Gillian hammerton:Her Granfather Admiral Blacklers Naval Letters Written Between1898-1925
Also the granfather of Prof Robin Cocks and John Phillips of Southebys and great granfather of David Hammerton
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Letters From Admiral Blackler H.M.S.King Edward VII to his Wife
It is so interesting to hear him go from "night firing",to standing on the Admirals bridge,to naval excercise to conserns about the children.A real rounded human being.It makes me feel I want to have meet him.How often now you get fathers who are interested in just one thing ,their career progress and the money and power it brings,distaning the human welfare of a child who they have created.It is so amazing to get such an isight.
It is very rare to be able to read from such a privilidged position, to be allowed such a voyeruistic insight into a private, amorous love affair. This is like reading a diary, private, intimate and very exciting.
Wow night firing ,search lights and searching in the dark,the very sea speaks to us,salt spray,the wind the safe passing of night and coming of the dawn.
yet through the torpedos firing and naval excercises I see that beaconing out is the sharp pain that the post has come "but no letter from you"It is amazingly tender yet so private and strange to be reading these years later when the people are but dust.I hope that you live up to this,I hope you can expose and show more of their lives,as a man and a father he seems to be an example away from the slipdash selfishness of many selfcentred "only I count"attitude of some fathers now,often the riche ones who focus perhaps too much round their wallets,enjoyment and who ever they are bedding at the time consuming their attention and demanding that attention for themselves instead of putting children frist.He has such a feeling of responsibility,not like the modern slap dash attitude of self weath attention and saitation.
I think the reflection of bleakness but steely determination of the ship and the little boat in frount and what looks like a lighthouse with the two mountains speaks volumes of the setting and realy makes the letters more alive.What I would like to ee is a photo of the admiral to be
These letters are an absolute treat to read. This one is particularly interesting in the level of detail that he goes into concerning the night firing and the happenings on the ship. It is especially nice that there is a photo of the specific boat that Leo refers to here. I also like how the tone of the letter shifts towards the end, concerning his family and loved ones. This man clearly cares deeply about the people and events he writes of, and that makes it a pleasure to read.
hard to describe how it felt reading the letters...like a movie...like the whole story went through my eyes. If only such a respect and devotion would exists between people nowadays....thank you for letting me know these letters exists, Gillian. Austeja
hard to describe how it felt reading the letters...like a movie...like the whole story went through my eyes. If only such a respect and devotion would exists between people nowadays....thank you for letting me know these letters exists, Gillian. Austeja
An amazing picture,what an atmospheric pictue,i can hear the lapping of the waves on the ships sides,the day drsawing to its close the rustle of the sailors clustering around their duties.Or is it dawns fresh light.The sea is amazing the same sea the same sky but a century of men away.
Gives a glimpse into a more adventurous and exciting time.. Enjoyed reading about the firing and the scenes of battle and travel, strange to think this life seems so far away and yet it feels familiar when written about here; there's a comfortable and honest tone to the writing..
This reminded of the memoirs of Russian officers en route to Tsushima. The everyday routine of the boat trip, the expectations, the comments and whispers about the high command.
My great-granduncle died in that war, general count von Keller, cut down by 36 pieces of shrapnel wile riding in front of the Japanese positions in the battle of Motien Pass (Yanzenski Pereval in Russian). What a pity there are no letters of private nature surviving in the family archive. The style and spirit must have been very similar to these...
38 comments:
it is great to be able to read about your granddad's naval journey. i can't wait to read the next letter and find out more about journey!
It is so interesting to hear him go from "night firing",to standing on the Admirals bridge,to naval excercise to conserns about the children.A real rounded human being.It makes me feel I want to have meet him.How often now you get fathers who are interested in just one thing ,their career progress and the money and power it brings,distaning the human welfare of a child who they have created.It is so amazing to get such an isight.
Such a sweet gentle interesting leter reflective of an excelent and kind mind,and also the handwriting is excellent.Do publish more.
