(continuedfrom page 55) training ships Royalist, Sir Winston Churchill and Malcolm Miller, with merchant ships to the south and naval ships stretching away into the distant east. All morning a steady stream was sailing past Calshot as little boats made their way to the public anchorages, and even the Isle of Wight ferries, as they plied to and fro, were dressed overall.

Calshot lifeboat ferried out to the three lifeboats first the medallists and then the members of the Committee of Management and senior officials who were to be aboard. By 1330, when the Review area closed, all was ready.

The time had come. Britannia with Her Majesty The Queen, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, their children and other members of the Royal Family aboard, preceded by Trinity House Vessel Patricia, in accordance with longstanding tradition, was approaching.

The lifeboatmen manning the ship raised their caps . . . 'Three cheers for Her Majesty The Queen' . . . the three ensigns were lowered . . . and, as she passed the lifeboats, the royal yacht's ensign was dipped in reply. Perfect.

When, at the end of the Review, the message came from the Queen, Lord High Admiral of the Fleet, to splice-the main brace, it was found that suitable provision had been made by the senior members on board. Mrs Georgina Keen, embarked in City of Bristol, had brought strawberries and cream for everyone as well, and the crew had so enjoyed having her with them that they gave her the boat's chart of the Review area, signed by every one of them, as a memento.

The time had come to disperse. Back to Calshot. Then, one after another, waving farewell to people and boats as rain settled in for the evening.

There were messages for City of Bristol, Joy and John Wade, and Charles Henry. From the Lord High Admiral: ' gave me great pleasure to review all these ships assembled at Spithead today for my Silver Jubilee Review and to receive the salute of the Fleet Air Arm. I was deeply impressed by the splendid sight of all the vessels in their lines. The smart appearance of the ships and their companies and the precision of the flypast were in the finest traditions of the sea. I send my congratulations to all who planned and took part in the Review. The Duke of Edinburgh joins me in sending our best wishes to you all as you disperse.' From the Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet: ' Your presence at our Queen's Jubilee Review has very successfully shown the wide spectrum of our country's maritime interests. Thank you for helping to make this such a memorable occasion.' But perhaps the last word should be given to the medallists: 'It's been marvellous', said one. 7 hope I meet all these boys again . . . couldn't we do this every year ? . . '.