Foreign Office, London, Thursday, 29 February 1912
Two insignificant mid-level civil servants began a discussion of matters not quite within their pay grade, but that did not hinder them:
“Have you seen this latest minute from the Admiralty? Seems the Germans are sending one of their big ships to the States.”
“Bad show, that. First the Yank president sending his ships around the world and now this. Whatever will they think of us?”
“Whatever the Admiralty can spare, I suppose. Winston will have a bee in his bonnet, that’s for sure.”
Admiralty House, London, Monday, 4 March 1912
ACTION THIS DAY
HMS Invincible is to ready herself for dispatch on a particular service to tour the American ports. F.O. is to arrange diplomatic receptions and prepare speakers to present HMG views on diplomatic situation.
Foreign Office, London, Wednesday, 6 March 1912
“The devil! What does that Winston think he is, Foreign Secretary now? And ‘present HMG views’! Who is going to do that?”
“I know just the man. He got 500£ out of my father-in-law, that tight-fisted old bugger. And I do believe he is even in the Navy, after a fashion.”
London Gazette, Thursday, 14 March 1912
SHACKLETON, Sir Ernest Henry, CVO, has been appointed to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander, Royal Naval Reserve.
HMS Invincible, Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom, Monday, 8 April 1912
The great ship had been repainted in white, and the Admiralty and the Foreign Office were still bickering over who should be responsible for the bill. Her captain, Richard Purefoy, was actually a Rear-Admiral, and he was much annoyed over this and other matters. His successor, Michael Culme-Seymour, was on board as supernumerary. If the South American Squadron could spare any ships, they would join her in America.
Both officers were a little put out that a reservist commander seemed to have more pull.