The Recording Angel will mark down opposite Mr. Lambert’s name: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!” But may he also have his reward here and now, as many years of good work here below may lie between him and Heaven as yet. Commodore Hugh Paget Sinclair is another “Stalwart” of the War. His business was to provide the officers and men to man the Fleet--imagine the stupendous task that was his! _We never wanted for Officer or Man!_ He is now Director of Naval Intelligence; and may his ascent in the Navy be what is his splendid due! Sir Alfred Yarrow I select for mention, for without him Mesopotamia would have been a bigger crime than it was, and throughout all ages it will be branded for gross and culpable and criminal ineptitude. If I was asked to name the Capturer of Bagdad I would unhesitatingly reply it was Sir Alfred Yarrow. The Navy has not had its due credit for the Capture of Bagdad. If Sir Alfred Yarrow with his usual astounding push, and without regard to red tape or thanks or recognition, had not sent those splendid light-draught gunboats of his to Mesopotamia, packed up in bits like portmanteaux, then Bagdad would not have been ours. The Viceroy of India sent us (acting on the advice he had received) the wrong draught of water. We ignored the Viceroy and all his crew. It took _eighteen_ days to get this pressing vital business through the Government Departments concerned. It took us _one_ day to accomplish the whole procedure, with Sir Alfred Yarrow, and we chucked all the Departments. So 24 light-draught gunboats grew up like Jonah’s Gourd, which came up in a night (Jonah, iv, 10). * * * * * I append a memorandum compiled from the Official papers:-- _History of Provision of 24 Light-draught Gunboats for Mesopotamia._ * * * * * _Note._--These Vessels played a great part in the capture of Bagdad. * * * * * January 9th, 1915.--Telegram from Viceroy to India Office that Admiralty be asked to provide 4 gunboats--draught 4½ feet for Tigris.[18] January 11th, 1915.--India Office asked Admiralty to meet Viceroy’s wishes. January 29th, 1915.[19]--Admiralty Departments suggested various types. War Staff proposed 3 from Egypt be sent. January 29th, 1915.--Lord Fisher ordered 24 light-draught gunboats. In order to save time, Captain [now Rear-Admiral Sir S. S.] Hall, R.N., (Lord Fisher’s Secretary) was directed by Lord Fisher “_to co-operate with Mr. Yarrow[20] and carry the operation through without reference to Admiralty Departments or any other Departments_.” January 29th, 1915.--_Conference held. Design settled._[21] January 30th, 1915.--{Captain Hall toured the country February 1st, 1915.--{for likely firms to construct {the 24 gunboats.