SIR C. W. R. ROYDS.

Otago Witness, Issue 4014, 17 February 1931, Page 79

SIR C. W. R. ROYDS.

TRAGIC DEATH. COLLAPSE AFTER WALTZING. REHEARSAL FOR CHARITY BALL. (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, January 6. Vice-admiral Sir Charles W. R. Royds Acting Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in the absence of Viscount Byng on sick leave, was taken ill and died in the ballroom at the Savoy Hotel, London last evening. Sir Charles, who was only 54 years ot age, was attending a rehearsal of the Strauss ball, arranged in aid of the Maternity Services Extension National Birthday Trust Fund. Lady Royds, a member of the Ball Committee, was present at the time. The ballroom was crowded with dancers in costume for the Viennese waltz, and Sir Charles, who had been partnering Mrs Fitzmaurice, of Orkney, had just sat down when he had a heart attack. Friends went to his assistance, and he was taken to Charing Cross Hospital, but was dead on arrival. AFTER FIRST WALTZ. One of the party who was with the admiral in the ballroom at the time told the News-Chronicle: “ Miss Cissie Sewell, who trained the artists for the waltz in ' Bitter Sweet,’ was instructing well-known members of society in their parts for the ball, including Lady George Cholmondeley, the Viscountess Furness, the Marchioness of Londonderry, and Lady Margaret Spencer. Sir Charles had been dancing in evening dress, and was sitting out with some friends close to Lady Royds. We were having a few minutes’ rest when suddenly Sir Charles fell forward on his chair. This was .the first time he had taken part in the waltz. The company immediately dispersed.” STRENUOUS EXERCISE. One who was watching the rehearsal says:

<lt was in a setting of picturesque gaiety and happy chatter that the tragedy occurred. The ladies, rehearsing for the Strauss ball, were wearing beautiful bustle dresses and curls of 1873, and their partners were in costumes of the same period, so that the ballroom of the Savoy seemed like a scene of long ago. Lady George Cholmondeley, in a white bustle dress, was standing in the middle of the floor, directing the waltzers. She had not long since called for quicker waltz time. Suddenly there was a thud, and everybody rushed to help. It was Sir Charles Royds, whom I had noticed previously to be waltzing remarkably well. He was to have partnered Mrs Fitzmaurice, of Orkney, at the ball, and he had been dancing with this lady when he collapsed. It was thought Sir Charles had merely become dizzy through waltzing. He was assisted to a sofa, and someone brought a glass of water, while Lady Royds supported her husband. The music stopped, and Lady Furness, a beautiful figure in a black and white silk gown, Lady Evelyn Guinness, the Hon. Elizabeth Grosvenor, and all the others present stood by, with white, concerned faces. Later, when the tragic fact was known, all left the ballroom, and returned to their homes. The Marchioness of Londonderry and two of her daughters, Lady Helen and Lady Margaret Stewart, were also to have taken part in the Strauss waltz at the ball, and they had been rehearsing the dance-with their partners. Among others who had taken part in the dancing were Miss Molly Le Bas, dancing with Mr Jack Coa,ts, Miss Sara Lawrence, partnered by Mr Robin Mayhew ; the Hon. Mrs Robert Jenkinson, Mrs Robin D’Erlanger, and Mrs Claud Leigh. At the time no one realised how serious was Admiral Royd’s condition, although he looked exceedingly ill. Efforts were at once made to get a doctor. The old waltz is very much more strenuous exercise than the onestep and foxtrot of to-day, and at the rehearsal the dances -were rather prolonged. To a young person this did not mean much, but for elderly people the strain was considerable. Commanded the discovery. A keen believer in physical culture, Sir Charles was at one time director of physical training and sports in the navy, and was a member of Captain Scott’s first Antarctic Expendition in 1901-4, commanding the Discovery. Cape Royds, where Shackleton established his base when he followed in Scott’s footsteps, was called after him. During the war he was in command of the battleship Emperor of India, and in 1923 he became Commodore of the Naval Barracks at Devonport. He joined the navy in 1892, and was specially promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 1898 for the rescue of a man who fell overboard in the Baltic. At Scotland Yard he succeeded Sir James Olive. Admiral Royds came of a house rich in naval distinction. He was a nephew of the late Admiral Sir Harry Rawson; a cousin of Admiral Sir Dudley de Chair, Governor of New South Wales; and a brother of Vice-Admiral Percy Royds, the Rugby international, formerly Admiral Superintendent of Chatham dockyard. POPULAR DISCIPLINARIAN. Vice-admiral Royds had been Deputy Commissioner to the Metropolitan Police since 1926, and since that time had frequently' acted as commissioner in the absence of Lord Byng. He was a Lancashire man and in his fifty-fifth year. Known both in the navy and in the police force as a strict disciplinarian, he was, however, of a kindly nature, and popular with all ranks who served under him. ANTARCTIC TREASURES. Sir Charles’s experiences with the British Antarctic expedition under Captaifl Scott qualified him to become a member of that select circle known as tlie Antarctic Dinner Club. He had one of the best private collections of Antarctic treasures, including stuffed penguins, water-colours by Dr Wilson, old china from Discovery, and also the piano and organ from the ship, for he was the musician of the expedition. CRITICS CONFOUNDED. Again, to quote from the Daily Telegraph : “ There was a certain measure of criticism when Sir Charles became Deputy Commissioner of Metropolitan Police in succession to Sir James Olive. When the appointment was made by Sir William Joynson-Hicks (Viscount Brentford), Home Secretary, Sir James Remnant asked if the police force was to be * made the dumping-ground for the navy,’ and Mr Jack Hayes insisted that the higher police officers must look en the appointment as ‘a studied insult.' Sir Charles, however, confounded his critics by the conspicious ability with which he carried out the duties of the post.” He was a man of fine presence, standing well over 6ft, and there was no question about his ability' or his distinction. He was popular with all classes. He married, in 1918, Mary, widow of Mr Ivo Guy Sebright, and daughter of Captain Rodney Blane, R.N., and had one daughter. Mrs Royds was for a time on the stage (as Malise Sheridan), appearing with Sir Gerald dn Maurier in the 1913-14 revival of “ Diplomacy ” at Wyndham’s.