“In the middle of it the 1st Fleet Destroyer flotilla dashed up to within 400 yards, intending to torpedo us, and we fired our 12-pounders as fast as we could load them. The flotilla then turned round and steamed away as fast as they could. I think we were supposed to have beaten them off. At 4 o’clock the battle ended and our Fleet remained at sea all that night. We arrived at Portland at 8 in the morning, and after breakfast we disembarked and returned to the College by train. I must stop now as it is time for prayers. Fuller details in the leave. Best love from —— “P.S. My shirts haven’t come yet, I’ve just looked.” * * * * * That “leave” never came. How little we dreamed at the time of the mobilisation that we were so near to the “real thing”! But I must not anticipate. * * * * * On the 25th July, three days after the events just recorded, the examinations began. The diplomatic struggle in Europe resulting from Austria’s note to Serbia formed the chief topic of discussion in the College, but no particular excitement prevailed until Tuesday the 28th of July, when we learned that Austria had declared war on Serbia, and Russia had ordered a partial mobilisation of her army. That afternoon when we were all fallen in at “quarters,” and after the terms had been reported by their officers to the Commander, and were awaiting the customary dismissal, the Captain came on to the quarter-deck, and, going up to the Commander, said a few words to him in an undertone. The Commander saluted, and, turning to the ranks, gave the order, “Cadets, ’shun!” Every one sprang to “attention,” all eyes fixed upon the Captain. He said: “I have just received this telegram from the Admiralty.” Then in a clear, ringing voice he read the dispatch, which, to the best of my recollection, ran as follows— “In the event of war, prepare to mobilise at a moment’s notice.” After a short pause during which a universal murmur of excitement rippled through the ranks, he continued: