to be in one ship. I should also like to see some more fighting, and it looks as if the Straits were going to be the centre of things in the future, or at all events for this year.
I wish I could get command of a Torpedo Boat out there, one of the 1-40 class, the little oil boats. I believe what record I've got at the Admiralty is good enough to see me through, if only I knew how to set about it. I suppose you don't know anyone at the Admiralty who'd listen to my case, which is that of a young Lieutenant of intelligence, who has done two years of Light Cruiser work, and in the most strenuous and oldest established Light Cruiser Squadron at that (not bad experience in War time, 18 months of this jolly old North Sea), who wants a chance up the Straits? You know I'm so confoundedly ambitious and restless. I'm sure the Commodore would recommend me for anything like that if there was any question of it. As you know, I've found favour in his eyes, and he even tried to get me promoted specially to Lieutenant.
There must be lots of small commands going up the Straits and I'm simply longing to have a chance to do something. Don't imagine that I don't know that there are probably hundreds of other fellows who think and feel the same, also that I don't fully realise that this job is just as essential as any other. I do. But I also feel that I've done sufficiently long of this job to justify my hoping for the other.
My invention was approved by the staff in the Iron Duke, but strafed by the Admiralty on the grounds (chiefly) of expense. However, I got the " Thanks of my Lords "for the ingenuity etc., displayed. You know the usual soft soap.
I suppose it wouldn't be any good trying to get Lord Fisher to do anything. I wish I could have a personal interview with some of these High Authorities, it sounds extraordinarily conceited to say so, but I believe I could convince him in ' hour. You can tell him I said so (with all due deference from a junior Lt. to an Admiral) and shew him this letter if he wants to know anything else ! ! !
Excuse this abominable scrawl, it is written under difficulties.
Love to the family,
Your affec. son,
W Stephen King-Hall.
H.M.S. Southampton,
4.7.15
Dearest Parents,
Consequent upon the receipt of a letter from a friend in the Vernon, I decided to try and get the October torpedo course. Much to my amazement the Commodore has, I believe, consented to my name being submitted. I say I believe, because I had not had time to hear any official details, only the Commodore said it was "all right." When I hear definitely to-morrow, I will write again. Once my name has gone in, I am going to leave no stone unturned to get the Course, and I shall write to everyone I can. I hope you will also do your uttermost for me.
It would be rather a fine thing if I could become a torpedo Lieutenant with 1' years Seniority, and with a bit of push I believe I can. They may say I'm Junior, true I shall only have 9 months in, but I've done a lieutenant's work for 18 months in this ship, including 11 months Watch-keeping under War conditions, which ought to equal 3 years of peace routine! The Flag-Commander, Boyd-Richardson, is very anxious I should get it. He believes the younger the better.
I will let you know at once as soon as my name goes in, for once that happens, one can get every lever to work without any chance of appearing to override the Commodore. I will send further details to-morrow. It is quite exciting.
Your affec. son,
W. Stephen King-Hall.
H.M.S. Southampton,
26.12.15
Dearest Parents
Well another year has come and gone under circumstances of War, though we had a much cheerier time this year than we did last year, on which day, I presume it doesn't matter saying now, we were just entering a gale which caused us to roll 42' on Boxing Day ! This was, and still is, the heaviest roll we have ever measured during the war. I don't wish to throw cold water about, but I don't think there is a chance of peace in the spring (Mother's letter). I don't want peace for three years (my body wants peace to-night) for I do not consider we can crush them properly under that time. We must remove this unclean thing from us, or it will surely arise again.
. . . Things afloat are at an absolute deadlock, and in my opinion likely to remain so, and even more so than at present. The elements of the problem are simple :
"A" German submarines want targets. Why should we supply them ?
"B" British Fleet want targets. Why should Germans supply them?
Deadlock!
... I believe London is in a rotten state again. At the beginning of the war there was a very fine spirit, everyone ready to make sacrifice, but now I hear they have got to the stage when they look on the whole show as a sort of spectacle or daily sensation in the papers.
