Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

Voyage of Discovery
Voyage of Discovery
Voyage of Discovery
Ebook476 pages7 hours

Voyage of Discovery

Rating: 0 out of 5 stars

()

Read preview

About this ebook

The unexpurgated letters from Submariner Ronald Lomas on the China Station between 1936 and 1939. As Chief Engine Room Artificer on Pandora, and, all too briefly, Oxley, the letters provide gentle, heartfelt and fascinating insights into life at sea interspersed with social history during the build-up to war. The last letter is dated 3 September 1939, one week before Oxley was the casualty of what is today insulting termed ‘friendly fire’. The letters were compiled by his daughter 75 years later. Through them she got to know the man she never knew as her father.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateJun 15, 2015
ISBN9781905178728
Voyage of Discovery

Related to Voyage of Discovery

Related ebooks

Military Biographies For You

View More

Related articles

Related categories

Reviews for Voyage of Discovery

Rating: 0 out of 5 stars
0 ratings

0 ratings0 reviews

What did you think?

Tap to rate

Review must be at least 10 words

    Book preview

    Voyage of Discovery - Ronald Lomas Chief

    INTRODUCTION

    This book forms the complete collection of letters from my father’s second tour of duty on Foreign Service in submarines in the Royal Navy between 19th September 1936 and 3rd September 1939. The letters are written to my mother, Nora Lomas in Burton-on-Trent. The one exception is the letter of 9th November 1938 to his daughter, me, aged 8 years old.

    Ronald Lomas was born on 2nd April 1903 and was a Derbyshire man born and bred. Leaving school at 14 he went to Burton Railway Station and asked for a man’s job. He was given work cleaning out the hot sand pipes. He joined the Royal Navy as a boy entrant at the age of 16. Quite why he wanted to join the Navy, I have no idea, although with a father named ‘Nelson’ there must have been some seafaring connections.

    My father’s naval record overleaf includes his early career as he progressed up to the rank of Chief Engine Room Artificer. He was immensely proud to be an engineer, and was very good at his job.

    I have some vague early memories of my father, but reading these letters for the first time at the age of 84 has enabled me to come to know him in greater depth. Whilst the letters understandably contain a degree of repetition, they reveal an extraordinary insight into a man dedicated to his country, his family and to the Royal Navy, all of which he was fiercely proud. The character of the man shines through, and it has been a real joy to get to meet the father I never really knew as a child. I am immensely proud to be his daughter.

    I hope that you too enjoy reading these letters too.

    Diana Rogers

    March 2015

    Early Service Record of Ronald Lomas

    My parents’ wedding

    Fun in Gourock in 1935

    Diana with Dad and Mum in 1935

    H.M.T. LANCASHIRE

    H.M.T. Lancashire

    19th Sept 1936

    My Own Dearest Nora,

    Tomorrow afternoon we arrive at Port Said after a somewhat stormy passage. The last twenty-four hours it has been blowing pretty fiercely and it has not been much of a joyride for the women and kids, or for the troops in the fore part of the ship.

    At Malta we embarked about 120 soldiers for Palestine (we drop them at Port Said) and weren’t they fed-up, they’d just done five years in India. They rolled aboard drunk and in a terrible state and two of them are in cells right down below in the bows of the ship. By gosh I’ll bet they had a terrible time.

    Tomorrow I think the powers that be are going to let us ashore for a couple of hours. It will be alright just to stretch the legs, but Port Said isn’t much of a place.

    Well Sweetheart, how are both you and Diana getting on? I do hope that you’re both in the best of health and enjoying life. I am forever thinking of you, not that I’m getting fed up or anything like that yet. As a matter of fact this is probably my last run this way and there’s not a lot of sense in making yourself miserable about it all.

    I’m feeling very fit and in spite of the lack of exercise I’m eating like a horse and sleeping well. Tomorrow I shall eagerly scan the football results to see how the County have got on (how many they have won by).

    Each day I scan the wireless news and the world is very much upside down. I feel there’s trouble brewing in Europe before long, tho’ I hope I’m wrong.

