ROYAL TOUR

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 11 May 1939, Page 7

ROYAL TOUR

UNIQUE NAVAL OCCASION LEAVE-TAKING OF H.M.S. REPULSE tU.P.A.— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] (Received 11th May. 9 a.m.) LONDON, 10th May. The leave-taking of the escorting battleship H.M.S Repulse, in mid-Atlantic from the Royal liner Empress of Australia yesterday was unique in naval history.

The liner slackened to 10 knots. In half a gale the Repulse moved up close to the port side where their Mejesties were standing amidships. As the Repulse came abreast the crew cheered and a guard presented arms. The ships' band played “God Save the King” and then struck up ‘Here’s a Health Unto His Majesty.” The King took moving pictures of huge seas breaking over the Repulsa. A wooden barrel to which was attached red, white and blue flags, containing mail and photographs was then thrown overboard and the Repular. by masterly manoeuvring picked it up by hooks and then swung round to return to England. Their Majesties earlier watched the barrel filled with, among other correspondence. letters from the King and Queen to the two Princesses. IN THE ICEFIELDS (Received 11th May. 925 a.m > LONDON. 10th May The Empress of Australia has entered the icefields and hopes to emerge tomorrow. The sea abated and the liner speeded up to 18$ knots. Their Majesties last evening watched the escorting cruisers enduring a typical Atlantic dusting.

They are now 620 miles from America.