What a splendid affair! The Navy at its best with style, pride and panache even though depleted by savage political cuts. I was in Mercury [P7R] getting fit after major abdominal surgery in Haslar in December 1976, but soon to join HMS Tiger as part of FOF2 Staff for a Jubilee cruise around half the world [to Australia and back and lots of countries in between], at that time called GROUP 6 DEPLOYMENT under the Flag of Rear Admiral Martin La Touche Wymess. Whilst in Mercury, I was co-opted onto the Petersfield Silver Jubilee Celebration Committee, and subsequently gave the commentary on the heath in Petersfield, where the Navy supplied a major part of the celebration, specifically, the Brickwoods [a Brewery] field-gun competition. During this period, my wife and I involved our family [local and distant] in all aspects of the Review, taking them to see the ships at anchor in MFV'S [motor fishing vessels]; being on the Round Tower to view the Britannia leaving harbour with HM The Queen on the deck; securing excellent viewing positions for the Southsea Common display and the Jubilee fireworks which were ignited over the beach adjacent to the Common. It was a time of great, sincere and spontaneous rejoicing, and all who witnessed the event were emotionally involved to a degree of overt patriotic fervour. We, as a nation, love our Queen, and we showed it in great style and commitment. What follows, is the programme of the event, with the usual generous picture gallery. The whole affair was outstandingly presented, so much so, that it left us, the audience, with lasting memories of that historic and patriotic event when Her Majesty was left in no doubt that the people of Portsmouth/Gosport/Southsea, greatly loved her and were eager to celebrate her 25 years as our Monarch. What better caterer/organiser/host/service [whatever] than the ROYAL NAVY to make sure that these celebrations met the aspirations of the loyal people of Hampshire and the many thousands from outside the area who travelled to witness the event.

Silver Jubilee Fleet Review Programme