    Life aboard is apt to get very monotonous and I imagine we’ll all be glad to get to Hong Kong. I’m living very quietly aboard this ship; you see I shan’t be paid again until the 1st Nov and I don’t want to arrive in debt. In about a month’s time I shall start interesting myself in Pekin rugs, checking on prices and working up a connection somewhere. That will give me a thrill and I’m going to give you a surprise, I know that. I shall probably be sending one for you to see about January or February, so save up a bit for the Customs Duty.

    We shall be going through the canal tomorrow night and I shall be rather intrigued as I’ve never been thro’ by night before. The ship carries a searchlight (supplied by the canal authorities) in the bows and the light shines on to revolving prisms placed on buoys to mark the fairway. They should look very nice twinkling away at night. The ship fuels at Port Said; that is why we’re managing a run ashore. The weather’s cooler these last few days, owing to the high winds, but after tomorrow we’ll catch it alright.

    There’s so little to tell you about Nora aboard here, but Dearest I do miss you, and that I know will probably make you laugh. Nevertheless it is so – who’d be a sailor? Still you’d never have married me had I not been one.

    I have not written to Tutbury Road yet, but I will do in the very near future. I hope Diana sees them now and then and then they won’t worry.

    Give them my love Nora, and to all at Ashby Road.

    Big hugs and kisses to Diana, and all my love to you my Darling.

    Your Adoring Husband

    Ronald XXXXX

    * * * * *

    H.M.T. Lancashire

    25th Sept 1936

    My Own Dearest Nora,

    The mail closes tonight and we are due to arrive at Aden at 10.00 a.m. tomorrow. Should this letter not be very coherent, please don’t worry, it’s the weather.

    The last three days have been hellish. Talk about heat – we’ve just sat and let the perspiration pour off us, and I’m writing this letter stripped right off, and the old fan belting full on me, temperatures of 136°F in the shade. Goodness knows what it is in my cabin! I just bathe in perspiration.

    It has been rather a depressing day. About 8.00 a.m. our second class chef died and at 4.00 p.m. the ship was stopped, and he was buried.

    Four minutes dead for the ceremony from the moment the Captain started to speak, until the last note of the ‘Last Post’! It’s hard to think he was at work this morning, now he’s at the bottom of the Red Sea. He was 63, and the heat brought on a kind of stroke.

    I do hope that you are all continuing fit and well. I’m pleased to say I’m keeping fit, but will be glad when we have a bit of breeze to temper off this infernal heat. Maybe when we get into the Indian Ocean it may be better.

    Early yesterday morning we called at Port Sudan to drop some troops and pick up some more.

    Thank your lucky stars that you’re not with us. I often think of you when I see the women folk on board – they certainly stick it well, but it must take the steam out of them. They and the kiddies are covered in prickly heat, so Darling don’t envy these globe trotters, it’s not all honey.

    I see that the County let me down on Saturday. I really can’t understand such a putrid performance against such a moderate side, tho’ see that they beat the Wolves well on Wednesday.

    Do you see anything of Grandpa Lomas? I often wonder if he’s keeping fit. I suppose Mother is as fit as ever – I hope so.

    How is Diana Mary getting on? I do hope she’s started school by now and enjoying it. Tell her I would have written to her today had it not been for the terrific heat, but will do so probably when next I write.

    There’s a newly married couple travelling First Class in this ship and they look an amorous couple – I’ll bet it’s warm work for their business.

    Actually there’s nothing to tell of the trip – it’s very ordinary and we’re all fed up.

    I see in the press news that the Chinks and Japs are likely to be at it again – I don’t think it will affect us.

    Remember me to all at Ashby Rd & Tutbury Rd, and give Diana tons of hugs and kisses for me, & to you.

    All my love My Darling

    Your Adoring

    Ronald XXXXXXXX

    H.M.T. Lancashire

    2nd October 1936

    My Own Dearest Nora,

    We’re on the way to Colombo, our longest trip and we arrive at 2.30 a.m. tomorrow. We’re over half way to China now, and I know we’re all looking forward to the journey’s end.