There is a very, very rude awakening coming to England when the casualty lists of 1,000 a day and more roll in with the summer. The English nation has not yet shouldered the weight of the war, they have only been having the harness put on as yet, if they only knew it.
Love to all
Yours,
Stevie
ROSYTH - GENERAL THOUGHTS
Friday, 10th March
In starting this, the third volume of my private diary since the war broke out, I cannot help congratulating myself that I have been able to keep a diary, and hence carry on the series of my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather's diaries, all of whom, be it noted, earned a small share of the renown and a still smaller share of the money, in the service of their sovereigns and country in the Royal Navy. I have decided in this volume to deviate somewhat from the principles which have guided me in the past.
I have always endeavoured rather to eliminate the personal element, and merely record those facts which seemed to me worthy of being noted down, from the point of view of their interest to the casual reader, more particularly, of course, my own relations. In this volume I propose to describe in some detail the minor incidents of our life. I feel partly justified in doing this, by reason of the fact that we are at war. This state of affairs adds to a record of one's daily doings a certain interest which would not be there in peace time.
Last night, for example, as we were under steam at four hours' notice, and as after all the recent activity there seemed a fair chance of our not being disturbed, we took advantage of all this to have a cinematograph show. Most people asked guests, and the mess was packed, as 29 of us were trying to dine in it. The guests came from various ships. I remember Hynes, the Lt. (G) of the Commonwealth, and Curtis of the Devonshire, also a Lt. (G). These were both guests of King our own gunnery officer. I asked Warner of the Galatea over, and we shared the side table with the three Gunnery Jacks. From the soup to the port we babbled shop, and gunnery shop at that. Hynes told us strange tales of the King Edwards, of refitting at Belfast, and their quaint indifference to cordite when you discharge it on shore prior to entering dock.
Curtis discoursed on aircraft guns in France, as he has just spent four months marooned in a farm near Dixmude testing aerial sights. He also told us of his experience strafing the German coast, as he spent the first three months of the war in the old Revenge (renamed Redoubtable). He was in her when she got a nasty knock from two 8-inch shells below the water line. However, she got back to Pompey all right, under her own steam.
We then collectively and separately came to the conclusion that the Battle Cruisers' shooting was rotten. A lively discussion then ensued as to the cause of the Bulwark disaster, and as to the danger or otherwise of keeping lyddite fused on the upper deck.
The conversation next turned, as far as I can remember, on the scandalous manner in which all our best ratings are being taken for the new ships! One cannot but sympathise with fellows who are in Behemoths and Sea Cows, for, as Hynes remarked, I'm fed up with being in a ship that trains men, I want to be in one that fights! After dinner we all migrated to the upper deck for the films. We have got rather a good picture palace in this ship. We completely close in one side of the waist for officers'both sides when it is a ship's company night. The unique feature, however, is the fact that by an arrangement of awnings we include the large engine room exhaust outlet. The result is that when we want to heat the place, we switch on the fan, and so efficacious is it that on the coldest and windiest of nights, or however brass-monkeyish the weather may be, we can comfortably sit in the "Movie House" without wearing anything in the way of greatcoats.
The films were quite good, one entitled "Charlie's Night Out" being a peculiarly amusing vulgar effort ; it is rather astonishing that it passed the Censors. After the films we went down to the Ward Room, where I amused the guests by singing some topical songs I had written. Everyone was kind enough to congratulate me on them. I sang "Coal in the Sack " to the Mess for the first time, it was much applauded.
I heard from Hayes, our late No. 1 who is learning to command a big Zepp at Wormwood Scrubs. He writes that the lack of organization is very bad, apparently largely due to lack of trained instructors. I have had a Day-On to-day, which has been quite peaceful so far. We went to General Quarters and General Drill in the forenoon. It is hard to keep up interest in General Quarters, but one does one's best. The Chief difficulty is to provide novelty.
