AUSTRALIA BOUND

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 51, 29 August 1934, Page 9

AUSTRALIA BOUND

VOYAGE OF THE DUKE

PREPARING FOR RECEPTION

SUSSEX AT GIBRALTAR

United Press Association—By Electric Tele-

graph—Copyright. (Received August 29, 1 p.m.)

GIBRALTAR, August 2S,

"Good-bye, Sussex, Good Luck," has been flagged, semaphored, and morsed dozens of times since the cruiser, loft Shocrncss in a blaze of summer brilliance, which has been unbroken all tho way here, where the finishing touches will be imparted for the next seven days for tho Royal embarkation at Marseilles on September 5. Tho Royal barge, resplendent in royal blue and grey, is tucked away on the etarboard main dock in readiness for the Duke to commence his Odyssey, and tho ship's company are enthusiastic to, ensure that the first episode shall bo impressive, if tho truth be told, the Sussex could have been commissioned thrice oyer, so numerous were the volunteers for this memorable undertaking, for which the whole ship is keyed to the highest pitch. Captain Bonham Carter has a splendid personnel, while the Sussex herself is the possessor of efficiency trophies, and will show the Australian Fleet traditions at their best. ' '

The present'plans, dependent on the weather, arc:—Anchorage outside the mole at Marseilles. Tho Duke and staff come off at 9.30 a.m. incognito. The ceremonial is delayed till, tho vessel is outside the territorial limit, when the Duke's standard will be broken at, the masthead, and the Royal Salute fired, the Union Jack r'nn up, and a gaard of honour mounted :on the quarterdeck, after which there will be an inspection of the ship. The Duke of Gloucester'; will occupy the captain's quarters, in which, are hung a collection of dainty water-colours acquired by the Duke on a recent visit to Belfast. The quarters are simply furnished with an eye to comfort, a tribute to Mrs. Bonham Carter's good taste. ■

The ship is already in direct touch with Australia, news and bulletins from which are circulating daily, and are eagerly scanned, especially the references, to the Centenary.

The first thrill of .the, trip was at 11 o'clock last night, when the Strathaird disseminated an S.O.S. sent out by the Spanish freighter tho Flora in distress five miles north of Capo St. Vincent. The Sussex hitherto had boon leisurely steaming to make Gibraltar early in the morning, and she then swung around and speeded for a couple of hours at twenty knots to succour the Flora, but Cadiz advised that tho Flora had been beached awash at St. Arincent. The Strathaird wirelessed that there Was no sign of boats, and the Sussex resumed her voyage.