Papers of Bertram Sargeaunt relating to his connection to the Isle of Man

Date(s): 1908-1952

Creator(s): various

Scope & Content: Contents comprise correspondence, official documentation of appointments and other documentation relating to Sargeaunt's connection to the Isle of Man. Includes letters of congratulation when publicly recognised and on his retirement from Isle of Man Government in the 1940s. Also a covering letter and testimonial written by Lord Raglan, Government House, Isle of Man dated 6 October 1908, possibly for a museum related position. There are copies of two government circulars written by him, perhaps kept as a keepsake: Government Circular no. 581 ('War Services', a report reviewing aspects of administration of the Island including detention camps, war legislation food control &c, 16 November 1918) and Government Circular 832 (Royal Visit, July 14th and 15th, 1920). Also a postcard of HMS Warrior with the caption, 'HMS Warrior was sent to help in 1911 when there was a strike in the Liverpool Docks'.

For Sargeaunt's memoirs see MS 14819. For his photographs see PG/15398.

Administration / Biographical History: Bertram Edward Sargeaunt MVO, OBE was born at Saltwood, Kent on 4 December 1877. He was the second son of Captain Frederic Antony Sargeaunt RN (who served in the flagship in the Crimean War) and Alice Caroline, sister of Admiral of the Fleet, Lord 'Jacky' Fisher of Kilverstone GCB, OM, GCVO. Of Mr Sargeaunt's nine uncles, three served in the Royal Navy, three were Colonels in the Army and three served in the civil service.

Mr Sargeaunt was educated at Bedford School. In 1899 he was appointed to the staff of the Royal United Services Institution, Whitehall. He served as an officer in one of fhe volunteer battalions of the King's Royal Rifles and in 1908 when the Territorial Army was created was one of the first officers to be appointed to that Army.

In 1910 he took up the position of Government Secretary and Treasurer of the Isle of Man and served in this capacity during the Governorships of Lord Raglan, Sir William Fry, Sir Claude Hill, Sir Montague Butler and Earl Granville. When King George V and Queen Mary visited the Island in 1920 he was awarded the MVO. During the First World War Mr Sargeaunt had the responsibility of erecting and administering detention camps of 26,000 internees and was rewarded for his services by the award of the OBE. In the Second World War his extra duties until retirement included the administration of camps for 16,000 internees.

Mr Sargeaunt was a Church Commissioner for the Isle of Man and a Member of the Council of Church Union in London. He was a keen musician and represented the Royal Schools of Music in the Isle of Man. He was also a Trustee of the Manx Museum and edited the Journal of the Manx Museum for several years. He was an Officer of the Order of St John and was appointed a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1922 and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in 1976. He wrote numerous journal articles and his published works include 'Weapons', 'The Royal Monmouthshire Militia', 'The Isle of Man and the Great War', 'The Royal Manx Fencibles' and 'A Military History of the Isle of Man'.

On 14 September 1910 he married Kathleen Hamilton Thornewill of Craythorne, Burton on Trent at Stretton. The couple had one child, Fenella who married Captain N S Grant CBE DSC RN. His wife Kathleen died in 1962.

In 1943 Mr Sargeaunt retired from his position in the Isle of Man Government. In 1948 he wrote his memoirs up to the year 1944, at his home Belmont, Douglas.Isle of Man (see MS 14819). He died on 2 February 1978 aged 100 at his home in the village of Hurstpierpoint, Sussex..

Language: English

Extent: 1 folder

Collection: Manuscript Archive

Level: FONDS

ID number: MS 14818

Record class: Private

Access conditions: No regulations or restrictions are implemented on this material. Advance notification of a research visit is advisable by emailing library@mnh.gov.im

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