The Falmouth, Yarmouth and two T.B.D.'s went out on the Moonlight Sonata. The Coquette and T.B. No.11 are reported as having gone down on mines along the East Coast. I have a sort of idea that we are in for a big bout of mine laying.
The Germans are still smashing their heads against Verdun. This is the 18th day of the slaughter. In Armenia the Russians continue to harry the Turk. Portugal, Britain's most ancient ally, has now come into the war. I suppose it only means that we shall use the Tagus and other Portuguese facilities rather more openly than we have done in the past. No. 1, King, Allen and myself have formed a coffee club. We have bought one of those fascinating glass machines (I have been using one privately for some time). We brew coffee after lunch each day.
ON PATROL
Saturday, 11th March
At sea. Heavy Easterly gale - most unpleasant. I had the middle watch, and early in that dismal period had the misfortune to have one of my sea boots filled up with salt water. It was wet on the bridge, as spray was freely coming over, in addition to intermittent snow showers. It was also most cold. I had three or four layers of everything on, but felt icy notwithstanding these precautions. Ikey Marsden, our R.N.R. Sub, was full of lamentations, as his servant had neglected to really bash home his scuttle clips. The result of this was 6 inches of water in all his drawers!
There is one compensating feature to date, we have only been pitching without rolling, which former is to my mind far and away the most comfortable form of motion in these craft owing to their length. Everything is, of course, battened down except two hatches amidships. The Mess deck gets in a dreadful state.
We are now homing, and we are so steady that I have thought better of my original intention of taking to my bunk directly after tea. I don't pretend to do the slightest amount of work in bad weather (and when aren't we?!) I take to my bunk and sleep there peacefully until the next meal or the next watch. I suppose we shall get some fine weather sooner or later, I sincerely hope so if this strenuous life is going to continue. To-morrow will be our 16th coaling in 39 days! It gets a bit monotonous, and we are heartily hoping we shall get a week or ten days peacefully in harbour.
A submarine was reported close to us on our way back. When we got in I went over to Galatea.
AT ROSYTH AND EDINBURGH
Friday, 19th March
A week of absolute peace which has been very much appreciated. Not very much has taken place. The weather has stopped being of the "galey" variety and has suddenly taken to being foggy and extremely damp. I had the morning watch this morning, and the Chief Bosun's Mate said to me, "Why, you 'as to 'ave the constitootion of an Helephant to stick this 'ere weather, it's that changeable." King, our Lt. (G) is on the sick list to-day with a bronchial cold which has been flying round. I had it last week, but got rid of it just as I was thinking of visiting the head leech.
I made a great departure last Friday, as I went to the Carnegie Music Institution or College of Music, and asked about lessons. It was finally arranged that I should start a course with a Mrs. Richardson (?) who I am told is the best teacher in Edinburgh. She is only about 27 and most attractive, which is a relief. She was intensely amused at the whole thing, but most interested to hear the somewhat curious methods by which I have taught myself. She is very keen to teach me, as she says she has never met anyone like me, which I took to be complimentary. Of course, according to my theory, it is because whenever any art, subject, or science is taught anyone it is always or almost always taught by a teacher who has graduated in the subject along certain standard lines. The teacher is, in fact, a member of the Trade Union in question. Consequently there is an inevitable tendency for all instruction to follow the same lines regardless of the individuality of the pupil or the capabilities of the instructor. There is also to be found in all specialised subjects, a strong tendency to make a mystery of the particular job. The people who have specialised in a business, be it scientific, artistic, or anything else, are naturally very averse to the outside learning anything, except through them
For example. This young lady, though I believe a very distinguished teacher in Scottish circles, was frankly sceptical when I told her that though I could not tell her the name of the notes yet I could play very fairly from sight. She had the grace to acknowledge her error when the lesson was over, but laughingly persisted that I was an extraordinary and abnormal case. I maintain, and told her, the only abnormality to which I lay claim is that I have approached the subject from'I will not say an original'but an unusual point of view. My guiding principle in all these matters is that success may be attained by applying "common sense along the correct lines." It is therefore obvious that we require two things :
Common sense.
