SPITHEAD REVIEW

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 56, 8 March 1937, Page 17

SPITHEAD REVIEW

A CORONATION EVENT

Warships of many nations are likely to attend the Coronation naval review at Spithead. on May 20 if the tentative arrangements now being made are carried out (writes Hector Bywater jn the "Daily Telegraph").

The final decision as to what British warships will, attend^ must await developments in the international situation. '.;■.'.■

In the most favourable event the Review Fleet will comprise all commissioned ships in the Home and Reserve Fleets, the greater part of the Mediterranean Fleet, and units from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and possibly India.

Following the practice of his father, the -King will certainly desire to see the Merchant Navy, of which he hag assumed the title of Master, adequately represented at the Review.

The authorities will provide as many berths as possible for British merchant vessels-of all types, including fishing craft, and there should consequently be a unique muster of ships flying the Red Ensign.

It is hoped that foreign navies will contribute a large number of ships for the Review. The custom on such occasions is to invite every Power1 which possesses a naval force and is at peace with Great Britain to send one or more of its warships to show the national flag.

Among the countries likely to send their latest and finest ships are the United States, Japan, FHrance, Germany, and Italy. The Argentine Government has already signified its intention, as a friendly gesture to this country, of sending a division of men-of-war to Spithead.

It is expected that the King and Queen will travel to Portsmouth on May 19 and spend the night on board the Royal yacht Victoria and Albert. On the following day the yacht will steam out to Spithead and anchor at the head of the lines.

There the King will receive on board the flag officers of the Fleet and representatives o£. the Merchant Navy. In the afternoon the Royal yacht will steam through the" lines and subsequently return to Portsmouth.

The Fleet Air Arm will be present in considerably greater force than at the Silver Jubilee Review. A flight past the Hoyal yacht will probably be an item in the programme.