BEATTY (David, O.M., 1871-1936, Admiral of the Fleet, from 1919 1st Earl)

Typed letter with stamped signature to John St. Loe Strachey, (1901-1963, Labour Politician), enclosing an invitation (not present) from the Lord Mayor of London to a dinner in aid of the dockland settlements, "The ... King and Queen ... take a very keen, practical interest in the work ... We feel that those responsible" for the settlements "should be relieved of financial worries ... We must raise £10,000 ... His Royal Highness the Duke of York", later George VI, will be present with the Earl of Derby (17th Earl, 1865-1948) (17th November 1933), with the second half of a similar letter, lacking his correspondent's name, "in order to maintain the work ... and to open a much needed Dockland Settlement at Dagenham Docks", £15,000 is needed, "the Duke of York is not only sponsoring the appeal" but definitely intends to be present, and suggesting "if unable to accept ... a generous contribution towards this special appeal", 1½ sides 4to., the first from 17 Grosvenor Square, W., 17th November transparent strips at top of first and left side of second

At the outbreak of World War I, Beatty steamed into Heligoland Bight and destroyed three German cruisers. In January 1915 he sank the Blücher and on 31st May 1916 fought the Battle of Jutland. He succeeded Lord Jellicoe as Commander-in-Fleet, 1916, and became 1st Sea Lord in 1919.
Strachey resigned from the Labour Party in 1931 to support extremist political organizations. However, in 1945 he became Labour Under-Secretary for Air, Minister for Food 1946-1950, and Secretary of State for War 1950-1951.

Item Date:  1933

Stock No:  14714      £30

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