75th Anniversary of Royal Family Visit to South Africa Day 12

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 Day 12: 11th February 1947

Today the Capetown Castle from the Union Castle line at 5.30pm passed the HMS Vanguard. The ship had flags flying and there were three cheers for the Royal party.

This message was signalled (flashed) from the " Capetown Castle "all on board send Royal and affectionate greetings to Their Majesties the King and Queen and also to the Princesses and they further wish them God's richest blessing on their visit to South Africa. 

The reply which was worded by the King my sincere thanks to all on board for their good wishes to the Queen, our draughters and Myself which we warmly reciprocate. George 

Captain's Diary

During the morning HMS Vanguard and HMS Nigeria opened out to 12 miles and then closed in again and carried out various technical tests.

After dinner the Royal Family and some officers sang songs round a piano on the quarter deck.

Something for the Philatelic section. This is one of the First Day Covers (there were many types and more will follow after 17th February) however this one should not have been released for use until the 17th February. Hence the crossing though of "First Day of Issue".



This is a list of the Royal Party on board HMS Vanguard.



The following are examples of baggage labels used on the trip.








The following 3 are examples of the Royal Staff and you can see on the nominal list first mentioned is Lady Harlech hence the number 1.





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