    It’s all very well, but so terribly monotonous, there’s not even the diversions of a P&O trip. Don’t think I’m grumbling Dearest ’cos really I’m quite happy and contented and tomorrow I’m going ashore with Tom Price and a Sergeant Major of Royal Engineers who hails from ‘Brum’.

    The weather is very decent and comparatively cool thank goodness, and a welcome relief to the Red Sea weather. They told us at Aden that the day before we arrived was the worst day of the year for heat and our barber told me that his shop was a full 10 degrees higher than he had ever seen it before.

    The Orient Liner ‘Orion’ was due in Aden the day after us so she should be at Colombo tomorrow. She is taking the Test Team to Australia. I wonder if I could see Worthington or Copson – I’d have a yarn with them. You perhaps remember that when I was in Gosport I was rather afraid I might go to China in the ‘Cumberland’. Well, I’ll see her tomorrow in Colombo; she arrived there today and stays there for a week or ten days, for painting ship etc.

    There are a surprising number of people who have reported sick for various reasons, tho’ when you think about it, it’s not to be wondered at when you think of the 1,500 people on board.

    I am as fit as a fiddle and quite perky and I’m pleased to say the supply of Bass still goes on, so I’m still partaking of the waters of Burton.

    What is very surprising Darling is the fact that I’ve still plenty of money left, but really I’ve been quite careful and don’t want to get into debt as I really wish to make an effort to save money on this commission. This will probably be my last big chance and I want to make your eyes start out when I tell you what I’ve saved when I come home.

    I still think of you, morning noon and night, and pray that all is well with you and Diana, so don’t please think ‘out of sight out of mind’ because you’re loved my Darling, perhaps more than you understand. So when maybe you become a bit morbid, as you may do occasionally, just think of the old lad doing his stuff and looking forward eagerly to the reunion.

    I do hope that you’re all very fit and well at home, both at Ashby and Tutbury Rds. Give my love to them all and tell them that all is well with me.

    I shall be glad when I have a letter of yours to answer my Sweetheart.

    Give tons of hugs and kisses to Diana Mary for me and to you my Sweetheart.

    All my love

    Ronald XXXXX

    * * * * *

    Union Jack Club Singapore

    8th October 1936

    My Own Darling Nora,

    I’m just writing a hurried note here to let you know all is well. They told me that no mail would leave Singapore but on arrival I find a P&O boat is leaving this evening so am trying to get it off.

    I saw the English Test Team in Colombo and watched Worthington and Copson playing against ‘All Ceylon’.

    In Colombo I bought a nice little opal for 1/- and I’ll send it on in the next letter I write.

    They wanted £1 for it. Cheek!

    Well Sweetheart, in five days time we’ll be in Hong Kong, to settle down I trust, to a decent commission.

    I hope that you’re all very fit and well and that you and Diana Mary are enjoying life.

    The ‘Ranchi’ arrives here tomorrow and maybe she’ll have a letter for me on board, tho’ of course I shan’t get it until next week.

    Well Sweetheart, forgive this being so very short, but I do hope it catches the mail boat today.

    Cheerio my Darling and all my love both to you and Diana Mary.

    Fondest & Best Love

    From

    Ronald XXXXX

    H.M. SUBMARINE PANDORA

    H.M.S/m ‘Pandora’

    c/o G.P.O. London

    12th Oct 1936

    My Own Darling Nora,

    Note the above address, I joined the ‘Pandora’ on arrival in Hong Kong and officially took over today.

    The people we have relieved do not leave for a day or two and the one I relieved had a week of absolute slavery to turn the boat over to me. You see the ‘Pandora’ ran to Malta for the trouble out there and back again and she had a kind of a semi-refit which Malta dockyard made a mess of. Consequently all the pistons have to come out and they lashed out to finish one engine for me to take over. Actually she’s a good boat and we’ll soon be alright, especially as we go into dockyard for a three weeks annual refit in a fortnight’s time and we’ll get her alright. I seem to have joined a nice crowd. The Engineer is a toff and I know him of old, so don’t expect any difficulties in that direction.