It is very rare to be able to read from such a privilidged position, to be allowed such a voyeruistic insight into a private, amorous love affair. This is like reading a diary, private, intimate and very exciting.
Wow night firing ,search lights and searching in the dark,the very sea speaks to us,salt spray,the wind the safe passing of night and coming of the dawn.
yet through the torpedos firing and naval excercises I see that beaconing out is the sharp pain that the post has come "but no letter from you"It is amazingly tender yet so private and strange to be reading these years later when the people are but dust.I hope that you live up to this,I hope you can expose and show more of their lives,as a man and a father he seems to be an example away from the slipdash selfishness of many selfcentred "only I count"attitude of some fathers now,often the riche ones who focus perhaps too much round their wallets,enjoyment and who ever they are bedding at the time consuming their attention and demanding that attention for themselves instead of putting children frist.He has such a feeling of responsibility,not like the modern slap dash attitude of self weath attention and saitation.
I forgot to say the handwriting is amazing,beautifully written .I really do think you should publish all and reach a wider audience.
fantastic calligraphy!
The photograph is amazing !Is this where some of the letters were written?
I think the reflection of bleakness but steely determination of the ship and the little boat in frount and what looks like a lighthouse with the two mountains speaks volumes of the setting and realy makes the letters more alive.What I would like to ee is a photo of the admiral to be
This looks like it might be interesting. I'll have a read later.
These letters are an absolute treat to read. This one is particularly interesting in the level of detail that he goes into concerning the night firing and the happenings on the ship. It is especially nice that there is a photo of the specific boat that Leo refers to here. I also like how the tone of the letter shifts towards the end, concerning his family and loved ones. This man clearly cares deeply about the people and events he writes of, and that makes it a pleasure to read.
It is really good to be able to view primary source documents such as these first hand, and to read the experiences of someone who was actually there.
Another great letter, letting us in on the traumas and difficulties of being at sea at this time. And wonderfully moving and well written
How wonderful to have all these precious letters in your possession, they are a real pleasure to read.
How wonderful to have all these precious letters in your possession, they are a real pleasure to read.
His devotion to both family and country is an inspiraton to us all.
hard to describe how it felt reading the letters...like a movie...like the whole story went through my eyes. If only such a respect and devotion would exists between people nowadays....thank you for letting me know these letters exists, Gillian. Austeja
hard to describe how it felt reading the letters...like a movie...like the whole story went through my eyes. If only such a respect and devotion would exists between people nowadays....thank you for letting me know these letters exists, Gillian. Austeja
these pictures are amazing, i will look at them day and night.
it is a good ship and nice wishes from canada
These letters gives you the feeling of being there with him. They are very beautifully written.
An amazing picture,what an atmospheric pictue,i can hear the lapping of the waves on the ships sides,the day drsawing to its close the rustle of the sailors clustering around their duties.Or is it dawns fresh light.The sea is amazing the same sea the same sky but a century of men away.
A beautiful and atmospheric photograph.
This is a really good letter !
In fact I feel as if I know the Admiral,he seems so human and humane,an incredible guy.
keep it up mate
Gives a glimpse into a more adventurous and exciting time.. Enjoyed reading about the firing and the scenes of battle and travel, strange to think this life seems so far away and yet it feels familiar when written about here; there's a comfortable and honest tone to the writing..
This reminded of the memoirs of Russian officers en route to Tsushima. The everyday routine of the boat trip, the expectations, the comments and whispers about the high command.
My great-granduncle died in that war, general count von Keller, cut down by 36 pieces of shrapnel wile riding in front of the Japanese positions in the battle of Motien Pass (Yanzenski Pereval in Russian). What a pity there are no letters of private nature surviving in the family archive. The style and spirit must have been very similar to these...
Fascinating to read this formal letter writing style for someone that as grown up in the age of internet instant connectivity.
This is a very spledid photograph.
very nice piece of work,
i am a musician from fiji islands in pacific
What incredible handwriting.
A good letter,very moving.
A good letter!
great letters
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