We must discover the Correct Lines.
The first named is essentially a Divine gift, and the foundation of genius (some will dispute this; I could prove my point but will not do so here). Common sense may be trained and given free development like anything else. The beautiful feature about it is that the more you use it the more you acquire it. The second essential, namely the discovery of the correct lines on which to apply your Common sense, takes more or less trouble, according to the amount of Common sense you can bring to bear on the problem. In fact the two are so closely connected that it is not possible to separate them one from another.
H.M.S. Southampton,
1st Light Cruiser Squadron.
Dearest Mother,
I heard from you and father to-day. I'm very fit, etc., and except that we wish we could get at 'em, have no complaints to make.
As days become weeks, and weeks months, the Grand Fleet, as the 1st Lord says, becomes stronger and stronger, consequently if they won't come out now when we are only, what shall I say? "very much superior," will they emerge when we are "overwhelmingly superior?"
Meanwhile we wait and prepare, and prepare to make ourselves fit to fulfil our destiny. Let us hope that destiny is the destruction in fair fight of the High Seas Fleet.
I laughed when you said, "this was not told me by a Lady!", but nothing will make me change my views as to the foolishness of entrusting important matters where secrecy is essential to any of the charming sex, always allowing the exception that proves the rule, which is, of course, yourself ch're m're, and even here nothing Naval !!! Never mind, Mums, it is rather hard for mothers not to know where their ewe lambs are bleating, but wait till the war is over.
Love,
Stevie.
This afternoon Mannering from the Champion, Allen our Lt. (T.) and self had a lap at the Torpedo table. None of us having worked the blooming thing, we spent most of the time flogging out the theory of it, and eventually had to disturb King on a bed of sickness to get his opinion on one point. As he is (G) and we pose as (T) enthusiasts, it was rather funny.
I hear my cousin is back on ten days' leave from the Army. He explained, with regret, that he could not sleep at home as he was so verminous from the trenches ! Hence he must make use of the Turkish Baths. This explanation served for several days and nights! Rather a brain-wave on his part. London is a place of many resting-places.
ON PATROL
Friday, 24th March
I could not help thinking this evening of the extraordinary contrasts in modern war, and perhaps more particularly in modern Naval war. What made me do so were the thoughts which entered my head as I looked round the mess half an hour ago.
We had just finished dinner, and we were at sea. Without boasting of anything luxurious, I could not help thinking how comfortable it all looked. Tulips on the table, nice white table cloth, a dozen or more officers smoking, drinking their port and coffee, the whole well lit up with electric lights shaded in yellow silk. And yet with all this comfort we were out on business, thank goodness.
Where we were exactly matters not, where we shall be to-morrow in the early hours is also of no particular importance. Suffice it then to say that in 12 hours we stand quite a good chance of having a knock at the wily Hun. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say we stand a better chance of gratifying our wishes than is usually the case. As I write this, in a well lit, well warmed cabin (two radiators), Marsden, our late R.N.R. Sub, now R.N., who does Tankey, dropped in to tell me the wind had veered 16 points and it is snowing hard. It is bad news. Meanwhile it is 9 pm, the ship rolls steadily but gently (our first fine day at sea for months), and I have the morning watch at 4 a.m., also we shall be at continuous Action stations from 5 a.m., and the day may be, let us hope, a strenuous and fruitful one. On such occasions there are two good things which may be done, both extremely practical. The first is to ask protection and a successful issue from the Ruler of all destinies, and the second is to turn in, not forgetting to see masses of warm clothing and cocoa gear all in their appointed places. For one is ten times as strong at 9 p.m. as at 3.50 a.m., when opening drawers is a labour not lightly undertaken. I fear from the increased motion that the sea is rising fast. Bad - bad - bad! Good-night.
