Herbert Henry Glasspool (1890-1958)

Herbert (Bertie) Henry Glasspool (R.N.V.R) was born 31 May 1890. Early in the First World War he signed up with the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry and was invalided out on account of an injury received in 1916. Back home in England he was “white feathered” and in response to this, joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserves. During his Naval service, he carried a camera with him and compiled a fascinating photograph album. See also the extracted photographs in the related items to this article. 

From 1917 to 1919 he was Paymaster aboard the Q Ship H.M.S. Partridge II. Bertie also wrote short stories under the pseudonym “Herbert Gee” and sketched cartoons and caricatures. Many of these were published in local papers.

Timeline of events within certificates and documents accompanying his photograph album.

• 1904 - At 14 years of age is given a letter of recommendation by Leyton Newport Boys School Board.
• 1917 Feb 28 - Leyton District Education Committee writes letter in support of an application for Assistant Paymaster in HMS Navy
• 1917 March 22 - Past Chairman of Leyton District Council and Justice of the Peace for the County of Essex, writes letter in support of application as Temporary Assistant Paymaster, Royal Naval Reserve.
• 1917 April 4 - The Admiral Commanding Coast Guard & Reserve writes a letter in support of an application as Temporary Assistant Paymaster Royal Naval Reserve.
• 1917 May 29 - Certificate written confirming service as Assistant Paymaster from May 9 to 29 aboard H.M.S. Lion "to my satisfaction" by Captain.
• 1919 February 24 - Certificate written confirming service as Paymaster Lieutenant R.N.R. from March 19 1918 to February 24 1919 aboard H.M.S. Partridge II "entirely to my satisfaction has performed the duties of Accountant Officer in Charge in a very able manner, at all times attentive to his duties" by Captain Siggers (Captain of H.M.S. Partridge II).
• 1919 June 26 - Wife Claudia and two-year-old son Herbert Frank have passport stamped entering Malta where they joined Bertie.
• 1919 September 4 - Certificate written confirming service as Paymaster Lieutenant in Charge R.N.R. from February 25, 1919, to September 4 1919 aboard H.M.S. Partridge II "entirely to my satisfaction. Has acted as Accountant Officer in charge, including virtually the ships convoy and troops on passage, and in all his duties showing himself a zealous, painstaking and reliable officer" of Partridge II.
• 1919 October 8 - Certificate written confirming service as Paymaster Lieutenant R.N.R. aboard H.M.S. Victory from September 5, 1919, to November 2 1919 "time only" by Commodore for H.M.S Victory".

After the war and in response to an outcry regarding the welcoming of a U Boat Commander visiting England he wrote the following letter (click here for transcript).