Fleet review

Fleet reviews in the Commonwealth realms are typically observed by the reigning monarch or their representative, a practice allegedly dating back to the 15th century.

Such an event is not held at regular intervals and originally only occurred when the fleet was mobilised for war or for a show of strength to discourage potential enemies, or during periods of commemorations.

Traditionally, a fleet review will have participating ships dressed in flags and pennants of their respective countries, and anchored in two or more lines with an open passage between them.

After supper we watched the illuminations... after half hour all the lights were turned off and red flares were lit on deck, each held by a sailor at the guardrail.

[13] Notable among them were USS New York, which had brought Admiral Hugh Rodman, the President's personal representative for the coronation, across the Atlantic; the new French battleship Dunkerque; and the elderly Soviet Marat.

[14] Described by one naval officer in a letter to a friend - It was also the occasion of the infamous "Woodrooffe Incident" [1] [2] in the BBC Radio coverage (known by the phrase 'The Fleet's Lit Up!')