Homecoming

These are some of my favorite images, the bustle seems to convey the sense of excitement that everyone was feeling.

The engineers made a banner as well. We were all worried in case we got into trouble. The officers on the ship were supposed to set an example. It actually tore and blew away before we tied up alongside.

After the excitement of Southampton, I returned home to find the house decorated with bunting and banners. My friends and family had spent the evening before putting it all up. Robert Shuttlewood (pictured) had a lovely time orchestrating it. I remember seeing the house for the first time and the immediate sense of embarrassment. I was touched, but being naturally quiet (well, I was then !!) preferred anonymity. I'm glad we took these photographs as I took the decorations down as quickly as was polite.

More images from Southampton... What a sense of pride!!

I had to include the picture of one of my favorites, the boxer dog.