NAVY. An archive of approximately 345 manuscript letters from Lieutenant-Commander Ralph Clayton to his mother, Edith, wife of Captain Francis Starkie Clayton, written throughout his career, circa 1900-1916, the majority of the letters 4pp., 18cm x 12cm, detailing his various appointments on H.M.S. Britannia, H.M.S. Hannibal in the Channel, H.M.S. Grafton at the Pacific Station, and finally H.M.S. Queen Mary on whom he served from the outset of the First World War as torpedo officer. He was lost with her during the battle of Jutland. Note: the letters generally discuss his deployments in brief detail and often ask about life back in England and thanking various people for their gifts, including stamps, books and chocolate. The archive is offered with a group of letters from Ralph's parents whilst on their honeymoon.