The weather cleared suddenly at about midnight, and when I went on for the morning watch it was almost a flat calm, with a very high visibility. In the course of the day there was one amusing incident, as, whilst we passed fairly close to a trawler we heard them shouting at us. Though it entailed losing much ground in our position on the screen, the Commodore decided we ought to turn back and circle round them, in case they had important information to give us. Ten minutes later we got back to them, and every ear was strained to hear what they were shouting. At last some North Country expert deciphered it, " If ye send a boat, we'll send ye some fish " ! ! ! Tableau ! on the bridge, as we dashed after the rapidly disappearing B.C.F.
Another incident. On the 24th March 1916 whilst at continuous Action stations, I could not get my telephones to the port battery to work properly. In the course of time an L.T.O. came along to test through, and this is what he said, " Fxle. Gun, P.1, P.2, P.3, and Quarter Deck Gun don't pay any attention to what I'm going to say, number 5-0-6-4-3. Now I'm coming round the guns to see if you've all got that number! 163 al-361 ir-363 lb-270 ml-570 fl-7i lg."
Monday, 27th March
As I write this we are slicking up the Firth at 22 knots with the prospect of 620 tons of coal to take in.
AT ROSYTH
Wednesday, 29th March
On this day I was lured to take a party from all the Light Cruiser Squadrons, consisting of Methodist, Primitive dittos, Unitarians, Congregationalists, and other fancy religions, to a Mass service in the dockyard, as their leading preachers were coming up to this Base from London to hold a special service. There were 500 men and only three officers, so I had to go in to help make a show. Consequently, all the Divines jumped to the conclusion that I was leading Dissenter in the B.C.F. I had not got the heart to deceive them, and when the press photographer got busy at the end, I was dragged up on the platform and given the seat of honour, by Dr. Ritson and Dr. Boyd (?). I also received greetings from the churches in the South. In fact I was quite a Saint Stephen of the 20th century.
ON PATROL
Sunday, 2nd April
At short notice. On Sunday (that is to-day) we and the Birmingham are just trundling out at 3 p.m. for this confounded Moonless night patrol. Everyone is fearfully excited over the coming leave. We are working at "Advanced Party " with which I hope to get away to-morrow when we get in. The ship will refit at Rosyth (not half so amusing as Newcastle) and I am to be C.O. on board whilst she is in dockyard hands.
AT ROSYTH ON RETURN FROM LEAVE
Tuesday, 18th April
On our way out [on the 2nd April] we found that there was a submarine panic in the Firth ; the usual drifters with Indicator nets, etc., were in evidence. As luck would have it, the Zepps had decided to attack Edinburgh that night, accordingly at 10 p.m. a great Wireless Telegraphy flap began. We were ordered to patrol a line North and South 100 miles from the Coast about E. by S. of St. Abbs. The poor Notts and Champion were ordered out to join us; we were apparently intended to endeavour to intercept the Zepps on their return journey. A more futile proceeding it would be hard to conceive. One can imagine them ripping back at 50 m.p.h. about 10,000 ft. up on a dark night. We never even heard them, though we calculate they must have passed close over us. The only result was that instead of being in the train to London I found myself entering Rosyth at 3 p.m. and coaling ship.
There ensued a most nerve-racking week. Every day some fresh rumour materialised, first it was that Rosyth could not have us, then they could, then the Admiralty said no, we must go to Newcastle. Then we were going there in two days, and the care and maintenance or "guard" party, of which I am the S.N.O., would have their leave after the refit, and then the news was we would not go to Newcastle for three weeks, and so we were to get our leave first. This last report turned out to be true, and on Sunday the 9th at 5 p.m. we finally got away on a week's leave. I spent all my time in London and had a very good time with theatres, dances, dinners, etc. London seemed pretty gay, the Savoy was packed for supper and the only signs of war I saw were the vast numbers of every uniform, and the wounded sunning themselves in front of the hospitals. I did not spend so much money as I had anticipated, though dashing about in taxis is always an expensive mode of progression. Amongst the plays I saw were "Romance," "Tiger's Cub," "A Little Bit of Fluff," "Please Help Emily," "L'Enfant Prodigue " and a couple of Revues of the usual inanity. I must say that as a whole they bore me stiff.
