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The Dreadnought Hoax
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The Dreadnought Hoax
THE DREADNOUGHT HOAX The Emperor of Abyssinia and his suite prepare to inspect the Royal Navy : Virginia Stephen (Woolf) on left, Horace Cole on the right Date: February 1910
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Media ID 20147051
© Bubblepunk
Abyssinia Cole Dreadnought Hoax Horace Inspect Jokes Practical Prepare Stephen Suite Virginia Woolf
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The Dreadnought Hoax: A Playful Encounter between the Emperor of Abyssinia and the Royal Navy (February 1910) This intriguing photograph captures a light-hearted moment during a visit by Emperor Haile Selassie I of Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) and his suite to the Royal Navy Dockyard in Devonport, England, in February 1910. The Emperor, dressed in traditional robes and headdress, is seen inspecting the HMS Dreadnought, the world's first all-big-gun battleship, accompanied by his interpreter, Ras Makonnen. Among the onlookers are two notable figures: Virginia Woolf, the renowned English modernist author, who is seen on the left, and Horace Cole, a British journalist and master of practical jokes, on the right. Cole, known for his mischievous antics, had orchestrated the 'Dreadnought Hoax' to entertain the Emperor and his entourage. The hoax involved the creation of a fake enemy ship, the 'S.S. Ancona,' which was towed alongside the Dreadnought to give the impression of a naval battle. The Emperor, unaware of the prank, was thoroughly amused by the spectacle, and this photograph captures the moment before he was to board the 'Ancona.' This image offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of imperial entertainment, diplomacy, and the playful spirit of early 20th-century Britain. The presence of Virginia Woolf, a prominent figure in the literary world, adds an intriguing layer to this historical moment, highlighting the connections between art, politics, and the human experience.
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