The atmosphere was electric. As dawn broke, the air was cool and crisp and a few small boats ventured out to be the first to welcome the ship. The few soon turned into a small flotilla. The coastline of England had changed into a sea of Union Jacks that stretched for as far as the eye could see. We had really made it home. The lump in our throats were the size of tennis balls..
ITN News Clip (Rare Footage)
The Great White Whale had returned home !!
Boy scouts gave everyone disembarking a rose. My parents had come to Southampton as we were allowed only two tickets to get into the dock. It was an emotional day and I'm sure that it is etched forever on the minds of all those who were there.
At one point two buxom ladies decided to bare their breasts causing the ship to list slightly as hundreds of soldiers moved to the starboard side for a look.