In August 1914 at the outbreak of the Great War, Vice-Admiral Sir John R. Jellicoe was appointed to the supreme command of the Home Fleets, with the acting rank of admiral, with Rear-Admiral Charles E. Madden, as his Chief of Staff. King George V sent him this message to pass on to the fleet: "At this Grave moment in our national history, I send to you, and through you to the officers and men of the Fleets of which you have assumed command, the assurance of my confidence that under your direction they will revive and renew the old glories of the Royal Navy, and prove once again the sure shield of Britain and of the Empire in the hour of trial."