5 Mysterious Facts Surrounding the Disappearance of Diana Battye, the Beautiful Bride

The mysterious disappearance of Diana Battye, the beautiful bride of Michael Asquith, has left a lasting impact on the world. Her story is a testament to the intrigue and drama that can unfold in the lives of the elite, as she vanished just before her wedding, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions.

Diana Battye, the only child of Lieutenant Colonel Percival “Percy” Lawrence Montagu Battye and Elisabeth Rodocanachi, was born into a family with a rich history. Her maternal grandparents, Michel Rodoconachi and Despina Scaramanga, were of Greek origin and of the Eastern Orthodox faith. The investigation into her disappearance was quickly taken over by Scotland Yard, revealing that her fiancé, Michael Asquith, was the second son of The Hon. Herbert Dixon Asquith and Lady Cynthia Asquith. The coronation festivities of King George VI of the United Kingdom were the backdrop for this enigmatic event, which continues to captivate the public imagination.

what were the circumstances surrounding Diana Battye’s disappearance

what were the anonymous threats received by Diana Battye

who was Viscountess Long and what was her connection to Diana Battye

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. 

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. 

The burial record of Michel Rodoconachi, 1911.

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.

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.

Diana Battye, 1937.

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.” The 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.” 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Diana Battye (1915-2005).

what were the main suspects in Diana Battye’s disappearance

As we conclude our exploration of the mysterious disappearance of Diana Battye, the beautiful bride of Michael Asquith, we are reminded of the intrigue and drama that can unfold in the lives of the elite. Her story is a testament to the power of human curiosity and the enduring fascination with the unknown. The investigation into her disappearance, which was quickly taken over by Scotland Yard, revealed a complex web of threats and anonymous letters that continue to captivate the public imagination. The coronation festivities of King George VI of the United Kingdom provided a backdrop for this enigmatic event, which has left a lasting impact on the world.

The disappearance of Diana Battye remains one of the most intriguing unsolved mysteries of the 20th century. Her story has captivated historians and the general public alike, and continues to inspire new investigations and theories. As we reflect on the events surrounding her disappearance, we are reminded of the importance of respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved, while also acknowledging the public’s right to know the truth. The case of Diana Battye serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges of investigating a disappearance, and the need for continued diligence and perseverance in uncovering the truth. As we move forward, we are left with more questions than answers, but also with a deeper appreciation for the enduring power of human curiosity and the importance of preserving the truth.

what were the main reasons behind Diana Battye’s disappearance