SUSSEX DEPARTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22354, 30 August 1934, Page 9

SUSSEX DEPARTS

DUKE OF GLOUCESTER’S TOUR CRUISER AT GIBRALTAR BLAZE OF SUMMER BRILLIANCE ' fUah«d Areas Association.) (By Electric ' Telegraph—Copyright.) . GIBRALTAR, August 2S. “ Good-bye Sussex, good luck,” has been, flagged,’ semaphored, and .Horsed dozens -of times since the cruiser left Sheerness in a blaze of summer brilliance which- was unbroken alb the way here, where- the finishing touches will be imparted.during the next seven days for the royal embarkation at Marseilles on September 5. The-royal barge, resplendent in royal blue jmd grey,- is lucked away on the starboard main dock in readiness for the Duke to continence his odyssey,, and the ship’s company is enthusiastic to ensure that tfe first, episode will be Impressive. If the trutifybo told the Sussex could have, been commissioned three times over so numerous were the, volunteers for this memorable undertaking, for which the whole ship is keyed up to the highest pitch. Captain Bonham-Carter has a splendid personnel, while the Sussex herself is the possessor of efficiency trophies which will show, the Australian fleet traditions of the navy-at their best. . Pi’esent plans, dependent on the weather, are for anchorage outside the moles at Marseilles. .The Duke and his staff will come off at 9,30 a.m. incogpito. The Ceremonial will be delayed till the ship, is outside the territorial limit,’ when the Duke’s -standard will be broken at tlie masthead, the royal salute fired and the Union Jack run up. The guard of honour, mounted on the quarterdeck, will be inspected, after which there will be an inspection on the ship. The Duke of Gloucester will occupy the captain’s quarters, in which is hung a collection of dainty water colours acquired by the Duke on his 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, and news bulletins from there are being' circulated every day. They are eagerly scanned, especially any references to. the centenary. . A THRILL AT SEA GIBRALTAR, August 28. The first thrill during the trip of the cruiser Sussex was obtained at 11 o’clock last night; when the Strathaird disseminated an'S.O.S. Aent out by rhe Spanish freighter. .Flora, which was in distress five’ miles north - of Cape -■ St. Vincent. The Sussex, which had hitherto been leisurely steaming to make Gibraltar early -in’ the morning, swung around and speeded for a couple of hours at. : 20 knots to. succour the Flora, but Cadiz advised that the Flora had been beached and. was awash at St. Vincent;' The;-Strathaird wirelessed- that - there, was no sign’ of the .boats, and the Sussex resumed her trip to Gibraltar.