    Everything seems the same out here, the ship, mess boys and everything. Indeed, quite a lot of people who were out with me before are here. Jan Honeywill very kindly enquired of you and Diana and trusted you were blooming.

    I’ve only been ashore once, that was the first night I was here, but I’m going tomorrow, Saturday. In fact Saturday is going to be my weekly ‘run-ashore’ in future and I’m going to save money whilst I’m out here – there’s got to be no nonsense about that.

    The ‘Ranchi’ came in yesterday and left later for Shanghai and Yokohama. I can assure you she awoke memories.

    The mess here is absolutely crowded out – there are fifteen boats here and of course there are extra people here until our reliefs push off. We have not even got lockers to put our gear. Still, I suppose it’s all in the two and a half years and we’ll live it down by and by.

    Tonight as I packed up work at 7.30 and went into the ‘Medway’ I noticed they were having the weekly pictures on board so stood and watched Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper in ‘Desire’. The remarks that pass I reckon very nearly scorch the films but they really are laughable.

    I have been approached to play Rugby for ‘Medway’ but have turned the offer down on the plea of Old Age!

    I have not been around the shops to see how the rugs are going, but maybe I will tomorrow if I can get ashore early enough. I’ll let you know all about it, but shall let things hang for a bit and possibly do some intensive work on that when we’re in dockyard hands; it will be more convenient then.

    Apparently we go on a southern cruise after Christmas down to Singapore for exercises, and to other places too – I’ll let you know more fully when I’ve seen the programme. It’s still far too hot to be comfortable out here and I sweat gallons per day, tho’ I think the weather is rapidly getting cooler.

    Do you remember, some weeks before I left Gosport, listening one night on the wireless to the news of a typhoon in Hong Kong. Well, I saw a ship on Tuesday – high and dry as a result of that same typhoon.

    Well Nora, I’ve talked a lot about myself, now I wonder how you and Diana Mary are getting on. I do so pray that you are both fit and well and enjoying the colder weather. I’m always thinking of you two and hope all is well. Ask Diana to write to me, I should so like to hear from her.

    Give them all my love at home, and at Tutbury Road. Let them know that I’m fit and well, and apart from some hard work staring me in the face I’m comparatively happy.

    I do wish I had a letter to answer Nora, but don’t think I’m worrying because I’m not. Just see that you have a happy time my Sweetheart, that’s all I want to know, and now that the ink is almost finished in my pen, rather than finish in pencil I’ll pack.

    With all my love my Sweetheart

    Your Adoring

    Ronald XXXXXX

    * * * * *

    H.M.S/m ‘Pandora’

    c/o G.P.O. London

    19th Oct 1936

    My Own Dearest Nora,

    I had quite a surprise today to find a letter for me. Actually I did a bit of cursing as it must have arrived on the ‘Ranchi’ along with the paper and I’ve just received it.

    However I was also delighted to get your letter. I had been hoping for one, and was a little disappointed when one apparently did not arrive.

    Well Nora, I’ve done a real hard day’s slogging work and enjoyed it too. My Dear, I think I’ve got an Engine Room crew you dream about. Talk about work, they thrive on it and it’s a real pleasure to work with them. I must look after them and I fancy we’ll be a very happy little family.

    My Dear, I’m getting to be a sickening prude, clear of eye, and all that, no going ashore and wiping up gallons of ale. No Darling, the steadfast sober life and when I come home, I hope, a bank balance that will amaze you. I rather imagine we shall be able to buy practically the whole of the downstairs of any new home. Am I flying too high?

    I rather fancy we go alongside the dockyard wall tomorrow. If so I shall start my tour of inspection in the quest of the rugs. The Hong Kong dollar is pretty cheap now and perhaps it would be as well to purchase in the near future.

