Reginald Tyrwhitt entered this period with a First World War reputation as the forceful commander of the Harwich Force. The anecdote begins with Sunday divine service aboard the ships, interrupted only by the appearance of a Zeppelin and a small aircraft climbing to meet it. After the airship was seen falling in flames, Tyrwhitt ordered the ships to sing the eighth verse of "O Happy Band of Pilgrims," whose words turned the incident into a pointed joke. The connection may have been coincidental, but the story was believable because it suited Tyrwhitt's character. It helps explain why Britain later sent him to the China Station as its intimidating commander.
Notable Point · 1:45-4:14
A Zeppelin anecdote captures Tyrwhitt's Harwich Force persona
A Sunday-service story in which a Zeppelin is shot down and Tyrwhitt signals a hymn verse explains the admiral's formidable reputation.