Two long typewritten letters, the first describing 'the King's Visit' to H.M.S. Revenge, and 'the surrender of the German Fleet' in 1918; the second describing the 1931 Spring and Summer Cruises of Royal Yacht, the Queen Elizabeth.

A valuable eyewitness account of an historic event. H.M.S. Revenge was the flagship of Admiral Freemantle, and it was to its quarterdeck that Admiral Ludwig von Reuter would be brought in 1919, after issuing the order to scuttle the entire German fleet at Scapa Flow. The text of both items is clear and complete. Both good, on lightly-aged and spotted paper. Letter One (1918): Foolscap (32 x 20.5 cm), 4 pp. In manuscript at head of first page: 'Use this where you like, Dad! Tho' be careful of showing who wrote it. Probably Mr Holland or Miss Lathom-Browne would like a copy.' Begins 'Censoring having ceased, we are able to write once again a free and easy letter with regard to the movements of the Fleet, and I want to tell you all about the King's Visit of yesterday, first of all, and then about this wonderfully historical event of to-day - the surrender of the German Fleet.' The king's visit seems 'quite a small event' compared with the surrender. 'We were in office at the time, but heard the boys above, who had been mustered specially for "cheering ship", shouting like mad. It was GOOD! The "QUEEN ELIZABETH" (Admiral Beatty's ship) lay practically abreast us about half a mile off - [...] At 2.15 we saw the barge and a picket boat leave "Q.E." [...] After having inspected "NEW YORK" and "LION" (and just as we had got back to Office from tea) the barge hove in sight and passing right beneath our stern, the King, Prince of Wales, and admirals galore came aboard here for tea. The ship's company was, of course, on deck, but we poor old writers were belove slaving over the German surrender. We, however, peeped through the ports, but all we saw was Admiral Beatty.' While getting 'warm water for the Hektograph' the writer gets to see the king: 'just as I was turning away Beatty came down the ladder with H.R.H. - not 5 yards away. [...] It was FINE to see the Kinng so closely and so naturally. He looked so well and was quite ruddy.' The king leaves and the ship gets 'under weigh'. 'After breakfast we were eager to see the Germans - [...] No, it WAS the Germans. There was a strange look about them. We could see the airship guiding them in, [...] at May Island they slackened down considerably, [...] On going up to the Galley I stepped on to the forecastle deck, and saw the sight of a lifetime. Hundreds of destroyers were racing this way and that in about 4 lines [...] Then our attention was taken to the port side, where the German destroyers were anchored (50 of the best), and then, a little later, we passed quite close to the large German ships. Fancy all those beautiful ships surrendering without a fight! Britain would never have done so. [...] We were no sooner anchored then off went the Chief of Staff and Flag Lieutenant in the Admiral's barge to the High Sea Flagship - the "FRIEDRICH DER GROSSE" [...]'. Lists the 'ships they have sent over'. 'Later. (22.11.18) We writers were called to Office at 6.15 this morning to type the directions for taking the Huns up to Scapa. [...] It is certainly easier now to realise that Peace is with us, but it is hard to decide how Germany could refuse to put up a fight with such fine vessels. it looks as though there were a great shortage of paint in Germany for these ships look filthy. The "VON DER TANN" is almost black, and only the "HINDENBURG" of that line looks at all clean. [...] I heard that the treatment our inspectors got aboard the "FRIEDRICH DER GROSSE" was somewhat rude, but I guess they don't feel particularly amiable. | I have not mentioned that I actually saw the German flags hauled down at quarters last night.' Five lines of manuscript, comparing the relative merits of the countries' ships, end the document. Letter Two (1931): Foolscap (32 x 20.5 cm), 3 pp. The writer has run the letter 'off on the Rotaprint' for 'all the relatives and friends whom I wish to greet at this time of year'. Explains that the 'principal purpose of the Spring Cruise is, possibly, to exercise with the Atlantic Fleet, and, this year, an attempt was made at a real oceanic strategical exercise - the field of operations being quite 100 miles West from the Portuguese and African coasts'. ' "Q. E's" itinerary being Durazzo (Albania), Gulf of Kotor, Split (Jugo-Slavia) and Brioni Island. [...] We spent a jolly time at Argostoli, picknicking and rambling; but Durazzo is a dirty port. [...] The Fleet reassembled at Corfu and held its annual pulling regatta. [...] "Q.E's" crews won the Battle Squadron Regatta, [...] Our Second Summer Crusie was in the Aegean Sea and if the aim had been to provide exucation for theological students the programme could not have been arranged better. We covered the waters and visited the ports frequented by St. Paul. [...] I hope not to be interested in the Spring Cruise but "Q.E." is likely to have an appetising programme, including Naples.' Concludes: 'I fear times are troublous with our country, but let's hope 1932 will put her on her feet again.' The IWM have copies which reveal the author as "W.F. Wilby".