MIDSHIPMAN'S JOURNAL FROM H.M.S.RENOWN, CIRCA 1918-1920

kept by Reginald T. Butler, from 21st November 1918 - 3rd September 1920, 104 leaves, 21 photographs mounted, 2 charts, one folding plate, 12 inserted drawings, 4 hand-coloured, a fascinating journal which begins with the surrender of the German fleet on 21st November 1918 'Today...the first meeting in force, since the Battle of Jutland...between the navies of the world's two greatest sea powers....occurred; but, instead of the ‘eagerly longed for battle’, it was the humiliating surrender of an undamaged fleet’ and continues with a minute description of the scuttling of the German fleet. The Renown is next found in Canada and visiting several Caribbean islands before mooring in Rio de Janeiro (where the ship’s officers lost at crickets and football against the local teams). The next port of call for the Renown was New York where two plays and musicals (especially “Hullo Alexander”) were greatly appreciated. The Caribbean islands were again visited before a trip through the Panama Canal. New Zealand and Australia were minutely described and there seems to have been a dance every night (most of which were attended by the Prince of Wales). The last course of the Renown was towards Acapulco, with a copy of a magazine called “the Graphic” Souvenir of the German Navy’s Surrender”, contemporary half calf, 2 ¾ x 8 in. (32.3 x 20.3cm.); together with Records of the Ward Room Mess, H.M.S. Empress of India, a log book commanded by Captain St. Clair [and others], 149 leaves including many blanks, five autograph letters signed, tipped in, referring to the Empress of India, describing many activities and entertainments, September 1893 – November 30 1910, original half Morocco, title in gilt on front cover, 9 x 7¼in. (22.8 x 18cm.)

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H.M.S. Empress of India was one of seven 'Royal Sovereign'-class pre-dreadnought battleships of the British Royal Navy. She served primarily in home waters and participated in the Fleet Review for the Diamond Jubilee for Queen Victoria in 1897. She was sunk as a target ship in 1913.