Ahoy - Mac's Web Log

Dear Mac,

I've just come across an enquiry on your web site from Douglas Haslett about von Luckner's cryptic reference to a "Max Pemberton" in a dedication to his grandfather.  You assumed quite reasonably that this was a reference to the
author Max Pemberton.  I think there is another possible explanation.  When von Luckner reached Fiji in 1917 he and his men rested for two days at the unoccupied house of a Mr Stockwell in Katafaga.  When they left (to try to
enter Levuka Harbour and seize a ship - they were subsequently captured) von Luckner left a letter of thanks for Mr Stockwell and signed it "M. Pemberton", pretending that he and his crew were on a south seas cruise.  Mr Stockwell was a member of the Ovalau Club in Levuka and he had the letter framed.  It's still behind the bar at the Ovalau Club.  I saw it on a visit to Levuka last week.

I have just completed a book on von Luckner entitled "Von Luckner:  A Reassessment" which is being published by Peter Lang in Frankfurt.  It is planned for release (in Europe, at least) in a couple of months.  It may well interest you.

Best wishes,

James Bade

Dear James,

Thank you for your E-Mail about that the amazing Count Felix von Luckner, he has raised more comment on my Ahoy site than any other thing I may have written about.

Your forthcoming book is of great interest to me, may we come to an arrangement whereby you air mail me a copy when it is published in Frankfurt? of course I would cover the costs involved.

Have a great New Year's eve and 2004. Again, my thanks for your interesting comments.

Regards,
Mac. Gregory.

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