Dominic Winter Auctions
Lot 82
Manuscript Log Book. Manuscript log book of Mr. C.R. Ingleby R.N., Midshipman, aboard H.M.S. Canopus and Glory, May 1905 to August 1906, calligraphic and printed title with watercolour illustrations and decorations, approximately 102 pages of neat manuscript sailing data with remarks, using the first part of a standard log book, 16 mostly tipped-in illustrations including: 13 pen & ink (some with watercolour) charts and drawings (some technical); one photographic print 'Signalmen in the Wireless Room'; two manuscript and watercolour 'certificates': one of a coaling contest amongst the crew, the second of a 'Prize Firing', also three newspaper clippings, occasional minor spots or marks, a few leaves with some insect damage to upper blank margins (mainly affecting unused leaves), original quarter reverse calf stationary binding, additional stitched calf cover, embossed with 'Mr. C.R. Ingleby R.N. Log Book, Period May 9th 1905- H.M.S. "Canopus" "Glory"' and with a maritime crest above, within a rope border, a little rubbed and marked, folio Places visited include: Gibralter, Malta, Suez canal, Yemen, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Scotland. H.M.S. Canopus was a pre-dreadnought battleship of the British Royal Navy and the lead ship of the Canopus class, H.M.S. Glory was also a member of the Canopus class. Canopus was commissioned into the fleet in December 1899, and Glory in November 1900. Both ships were assigned to the China Station, Glory from 1901-1905, and Canopus in 1905. However, Canopus was recalled partway through her journey to East Asia, due to an improvement in the political situation. Both ships then served with various fleet commands in British waters until 1907/8. After service with the Mediterranean Fleet, each was placed on reserve until the outbreak of the First World War when they were mobilised for service. The author is believed to be Clement Rolfe Ingleby, only son of Mr Holcome Ingelby MP for Kings Lynn, Norfolk. Clement left the Navy in 1906, after which he returned as an RNVR officer in 1914. A few months after becoming a prisoner of war in Holland he escaped, and on returning to England transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, becoming one of the first officers appointed to the newly formed Royal Air Force on 1st April 1918. Soon afterwards he wrote a poem 'Per Ardua ad Astra', published in Flight magazine June 6th 1918, in which he describes taking-off in a biplane. This becomes poignant in the light of an aeroplane accident the previous year, which resulted in a foot amputation, meaning Clement could no longer fly and became desk-bound in his work. In addition to his military career Clement is known for compiling 'A Supplement to Blomefield's Norfolk', published in 1929. (1)