    I went ashore on Saturday night and had a look at some jade eardrops. I’ll get you a pair alright and I’ll also get a jade stone so that you can have a ring made of it.

    You remember Tom Foote who came and visited us in Clydebank one evening; he was Chief of ‘Orpheus’. Well, he is out here, Engineer of one of the boats. In the mess on the ‘Medway’ we have quite a good crowd; not as good as when I first went out last time, but definitely better than those who were in the mess when I came home.

    The old ‘Olympus’ is still going strong and is accounted one of the good boats of the flotilla. Do you remember the day we were married a telegram arrived from ‘Bridgeman’? Well, the same bloke is Chief of ‘Olympus’. George Morrell and Tom Prout two old chums whom you’ve probably heard me talk about are my shore going ‘Oppos’ and I can assure you we’re all three very quiet these days.

    I went to watch the Navy play the Hong Kong Club at rugger on Saturday and it made me wish I was playing again. The Navy, or at least those I saw, are not too good.

    The ‘Lancashire’ sails for Home tomorrow morning (in fact, the ‘Medway’ takes her billet alongside the dockyard wall), so just about the time you receive this letter there will be more ‘Happy faces’ in England. Still Darling, don’t let it worry you – somehow Nora, I feel very close to you and this commission must be one big effort to make the separation worthwhile.

    You (don’t spoil her Nora) living in comfort with your own people; blokes out here have no one, and just the prospect of two and a half years hard work in front of us. Still we chose this life and I’m blowed if I’ll grumble.

    I do hope that you’re all very fit and well at Burton, both at Ashby and Tutbury Roads. I am quite looking forward to another good day’s work tomorrow.

    By the way, H.M.S. ‘Cumberland’ arrived in Hong Kong from Home this afternoon – did I tell you we passed her in Colombo?

    On Thursday I go to sea for the first time. We have a new Skipper and he’s keen on taking us to sea for exercises.

    Give my love to Mother and Father, and to Mater Secundus and Maud, that is if you can spare it, but still all my real love for you my Sweetheart.

    From Your Loving Husband

    Ronald XXXXXXX (X Kyd)

    * * * * *

    H.M.S/m ‘Pandora’

    c/o G.P.O. London

    24th Oct 1936

    My Own Dearest Nora,

    Many thanks for a very nice and welcome letter received Friday. It’s always a terrific pleasure out here to know that someone is writing to you.

    I’m so pleased to hear that Diana has started school again and hope she enjoys it all – has she any school mates living near ‘25’, if so she’ll be alright for playmates after school hours. I think it’s very well worthwhile in sending her to the High School, after all she’s the only one we have and we can afford it. I would love to receive a snap of her in her school rig. If there’s anything you think might be interesting to her such as pictures of the place or children out here, or anything like that, that she could show the other kiddies, I’d be only too pleased to send it on if you’d let me know.

    I was sorry to hear that you did not think Father looked well, I must certainly write to him. As a matter of fact I received a letter from Mother but she did not say much, as usual – she seemed more concerned with the phone they’ve apparently had rigged up.

    We’ve absolutely got stacks of work out here in ‘Pandora’; I’ve really never met so much all at once, tho’ I don’t mind it as we’ve such a willing crowd and we shall get thro’ alright.

    Even the Engineer apologised to me. Fortunately the weather is cooling off and we can get on with things. We go into dockyard on Thursday for about three weeks – so when we come out I hope to have the job well in hand and able to settle down a bit. I’m feeling absolutely as fit as a fiddle and not allowing anything to worry me.

    Last night George Morrell, Tom Prout and self went ashore for our Saturday run, had about ten pints of beer and a huge supper, spent about five dollars and finished up with a tummy like a poisoned pup. I do declare I’m putting on weight, tho’ goodness I sweat enough.

    We had a nice run to sea on Thursday and I had my first dive in ‘Pandora’. Next Saturday I pick up my first pay since I left Blockhouse and I’ve still got a few dollars left, and I’ve even lent £1 out, so you see I managed to work things out alright on the ‘Lancashire’.

