King's Collections

Letter from Charles Clay, bandleader and Harrods’ musical director, to Gen Sir Ian Hamilton, requesting the discharge of his piano player from the Army 3 days after the signing of the armistice

General Sir Ian Hamilton’s reply to Charles Clay, 15 Nov 1918

Clay’s letter back to Hamilton making more of a case for the discharge of Private Upton, his piano player. 15 Nov 1918

Selected by Kate O’Brien, Archives Services Manager

What

An exchange of letters between bandleader Charles Clay and General Sir Ian Hamilton, 14-15 November 1918. Clay was keen to get his piano player back: Hamilton was dubious that this could happen quickly.

Why

I love this collision between the world of popular entertainment and the vast officialdom of the Army. I love Hamilton’s remark about ‘firms and private families who think that this is now a good opportunity to get their old retainers back’. Most of all I love Clay’s letter-heading: ‘Clay’s Bands for all Society Functions: Ragtime Bands a Specialité’

Ref: Hamilton 11/5/1

www.kingscollections.org/catalogues/lhcma/collection/h/ha30-001