~ Coronation Review of The Fleet 1937 Souvenir Programme ~
The Fleet Review is a British tradition that usually takes place at Spithead, in The Solent where the monarch reviews the massed Royal Navy.
The 1937 Review was the largest assembly of warships since the coronation review of 1911, it has been described by military historian Hedley Paul Willmott as “the last parade of the Royal Navy as the world’s greatest and most prodigious navy”.
Ten British battleships and battlecruisers were present. Altogether, there were 101 surface warships, 22 submarines and 11 auxiliaries drawn from the Home, Mediterranean and Reserve Fleets.
The Review Procession included the royal yacht, HMY Victoria and Albert, two minesweepers and a survey ship.
The Commonwealth and Empire were represented by two warships from Canada and one each from New Zealand and India.
A large complement of British merchant ships ranging from ocean liners to paddle steamers were also present.
By tradition, foreign navies were invited to send a single warship each to the review and seventeen were present
Over its 64 pages, this souvenir programme features information and photographs on all that took place as well as information on the various ships on show.
~ Dimensions ~
The programme measures 18.5cm by 24.5cm.
~ Condition ~
The programme is in very good condition with only light wear commensurate with age.
