Bald, Gordon Reinhold, Captain, 1895-1956

Personal papers and journals of Captain Gordon Reinhold Bald (1885-1956). The collection is mainly focused on Bald's early naval career including his time at Eastman's Royal Naval Academy and service in HMS GRAFTON and HMS ANTRIM. These cover his time on the Pacific Station, training in torpedoes and the beginnings of the First World War. The papers include letters to his parents and siblings, letters from friends and relatives serving on the Western Front, a passport and photographs, mainly of Bald in uniform throughout his career. There is also a variety of newspaper clippings and ephemera, some relating to his return to service during the Second World War and a visit to Japan in late 1945 following its surrender.

Administrative / biographical background
Gordon Reinhold Bald was born on 4 November 1885 in Colchester, Essex. After attending Eastman's Royal Naval Academy and HMS BRITANNIA he joined HMS MAGNIFICENT as a midshipman in September 1901. He then served in HMS GRAFTON on the Pacific Station between 1902 and 1904. He was made Lieutenant in 1906 and spent time at Devonport on torpedo boat service. From 1908 to 1910 he served in HMS ALGERINE in the Pacific and trained at HMS VERNON to qualify for torpedo duties. He served in HMS ANTRIM, 1912 to 1915 and was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 1914. From October 1915 to April 1918 he was on HMS RESOLUTION (1st Battle Squadron of the Grand Fleet). He was promoted to Commander in June 1918 and served in HMS REVENGE on the staff of Admiral Madden 1918–1919. In 1919 he married Mary E. Barnett, they had one daughter, he was granted a divorce in 1923. In 1924 he married Elizabeth Dora Sinclair, they had one son and one daughter. In 1921 he spent several months in Spain and qualified as an interpreter in Spanish before service in the Department of the Director of Torpedoes and Mining (DTM). Between 1923-1925 he served as Commander in HMS MALAYA before returning to the DTM within the Admiralty. He retired with the rank of Captain in November 1931. Bald was recalled to service during the Second World War serving as an assistant to the DTM and involvement with officer selection boards. He reverted to the retired list in July 1946 and died 28 September 1956. His service records are held by The National Archives under references: ADM 196/126/308, ADM 196/49/319 and ADM 196/143/586.