    H.M.S. ‘Kent’ goes home on Tuesday. Today she was flying her paying off pennant, they always do on the last Sunday on the station and the actual day they leave. The ‘Medway’ is supposed to be going home for a big refit next year and the ‘Maidstone’ is going to relieve her (when she’s built).

    I shouldn’t be surprised to hear that Johnny Walker is due to come out here soon – our Engineer leaves early in the New Year I think, and it would be funny if he came to ‘Pandora’. I have not seen Tom Hathaway yet – he was ashore last night but I missed him somehow. Today I fell in for a certain amount of barracking because Pompey whacked Derby – I can’t understand that team losing three home matches running!

    I was amazed to hear that Pa Woolley has married again, and keeping a pub of all places. I imagine they’ll be quite a riotous gang at Branston; you might give them all my best, and wish them all the best of luck for me. Actually it all seems quite a good arrangement – Daisy of course will be the greatest asset there.

    Thanks ever so much for the papers. I think I remember that Mr. Chandler who died, the name seems fairly familiar, but it’s a long while since I lived in Blackpool Street – and I’ve forgotten most people there.

    I see that the ‘Ranchi’ smashed off one of her propellers at Shanghai the other day. We have a couple of stokers from Derbyshire aboard, one from Ashbourne, and one from Matlock, and we seem to have quite a crowd from the Midlands – perhaps that is why we have a good crew, certainly the two stokers are easily the best we have.

    Tuesday 27th Oct 1936

    As the mail does not leave here until Friday on the P&O ‘Corfu’ I’m adding a bit more news. On Monday afternoon we had a sudden shout to go over to dockyard to have some work done on our battery, altho’ officially we do not go into dockyard until Thursday.

    We are still living in the ‘Medway’ and have to go to and fro for our meals, and it interferes sadly with work. However on Thursday we go and live at The Soldiers & Sailors Institute, and that will be better. They tell me it’s not a bad place and I shall have a nice room to myself, and I hope the bed has some sleep in it.

    Our work goes on apace, tho’ there seems to be no end to it, however the days shoot by and that is the main thing.

    The date of our departure from dockyard is a bit hazy, but ‘Medway’ wants us to do an 80% full power trial on 25th November, so I reckon about three weeks will see us thro’ there.

    Did I tell you we do a Southern cruise early in January, going to Batavia, and several more places, and doing a big stunt at Singapore with the combined China and East Indies Fleets. I think we stay at Singapore for some time, and arrive back in Hong Kong in time to pick up the spring reliefs. After that to Wei Hai Wei, tho’ we may stay in H.K. for the Coronation Celebrations in May.

    By the time you get this letter most folk will know what reliefs will be coming out in the spring. Out here you get to think of everything by the month, and when you’re busy a month seems very short. I expect a letter from you by P&O boat arriving Thursday.

    Jan Honeywill wants me to play rugger for the E.R.A.s here and as things go it seems I shall be duty bound to turn out as they can hardly scrape together the necessary fifteen. I wonder if the poor old bones will come up to scratch.

    Well Nora Dear, I must pack up and write a letter to Tutbury Road. Please give my best to all at ‘25’, I do so hope they’re all well. Give my love and huge hugs to Diana Mary. Tell her her Daddy thinks of her every day and all my love to you my Sweetheart.

    I love you so, Nora Dear

    Fondest Love my Darling

    Your Adoring

    Ronald XXXXXX

    P.S. I’m not indifferent Nora, even tho’ you may think so. There’s no one as good as you Dearest in the whole world – not nearly so good to me as my Nora. I love you very dearly my Sweetheart.

    * * * * *

    H.M.S/m ‘Pandora’

    c/o G.P.O. London

    2nd Nov 1936

    My Sweetheart Nora,

    Another month has started my Dearest, another milestone on our way and still the work goes on unabated, the end not even in sight. However it’s all in the two and a half years so we must not grumble. I’ve just this minute come back from doing my six monthly D.S.E.A. dip – had another struggling time.