On Monday, 17th, I came back on board together with all the party. It appeared that they had enjoyed a period of blessed peace during our absence. I must confess we had rather looked forward to hearing that they had been out and had a dusting. On Thursday we sailed at 11 p.m. minus the Commodore. First set of attrition took place this trip. On Sunday night at 8 p.m. we returned and started coaling ship at 8.30 p.m. We piped down at 1 a.m., altogether a most unpleasant and wearisome proceeding. However, luckily a mail got on board to buck us up.
RETURN TO ROSYTH
REFIT AT NEWASTLE AND CHARMS OF FEMALE POPULATION
Tuesday, 9th May
I am writing this up all astern of station as usual. We did not have very long in harbour after the Thursday-Saturday stunt, as the Huns came out and dropped a few shells into Lowestoft. As usual they were escorted by scouting Zepps.
We had a longish spell at Action stations, but fortunately the weather was magnificent, and it was almost enjoyable. Coming back, more attrition, and dense, dense fog in the Forth. We anchored temporarily below the Bridge. The state of mind of the ship's company was not a very pleasant one at this time, as we had been looking forward so long to the refit, and yet time after time it had been postponed. However got away at last about the night of the 24th April, and arrived at Newcastle at 7 a.m. next morning. A Fritz was reported to be active just off the entrance to the river, in fact the same afternoon the Wandle, a collier, beat him off after a spirited encounter, two hours, or say 15 miles, from Tynemouth. However, we got into the river without seeing anything of him.
I had a Boy Scout more or less living on board who acted as my A.D.C. A most intelligent kid called Watson, his father is a stockbroker in Newcastle. All told, I look back on my ten days as C.O. as being some of the most enjoyable I have ever spent since the war broke out. Whilst at Newcastle I was shown all over Elswick, and saw some wonderful things in the gun line, also some astounding ships, but I don't think it is advisable to put anything down on paper concerning these future additions to our enormous fleet. The activity on the river in ship building, especially smaller craft, is still phenomenal. In about a year's time the Grand Fleet should be the most astounding and powerful instrument of war ever created by man.
There was one Zepp scare whilst we were there. I was in a box at the theatre, there was an ominous flicker and then complete darkness. The house took it most phlegmatically, not a soul moved, and people simply lit matches in order to see what the next item on the programme was going to be. They then placed candles on the stage and the show proceeded as best it could. I rather wanted to get back to the ship, but found that no taxis were allowed to move, in fact all traffic was stopped. For example, the electric trains simply stayed where they happened to be when the current was switched off. However, I managed to get an interview with Dr. Weight, the Chief Constable, and he was able to get me a pass from the military authorities. We went down to Wallsend quite quickly considering that no light of any description was allowed anywhere. All the way down we passed the ghostly shapes of stranded trams.
Old B—— had been looking out on board and had asked a girl down to tea and dinner to keep him company. As a result of the stoppage of traffic the unfortunate female had to be sent up to Newcastle on foot, under escort. Luckily it was a beautifully fine night. During the refit I became very friendly with Mr. Elliott, the manager, who was looking out for us. He is a very efficient young engineer. Grainger Street was as gay and crowded as ever, whilst the big railway station between 9 and 11.30 p.m. was the nearest approach to the parade at a foreign watering place I have ever seen. Simply thousands of people (anything up to 4,000 or 5,000 I should say) strolling about chatting and looking at each other. Crowds of charming looking girls, strolling about, handing out glad-eyes right and left. Who these girls are, and why they are apparently prepared to strike up a casual acquaintance with anyone in uniform is one of the most remarkable characteristics of Newcastle. There is no place that I know of comparable to it. It is quite a unique feature of the place, and is commented on by everyone who has been there. I cannot explain it myself, but there are several facts which seem to me to bear on the subject.
