Nelson’s Dirk For Captain Parry

Northern Advocate, 24 February 1940, Page 8

Nelson’s Dirk For Captain Parry

One of the most famous of British relics. Nelson’s first sword, or. as it was known in Nelson's time, a midshipman’s dirk, was presented to Captain Parry by the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, at the official luncheon which was tendered to the captain, officers and men of the Achilles at the Town Hall. “We read in the cables that when the ship’s company of H.M.S. Exeter was entertained at the Guildhall, Plymouth, on its return to the Old Country, Drake’s famous drum was produced at the luncheon,” said Sir Ernest. “It may surprise you to know that here, in Auckland, we have, duly authenticated, this relic. It is part of a collection of Nelson relics I acquired when the Hardy estate was sold in London. “At the request of Professor Sir Geoffrey Callander, the noted naval historian at Greenwich College, most of the items were sent by me to the Victory, which is to be the ultimate destination of this dirk. Temporary Home in Ship “In honour of this great occasion, 1 have much pleasure in handing it to you, with a suggestion that you retain it during your commission on the Achilles, and then, when you return to England, hand it to the trustees of the Victory, who, I have no doubt, will he fully appreciative that the Achilles acted as its temporary home.” “Nelson’s dirk is of priceless value,” said Captain Parry, when the Mayor handed it to him. “I can hardly see myself giving it away until the time comes to give it to the Victory Museum. “I notice that there is no scabbard. I wonder if scabbards were used in Nelson’s day, as in my day, as means of corporal punishment.”