THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Picture of grace and power as Atlantic fleet arrives in Belfast Lough

The vessels of the First Destroyer Flotilla of the Atlantic Fleet, comprising 10 ships, had arrived in Belfast Lough the previous afternoon reported the News Letter on this day in 1924.

Six of the ships from the flotilla had taken up their stations in Bangor Bay while the remaining four had sailed on down the lough to Belfast Harbour.

The parent ship, HMS Greenwich, in command of Captain A R W Woods, DSO, had arrived at two o’clock in the afternoon noted the News Letter, while the remainder of the flotilla had dropped anchor roughly two hours later.

The paper’s correspondent remarked: “The warships presenting a splendid spectacle as they slowly steamed in and came to rest. The club ensign of the Royal Ulster Yacht Club was dipped, and the international code signal, ‘ZBH’ was hoisted in token of welcome.

“A few moments later the signal ‘XOR’ expressing thanks, fluttered from the mast of the flotilla leader.

“Subsequently Lieutenant Bridger, of the Greenwich, came ashore and conveyed the compliments of the commander and officers of the flotilla to the chairman and members of the Bangor Urban Council with the message being received by Mr B M Moore, the acting town clerk.

“This courtesy was returned at five o’clock that afternoon when Mr W J McMillan, the chairman of the council, accompanied by Sir Thomas Wilson and Mr Moore went aboard HMS Greenwich on the warship’s steam pinnace were they were received by Captain Woods.”

The News Letter reported that after the “usual friendly greetings”, Mr McMillan had said that it was always a great pleasure for the people of both Bangor and Belfast to have a visit from the representatives of HM Fleet.

He stated that during their short visit everything would be done by local organisations to make the Bangor visit a pleasant one.

He remarked: “The sporting clubs will be very pleased to arrange matches with the men from the ships and the Bangor Temperance organisations have arranged to open a recreation room in Trinity Hall where there will be facilities for reading and writing and refreshments.”

Captain Woods having suitably replied to the welcomed extended to the Fleet, the deputation then returned to shore.