Mrs. Jellicoe, Sir John's mother, possesses an interesting little souvenir in the telegram which Jellicoe sent after he had been rescued, announcing that he was safe-- "_Quite safe terrible affair love Jack_." This simple message naturally brought great joy and relief to his father's and mother's hearts. And now the Nation confidently awaits, with Sir John Jellicoe's family, the receipt at any moment of another telegram almost similarly worded-- "_Quite safe splendid affair love Jack!_" CHAPTER IV THE SINKING OF THE "VICTORIA" For a short time Jellicoe served as Gunnery-Lieutenant on the _Colossus_, and then he was appointed Junior Staff Officer of the _Excellent_ gunnery establishment, under the command of Lord Fisher--then Captain. This meeting between the two men was fortunate for the Junior Officer. Fisher at once marked down Jellicoe as useful, and so, a few years later, when he was Director of Naval Ordnance at the Admiralty, it came to pass that Jellicoe joined Fisher there as his Assistant. It was just subsequent to this appointment when Jellicoe was, we believe, serving as first lieutenant on board the _Sans Pareil_, that the German Emperor during the Naval Review put in an appearance with the powerful vessels of his new and comparatively small Navy. Needless to say, both the Kaiser and his officers, together with their ships, were of the greatest interest to our men. When the Review was over numerous were the discussions and fierce the arguments which centred around William the Second and his little fleet. Everyone present from Junior to Senior had something to say, some criticism to make. Everyone except Lieutenant John Jellicoe. He kept his mouth shut and his eyes open, and he expressed no opinion either on the Kaiser, his officers or his ships. Jellicoe only spent about three years at the Admiralty as Fisher's assistant, but it was quite enough for the authorities to realize that he was an efficient and clever officer--a man who knew how to organize. Captain Fisher found his services invaluable, and as an "assistant" Jellicoe served him faithfully. Jellicoe would probably be the first to admit that during the comparatively short time he spent at the Admiralty under Fisher he accumulated a vast amount of knowledge. A friendship sprung up between the two men, born of respect. Both were enthusiasts; both loved the Service keenly. Both were ambitious--not for themselves. Neither sought personal aggrandizement. Their ambitions were noble. It was natural that both, later on, should meet with opposition. It was inevitable that the opposition should be overcome.