Thread: HMS Exeter Returns Home

H.M.S. "Exeter" steamed past the cheering crowds, her band of 50 Royal Marines played a selection of music beginning with the ship's song, "We are the Exeter straight from the West." In this case it had a double significance, for she was straight from the great naval victory in the Western ocean. Those who cheered her included Service men, dockyard hands, and many civilians, men, women and children, among them being relations of members of the crew, many of whom are Devon men.

Winston Churchill boarded the "Exeter" before she was berthed at Plymouth on February 15th 1940, with him being the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Dudley Pound and Sir John Simon. The First Lord was there addressing the officers and men, to whom he said, "You have come back with your honours gathered and your duty done." On his left is Captain F. S. Bell of the "Exeter" and next to Captain Bell is Commander R. R. Graham.