    On Saturday I was with Tom Hathaway and we had a slight jollification. Funnily enough we are both living ashore at the moment in two clubs next door to each other. Of course that’s not all to the good as it’s usually rather disastrous when we meet, however it’s only for about three weeks and then I reckon I can settle down in ‘Medway’ again. Tom wishes to be remembered to you, and trusts you’re all well.

    I’ve picked out 2 Pekin rugs for you but they will not come just yet as I don’t propose paying for them yet – they’re the nicest I could find. Truth to tell, Nora, there does not seem half such a good collection out here this time; possibly there’ll be better ones coming along.

    I’m sending home an ivory powder box Nora. Now I don’t want you to think I’m rash, but it cost me rather a lot of money. Actually it’s quite a plain affair with the exception of the lid, which is most gloriously carved. I bought it from Matsumura, with whom I did business before and I honestly believe he let me have it more cheaply than he’d let anyone else. He’s had it for years in his private apartments but decided to sell it. It appears that a lady saw this and wanted to have a whole set made, it was to cost $500, but the artist died, and there was no one else capable of turning out such fine work, so the order had to be cancelled. I know your mother will think it a glorious bit of work and when you receive it you want to look at it thro’ a glass. I do think it would fetch a bit of money.

    I don’t know if there is anyone in Burton who is an authority on carved ivory, but if there should be I’d very much like you to get an expert opinion of it. Of course you might be quite disappointed with it, but I’ve an idea it’s good.

    I’ve very soon struck up an acquaintance with the police. In fact, I may have to be witness in a court case if it goes thro! One of our E.R.A.s. lost all his money on Saturday and a rickshaw coolie has been roped in for the theft and I’m one of the witnesses.

    Last night we played the ‘Ranchi’ at billiards and I met several of the people who took me home last time. I think I told you she’d had an accident. Well she’s being dished up here in Hong Kong and they’ll be here for a month. Some of the chaps are howling as normally they would have had Xmas at home and some haven’t had one for twelve years. Now of course they’ll be on the high seas at Xmas, rather tough is it not? By the way, Nora, it is ‘Troops’ not ‘Troups’.

    There’s some of the American Asiatic Squadron here at the moment, including their submarines and another crowd arrive in a few days time. Of course there are the usual number of fights etc., but they’re only among the younger fry. The place is quite crowded just now and the ‘Hooch’ flows merrily. Last night I went to see ‘under two Flags’ and quite enjoyed it.

    Things out here are warming up for a spot of bother in the near future I’m afraid – the Japs are pushing the Chinks too much and I think the latter will be breaking out soon. The Chinese general Chang Kai Shek was fifty on Saturday and there were great celebrations thro’ China (he’s their strong man). There wasn’t much in Hong Kong – not allowed being British –, tho’ I saw his photo in plenty of shop windows.

    I’ve an idea that the Japs are losing ground lately and they’ll be getting their chins wiped somewhat. There’s a lot of spying going on in Hong Kong by the Japs and we’ve all been warned to keep our mouths shut – of course that’s always been the case out here, tho’ it seems to be more so now.

    I can’t think of much more to tell you of the happenings out here, really there’s not a lot doing.

    I’m enclosing one or two photographs I purchased which I thought might be interesting. I can’t send them all at once, but will send a couple at a time.

    I do so hope that you’re all well and fit and enjoying life. I was pleased to hear that Diana likes school so much. I’d love to see her… I’d dearly love to see you both my Darlings.

    I’m keeping very fit and still managing to work well. Now of course I’m looking forward to getting everything straightened out and becoming a sea-going unit once more.

    Give my love to all at home (both homes) and I hope they’re all keeping smiling.

    Well I must close now with

    Fondest Love my Darling

    From Ronald XXXXXX

    XXX for Diana

    * * * * *

    H.M.S/m ‘Pandora’

    c/o G.P.O. London

    6th Nov 1936

    My Own Darling Nora,

    Last night I thought of you all, and particularly Diana, and wondered if she had any fireworks. I guess she did and hope she had a thoroughly enjoyable time. I suppose, tho’ if there were any fireworks, then all of you had a hand in loosing them off.

