SAW THE FLEET FROM THE ROYAL OAK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 245, 17 October 1939, Page 6

SAW THE FLEET FROM THE ROYAL OAK

THREE WANGANUI PEOPLE “FEEL WE HAVE LOST A FRIEND.” Three Wanganui people, Misses Margaret Hamilton and M. and 1. Walker saw the Brtiish Fleet from the decks of Royal Oak, the battleship which has just been sunk by German U-boats. “We feel we have lost a close friend,” Miss Hamilton said yesterday, when reminded of the visit to England to see the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. “The Royal Oak was a fine battleship Uien. She was one of a number detailed to convey overseas visitors from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and other parts of the Empire round the various units of the fleet in Southampton harbour. “We obtained tickets at New Zealand House, in London,” Miss Hamilton said. “Incidentally, they cost 14 10s each, but that included train fare to and from Southampton and meals on board the battleship. Most sumptuous meals were served. We left. London at 8 a.m., and got to Southampton at 10 and went straight on board.” The Royal Oak, then in all her glory, look the visitors along the lines of battleships. cruisers, aircraft carriers, destroyers and submarines. It was an unforgettable sight when the King and Queen reviewed tne fleet, and two lines of warships 10 miles long, sailed by on each side as His Majesty took the salute. “We were on the ship for the whole of the day,” Miss Hamilton said. “It. was daylight until 10 o’clock. There was a momentary blackout when darkness fell, then, at the pressing of a switch, the lights of every ship came on and fireworks started immediately. We left Southampton at midnight and got back to London at 2 o’clock the next morning. It is indeed sad to us to know, apart from the huge loss of life and the jubilation in Germany, that, a good ship came to know so well has been I destroyed.” =»