When this ship stopped off at New Zealand in 1913, Halsey met some local Maori chiefs. One of them presented him with a Maori warrior’s costume and said that it had belonged to his father who had been victorious in all his battles. The chief asked Halsey whether he would wear the outfit if ever he was in battle. Halsey agreed to do so not thinking he would ever have to honour this promise.
A year later the First World War broke out and when HMS New Zealand took part in the Battle of Heligoland Bight of August 1914, Halsey honoured his promise and donned the Maori costume.
One of crew declared at the time “The old man has gone dippy!” But the ship emerged from battle without a single scratch and there were no fatalities.
Maori warrior’s grass skirt worn by Lionel Halsey during the Battle of Heligo Bight.
Picture The Dacorum Heritage Trust Ltd
He became Third Sea Lord in 1917 and commanded the Australian Navy from 1918-20. He later served members of the royal family and died in 1949 at the age of 77
Battleship “HMS Iron Duke” captained during the First World War by Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey.
Picture: The Dacorum Heritage Trust Ltd
By The Dacorum Heritage Trust Ltd