The enigmatic life of
Diana Battye has long fascinated historians and enthusiasts alike, with her captivating beauty and mysterious circumstances surrounding her untimely death. As we delve into the intricacies of her story, it becomes clear that there is more to this captivating figure than initially meets the eye. Her striking features and
exquisite beauty have left an indelible mark on the collective imagination, making her a subject of enduring fascination.
The allure of
Diana Battye's life lies not only in her physical appearance but also in the intriguing narrative that surrounds her. Her story is woven from threads of tragedy, mystery, and the whispers of a bygone era. As we explore the labyrinthine paths of her life, we are met with a tapestry of secrets, rumors, and half-truths that continue to captivate and intrigue us. The allure of her story is undeniable, beckoning us to unravel the mysteries that shroud her existence and uncover the truth behind her captivating beauty.
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| Michael Asquith and Diana Battye, 1938. |
On 5 September 1915, Diana “
Didi” Eveline Montagu Battye was born at Kensington, London. Diana was the only child of Lieutenant Colonel Percival "
Percy" Lawrence Montagu Battye (1886-1945) and Elisabeth (also known as "
Elise" and "
Elsie") Rodocanachi (1891-1982), who married at All Saints Church, Binfield, on 23 June 1914.
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| The marriage of Montagu John Battye and Marguerite Josephine Turner, 1885. |
Diana Battye's paternal grandparents were Montagu John Battye (1858-1942) and his wife Marguerite Josephine Turner (1861-1925), who married in 1885.
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| The burial record of Michel Rodoconachi, 1911. |
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| The burial record of Despina Rodoconachi, 1914. |
Diana Battye's maternal grandparents were Michel Rodoconachi (1856-1911), a steamship director, and Despina Scaramanga (1861-1914), who married in 1884. Both the Rodoconachi and Scaramanga families were of Greek origin and of the Eastern Orthodox faith.
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| Lieutenant Colonel Percival "Percy" Battye. |
Diana's parents eventually divorced. In 1936, Diana's mother Elizabeth married Leonard Arthur Hackett (1905-1978). On 29 May 1945, Diana's father Lieutenant Colonel Percy Battye, a member of the Welsh Guards and a recipient of the Military Cross, was killed in an automobile accident near Antwerp. In addition to his military service during World War II, Lt. Col. Percy Battye was also a veteran of the First World War.
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| Diana Battye, 1937. |
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| Parliament briefly discusses the disappearance of Diana Battye. Article (c) The Guardian, 18 June 1937. |
On 1 June 1937, Diana Battye disappeared while staying at the London residence of her friend
Viscountess Long (née Laura Charteris; 1915-1990; later the Duchess of Marlborough) during the coronation festivities of King George VI of the United Kingdom. The investigation into Diana's disappearance was quickly turned over to Scotland Yard. It was revealed that Diana's fiancé Michael Asquith, the second son of
The Hon. Herbert Dixon Asquith and
Lady Cynthia Charteris, had received a note while studying at Oxford which read: "
Unless you take better care of Miss Battye she will be removed." Scotland Yard was also given other anonymous threats which had been received by Diana. Lady Long swiftly disclosed to Scotland Yard that Diana had been attacked on the evening of the coronation, 12 May, when Diana was slashed on her forehead by an unknown male assailant. The assault was not reported to authorities, as Lady Long recounted that Diana had begged for the attack not to be made public as she feared it would be repeated. On 9 June, Diana suddenly reappeared on the steps of the Asquith family home in London; Lady Cynthia Asquith heard sobs and discovered her son's betrothed. Diana's stepfather Leonard Hackett stated: "
When Diana was found she was in a state of complete mental collapse and obviously suffering loss of memory. She became more coherent when we got her to bed. We questioned her but her mind was a complete blank regarding the last eight days since she disappeared." T
he mystery behind Diana's disappearance even made its way to the House of Commons. On 17 June, Alfred Short, Member of Parliament for Doncaster, asked Home Secretary Sir Samuel Hoare: "
Have the Metropolitan Police have found any evidence justifying the theory that Miss Diana Battye was kidnapped?" The Home Secretary replied: "
The answer is in the negative."
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| The newlyweds: Michael Asquith and Diana Battye, 1938. |
After the drama of 1937, Diana and her fiancé continued with their wedding plans. On 17 February 1938, Diana Battye married Michael Henry Asquith (25 July 1914-19 January 2004) at All Saints Church, Binfield Park, Bracknell, Berkshire. The wedding was attended by fifty guests, and the local villagers stood outside in the snow to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds. Michael and Diana spent their honeymoon on the European Continent.
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| Annabel Asquith, 1956. |
Michael Asquith and Diana Battye had three children: Annabel Asquith (1939-1971; married Jasper R. Ungoed-Thomas), Stephen Asquith (b.1944; married firstly Nicola Scott; married secondly Clare Frances Stanton), and Peter Asquith (1947-2019). Michael Asquith and Diana Battye divorced in 1952.
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| The death notice of Diana Battye, 2005. |
On 28 July 1953, Diana Battye married Alastair Robin Peter Patrick Keith Cameron (1919-1980). Diana was married thirdly to Peter Thursby. Fourthly and finally, she married a Mr Holland-Martin, whom she survived. Mrs. Diana Eveline Montagu Battye Asquith Cameron Thursby Holland-Martin died on 24 July 2005, aged eighty-nine. She was two month's shy of her ninetieth birthday. Her funeral was held on 25 July 2005 at St. Faith’s Church, Overbury.
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| The tiara that formerly belonged to Diana Battye, and which she gave to a friend in the 1960s. |
In 2018, I purchased a pearl tiara that had formerly belonged to Diana Battye. Before Diana, who gifted the tiara to someone else in the 1960s, the prior provenance of the piece is not certain. The only person who has worn it since its acquisition is my grandmother, Eva, on the occasions of her eighty-eighth and ninetieth birthday portraits.
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| Diana Battye (1915-2005). |
As we conclude our exploration of the captivating life of Diana Battye, it is clear that her enigmatic presence continues to captivate and intrigue us. Her exquisite beauty and mysterious circumstances surrounding her untimely death have left an indelible mark on the collective imagination, making her a subject of enduring fascination. The allure of her story lies not only in her physical appearance but also in the intricate narrative that surrounds her, weaving together threads of tragedy, mystery, and whispers of a bygone era. As we reflect on the secrets and rumors that shroud her existence, we are reminded of the power of human curiosity and the enduring appeal of the unknown.
As we bid farewell to this captivating figure, we are left with a deeper appreciation for the complexities and mysteries that surround her life. The intricacies of her story serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human life and the enduring impact of our actions on those around us. The Diana Battye we have come to know is a testament to the enduring power of human beauty and the captivating allure of the unknown. As we move forward, we are left with a sense of awe and respect for the mysteries that continue to surround her, and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.
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