Halsey 19th May, 1914

Hetfordshire Archives and Local Studies

To listen to the audio clips, click play on the bar below the image on the right.

Halsey 19 May 1914   

From: H.M.S. New Zealand Cromarty   

My Dear Father,   

I feel very guilty in not having written to you and thanked you for your last letter and enclosing the CPR papers. I am sorry you had all the trouble of taking them to Drummond’s, but I give Gaddesden as my permanent address as one never knows quite where one may be and you are always so good about forwarding things.   

I have had a very hard worked 12 days, going out practically all the week for firing and night work, but we get every Saturday and Sunday in harbour, and having a delightful Admiral, everything is pleasant and not the least hard work. We got in this afternoon and leave tomorrow for Portland, and on Saturday I hope to dash round, either in my motor or by train, to Saltash till Monday. Googy comes on Tuesday for a fortnight with Joan, and we are going up to London for the Court Ball on 9th June or thereabouts. We leave for a cruise in the Baltic till about 8th July. I have had no news of Mother and Fyfie since they left England except what you told me. However, I hope to extract a letter from [McGrugga] in answer my felicitations for her birthday.   

I had a good days fishing on the Helmsdale last Wednesday with Harold McCorgusdale and the Aunt and we each got two salmon. I have found my car most useful up here and without it I should have had no golf and no fishing. I hear we are to pay off on September 1st, so I shall get my 3 months holiday I hope, but alas it will be only half pay. However I feel I want a rest badly. Good bye, believe me ever your affectionate Son,   

Lionel Halsey   

Jock Wood’s brother, Beau, has been staying on board with me for 2 days to see the firing   

D/EHL F61/4