Bald, Gordon Reinhold, Captain, 1895-1956.

Personal journals of Captain Reinhold Bald (1895-1956), covering between May 1903 and November 1904, between December 1913 and November 1914, and between November 1914 and September 1915, detailing his pre-war training amd torpedo training; voyage on HMS GRAFTON on the Pacific Station, between 1903 and 1904; torpedo training on HMS ANTRIM between 1913 and 1914; active service in the Grand Fleet, and attacking and assisting SMS BLUCHER in January 1915.

The personal journals reveal details of officer training pre-World War I and give details of torpedo training, action in World War I and life on board ship in the Royal Navy. This collection is linked to MSS 83/137, Correspondence from GR Bald and family members, certificates, passport.

Administrative / biographical background
Bald joined the Royal Navy in 1901 and received training in torpedoes in HMS GRAFTON in the Pacific Station between 1902 and 1904. He was appointed Lieutenant in 1906 and Lieutenant Commander in 1914. From 1908 to 1910 he was on HMS ALGERINE in the Pacific and trained at HMS VERNON to qualify for torpedo duties. He served on HMS ANTRIM, 1912 to 1915, being appointed Lieutenant Commander in 1914 and Commander in 1918. From October 1915 to April 1918 he was on HMS RESOLUTION (Ist Battle Squadron of the Grand Fleet), and on HMS REVENGE on the staff of Admiral Madden 1918–1919. He retired as captain in 1931 although he served again inside the Admiralty in World War II.