THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

From R. Vaughan Williams,
10, Hanover Terrace,
Regents Park,
London, N.W.1

June 20 [1955]

Dear Joan
I fear from his letter that Martin considers his new “honour”¹ as first an insult – & so it is in a way – the muddleheaded authorities are years behind time & niggardly in their gift.  But in these days when jockeys become knights is not a nominally smaller award more distinguished?
Any way in spite of the mess the authorities have made of things it gives all England an opportunity of shewing publically their love & admiration of a great man.
Love from us both
Ralph

1.  On Shaw’s receiving an FRCM.