    I haven’t had a letter now for some time, tho’ no one is to blame – there’s been no boat with Suez mail for some time, tho’ one arrives on Sunday. I am looking forward eagerly to a mail then.

    We’re still in dry dock here and the work still goes on, tho’ I fancy I can see the end of the rush now. We shall all be very pleased to be able to ease down a bit and do some steady running.

    We have about another ten days in the dry dock and a few days alongside the wall whilst our battery goes in and then we should be almost fit once more. We are not doing too badly now – we work what is ‘Tropical Routine’ that is, turn to at 8 a.m. and pack up for the day at 1 p.m. Of course it’s just about all you want in a dry dock as the boat gets just like a hotted-up tin can, and of course the work isn’t light by any means.

    Last night Tom Hathaway and self wrote a combined letter to Doug Rowlands hoping it would cheer him somewhat. Tom’s a good chap in spite of his faults and after I have written this letter I must go and see him as he’s ‘Duty’ tonight and cannot leave the China Fleet Club where he’s living. However there’s beer to be had there so we shall pass the time alright. I’ve seen some photographs of his young lad; he looks a bright strapping chap.

    At the moment the harbour is absolutely chock-a-block with warships. There are eight Yankee destroyers and an attendant parent ship, a big Yankee store ship and cruiser with the American C-in-C on board, also a big French cruiser and a Japanese cruiser. Our Captain spoke to the crew yesterday, as did all the Skippers of their respective boats. Perhaps you have heard how some of the lads of the S/ms were tortured at Keeling by the Japs? Well, the fellows are out for blood and were going to beat-up the Japs when they arrived, hence the speech. Several parts of Hong Kong have been put out of bounds whilst the Japs are here, but I don’t know if that will stop the trouble.

    The days slip by Nora, nearly two months have passed now since we parted, and the beginning of a commission always seems the worst part and drags the most. I do so want the time to gallop by so that I can come home to you again, for I do miss you so my Sweetheart. I hope and pray that you’re fit and well and life is not so bad for you. I often wish I could have gone to the Mediterranean so that you could have been with me, but then I know that things are better as they are. Diana is at school and happy I trust, and you are living in comfort. Malta, I think, would not have agreed with you. No my Darling, things are better as they are. This parting will not be forever and I imagine the benefits we shall derive from this commission will outweigh any advantage of being at Malta.

    By the way, did I tell you I had met Dusty Miller, Esme’s husband. He’s gone to Singapore for a cargo of oil fuel, but will be back soon and I am to meet him. His ship is the Fleet Auxiliary ‘Pearleaf’.

    Darling of mine there’s no more news so I will pack now and go and see Tom Hathaway.

    Give my love to all at home, tell them I hope they are all well and don’t forget some hugs and kisses from me for Diana Mary. Ask her if she’ll write to her Daddy.

    Fondest Love my Sweetheart

    Your Adoring

    Ronald XXXXXXXX

    * * * * *

    H.M.S/m ‘Pandora’

    c/o G.P.O. London

    13th Nov 1936

    My Own Darling Nora,

    Yesterday I received a very nice letter, two papers and ‘Herd of the Hills’ from you and naturally I was delighted. I am reading the book Nora and think it’s a very fine one, and must thank you for sending it. I shall have to lend it to Tom Hathaway, but will try and keep it in good shape as I want to keep it and bring it home with me.

    It’s rather strange how I always like such yarns of wide desolate spaces; they do appeal to me, there’s no doubt and I’m very envious of the life lived by the characters in these books – now just think that one out Nora, and tell me I always want to roam.

    Thanks ever so much Nora for sending on the prospectus of the High School. It certainly does seem a very nice place and I do so hope that Diana will enjoy it all and make good progress.

    I was also delighted with her letter and please tell her how I loved to hear from her. I will write to her during the week.

    I fancy Nora that there must have been

    Enjoying the preview?
    Page 1 of 1