The most remarkable fact about them is their social standing. It would be absurd, I suppose, to call them absolutely respectable, as you can hardly say that of a girl who will come to tea and dinner unchaperoned with a casual acquaintance. On the other hand, the type to which I refer, and they abound in flocks, are different from the average shop girl and type of person who may be "picked up" at places like the South Parade Pier, Southsea ; Prince's Street, Edinburgh; The Front, Brighton, etc., etc. They appear to belong to what may be described as the Middle Classes.
For instance, in three cases which I know of: "A" is the daughter of a man owning a coal business, brother a Major in the Army, lives in a big house, with grounds and tennis courts. Dresses in perfect taste, well educated, travelled, etc.
"B" the daughter of a departmental sub-manager at Elswick, has plenty of money of her own, could be introduced anywhere as one's cousin.
"C" plays the piano very well, speaks French and German. Extremely well read and appears to be rather studious. Socially equal to anyone. Brother Captain in the Army, 1st cousin to a captain in the Navy ! Sister married to a well-known stockbroker in Newcastle. And so on.
Now for a few facts which tend to explain this curious social state of affairs.
1. Newcastle has more women in more various professions than any other city in the British Isles ; this shows independence.
2. Most people in Newcastle are very well off owing to the war.
3. Newcastle is pitch dark every night, and I think they take advantage of this to sally forth about dusk and amuse themselves, though it seems an extremely risky thing for a girl of that class to do.
4. Most of their usual friends, young business men, clerks, etc., are at the Front.
On leaving Newcastle we had a very rough passage round to Rosyth, and a night-marish 48 hours trying to clean the ship and settle back into routine. We stayed there a few days, during which I only succeeded in getting to the beach once.
We heard that the last stunt (when we were in dock) was nearly a big show. However, it was not entirely unfruitful, as the Galatea and Phaeton brought down a Zepp by a fluke 6-inch shot at 9,000 yards range.
AT SCAPA FLOW
Wednesday, 10th May
On or about the 10th May we sailed (2 L.C.S.) for Scapa, to do our six monthly shoot and practices in the Flow. All the firing went off very well, and we were very glad to see our friends in the Battle Fleet, which now numbers some very formidable units.
I went to an excellent revue in the Iron Duke. I also dined with Garnons-Williams in the Canada, saw Vincent in the Vanguard and one or two others. Lunched in the Gun Room of Marlborough. We also had some very cheery evenings on board here. One night we had the movies and the C.-in-C., who was dining with the Commodore, came in to see them. He was looking extremely well and cheerful.
Fog has delayed our departure to-day, also other reasons. There is an air and feeling of settled restfulness about this place which is utterly lacking at Rosyth, where one always feels you may have to dash out any minute, as is, of course, the case with the B.C.F. These great monsters only go out for P.Z. [Tactical exercises] at their own sweet will, or when some important business is towards. The Battle Cruisers' name up here is mud, owing to the inefficiency of their gunnery and the general casualness and lack of concentration with which they appear to treat the war. There is, of course, something to be said for the B.C.F. The people up here are not tempted to go ashore, and there are no distractions, such as social life, to worry them, or temptation to go motoring, or blowing up to Edinburgh too often. Consequently their amusements consist in working up gunnery, and becoming, if possible, more efficient. It is an ideal base from this point of view, and they are all keyed up to concert pitch and wonderfully efficient. Their chief amusements are :
1. Billiards on board and deck games.
2. Golf on Flotta, where each ship is responsible for the design and upkeep of one hole on quite a good home-made course.
3. I believe gardening on Flotta has become fashionable of late.
Their chief relaxation is the visit which each battleship makes to Cromarty at regular intervals for a rest and change.
Up here, the Flow, even after 22 months, is always full of ships, exercising gunnery and torpedoes, from the new Revenge down to the latest destroyer. Ceaseless activity predominates with but one end—Der Tag.
I am glad to be able to testify that there is no evidence of staleness, and after months based up here they mostly agree they miss it when they go away, and it is like coming back home to return to Scapa.
There are great rumours about as to changes in the Higher Command, and disposition of ships, but nothing definite.