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Aviation History
1953
1953 - 0789.PDF
19 June 1953 783 [HE FLEET » bserved from Sea and Air IOTOGRAPHS Slowly we approached H.M.S. Vanguard, and then turned to starboard down the line of carriers. The Russian Sverdlov and other foreign warships could be seen behind the high-sided Eagle, first of the British carriers. After passing Indomitable, Implacable and Indefatigable, and transferring a number of guests bound for Illustrious to that ship, we arrived at Theseus, which was to be our viewpoint for the review and fly-past. As usual, Fleet Air Arm hospitality to all on board was admirable. No aircraft were to be seen on the flight deck— nor indeed on those of the other carriers—but the Fireflies and Sea Furies of the ship's three squadrons, 820, 802 and 804, were to take part later that day in the main fly-past. In command of the Theseus is Capt. D. Mel. Russell, R.N., who has held this appointment since last December. An impressive sight is the battle-honours inscription on the quarter-deck recall ing, among others, "Cadiz, 1797," and "Teneriffe, 1797," in which the first H.M.S. Theseus, a 74-gun ship, took part, and "Korea, 1950-51," referring to the present carrier, the third ship to bear the name. Since her Korean service, H.M.S. Theseus has served with both the Home and the Mediterranean Fleets. In November last year, Admiral of the Fleet H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh spent a day at sea in Theseus off Malta, the ship thus having the honour to be the first to wear his standard. From the flag deck, the view was truly remarkable. Just opposite were the Dutch Tromp and, in sharp contrast to every other ship visible, the Italian training ship, Amerigo Vespucci, the sailing vessel that looks so much like our own Victory. Along the line from us were the other carriers; the Canadian Magnificent—khaki and blue ranks forming a human fringe to the flight deck, the Australian Sydney, and the Perseus. In a parallel line were the British, Canadian, New Zealand and Indian cruisers. The stiff breeze streamed and rippled the flags of each ship—dressed over all—including our own. On the flight deck of Theseus were paraded the ship's company, a number of R A.F. officers from the Staff College, cadets, and a representative selection of the Common wealth Coronation units. These included the Aden Levies, the King's African Rifles, the Royal West African Frontier Force, the Somaliland Scouts, the forces of Fiji and, startingly prominent in white jackets and shorts and red pillbox hats, three members of the North Borneo Police. Over the loudspeaker system came the news that the Surprise, acting as the Royal Yacht, was leaving harbour. The flag signal for the 21-gun salute and the salute itself were followed by instruc tions over the loudspeaker concerning the cheers to be given as the Surprise passed. With Naval exactitude came the warning "when (Below) The fly-past began with the appearance of S-51 Dragonflies of 70S Squadron, here passing over the line of British cruisers. (Right) The view from the flag deck of "Theseus" as the Royal Yacht, preceded by the "Patricia," approached. (Top, right) Two of the Firefly squadrons passing over one of the Canadian cruisers. - "jm wr*
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