Nothing gave Uncle Bill (as he was affectionately known) greater pleasure than to entertain his friends and, to be his guest at a luncheon party in his club was a bright spot in an often dull world.
He was perhaps at his best when surrounded by his friends, recounting some almost unbelievable story of his early life at sea or experience in some out-of-the-way part of the world.
He was born in 1852, and went to sea when he was twelve years old and when sail was the chief form of propulsion
When in 1914he went on the retired list, he had served for over fifty years in the Royal Navy, most of which long period of service he had spent at sea.
His "Naval Reminiscences," recount many interesting stories of his experiences.
Though he had reached the great age of 92, his mental ability remained unimpaired to the last. He was a talented letter writer, and, in the knowledge that his end was close at hand, he wrote an affectionate farewell to many of his old friends only a few days before his death. He had outlived all his own generation, but such was his personality and charm that he endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact, both old and young.
His obituarywas published in The Times on the 28th December 1938.