MR A. P. HERBERT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24400, 11 September 1940, Page 13

MR A. P. HERBERT

IN THE NAVY NOW (From Our Own Correspondent) LONDON, Aug. 2. Mr A. P. Herbert, M.P., is in the navy. His rank is that of petty officer; his ocean is the Thames: his ship his own Water Gypsy. On the incorporation of the Port of London Authority River Emergency Service with the navy. Mr Herbert was ordered to a certain town to draw his kit and swear the oath, says the Evening Standard. For some hours Mr Herbert stood in a queue. Then some naval officers recognised him, invited him to their club, Kid celebrated his entry into the navy K a suitable way. ■ Afterwards Mr Herbert asked if he Kould become an honorary member of ■ ,e rtub so that he might return their ■ospitality. But as a petty officer. Mr ■erfeert was not eligible. ■ In' the last war Mr Herbert was a fcember of the naval force which Mr

Churchill sent to Antwerp. While training at Crystal Palace he met his future wife. He was married in bellbottom trousers. “ Lady Astor Overboard ” Mr Herbert has methods of his own to ensure the efficiency of the crew of his craft, Water Gypsy. His crew, he insists, must be prepared to go overboard at a moment’s notice. So a friend who was dining with him on the deck of the Water Gypsy the other night was only mildly surprised when Mr Herbert looked up from his spinach. fixed the steward with a stern eye. and barked: “Lady Astor overboard.” The steward put down the dish he was serving, leapt to the rails, and plunged into the water. Ten minutes later, reclad in dry clothes, he reappeared to serve coffee. “ Gas! ” rapped put Mr Herbert as the coffee cups were being cleared away. Upon which the entire crew assembled on the deck, lined ud and put on their gas masks, while Mr Herbert timed them. . , , „ “I am training them to act quickly, he exclaimed to his guest.