Discover Maritime History at North Devon Record Office
Archival diaries and journals are invaluable as they provide personal insights into historical events, offering a glimpse into the lives and thoughts of individuals from the past. Archivist Gary Knaggs, from the North Devon Record Office, provides a glimpse into these research resources.
The Journal of Nelson Clover
Nelson Clover was an 18-year-old midshipman aboard HMS Montagu. In May 1906 the vessel ran off course and collided with rocks on Lundy. The ship was severely damaged and after salvaging what they could, the Royal Navy decided to scrap the vessel. Nelson Clover’s journal gives a first-hand account of events both before and after the ship ran into the rocks. Also included are photographs relating to the salvage operation.
A few months prior to the disaster, HMS Montagu was part of the combined British fleets assembled at Lagos on the Algarve. This is illustrated by this hand-drawn map in the journal.
Nelson Clover went on to have a long career in the Navy and was promoted to Captain in 1934. He retired in 1946 and died at Torquay in 1978.
See the Journal
You can search for Clover’s journal in the catalogue. Or visit the searchroom at the North Devon Record Office and use the reference, B627/1/7/1.