Arbuthnot Interview with Sir John Fisher, 1904

Record of a paper left by Rear-Admiral Sir Robert K. Arbuthnot, then a Captain serving as Flag Captain at Portsmouth, detailing a conversation between him and Sir John Fisher.

Paper

Interview with Sir John Fisher, G.C.B., on 6th January, 1904. To be sent to him unopened if I die before he does.

R.K.A.

6.1. '04.

(On back of the envelope was written, "Sealed 6 Jan. 1904.")

Went in to see Sir John Fisher, Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth, in his office about 12.30. Found him writing, and asked him if he wanted to see me about Victory. He said " Yes," and got up and stood in front of fire.

I asked him if we [Victory's crew] were to go into Hercules, and he said " Yes, on 15 Feb. without fail." I told him that the Admiral Superintendent had not got the approval from Admiralty for defects to be taken in hand. He said he didn't care. He would give the approval himself—it had to be done by 15 Feb.