The King's inspecting aircraft at Lee-on-the-Solent '“ Nostalgia

I am grateful to Ted Saunders of Portchester for lending me these aircraft photographs plus one or two others I shall be including in coming days. As I know nothing at all about aircraft '“ I have never even been in one '“ I am relying on you to let me know more. Two were taken at HMS Daedalus, Lee-on-the-Solent and one at Portchester. I'd be grateful for any assistance. Thank you.
King George VI inspecting Shark aircraft at HMS Daedalus, Lee-on-the-Solent, 1940. It never ceases to amaze me how far and how often our late king travelled to inspect men and materials.King George VI inspecting Shark aircraft at HMS Daedalus, Lee-on-the-Solent, 1940. It never ceases to amaze me how far and how often our late king travelled to inspect men and materials.
King George VI inspecting Shark aircraft at HMS Daedalus, Lee-on-the-Solent, 1940. It never ceases to amaze me how far and how often our late king travelled to inspect men and materials.

In the picture on the right we see King George VI on one of his many visits to this area inspecting men and machines at HMS Daedalus.

It never ceases to amaze me how far and how often he would go to inspect service units.

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Below, right, is perhaps one of the larger aircraft to take off from Lee-on-the-Solent, a Sea Prince in 1960.

After a forced landing in Portchester a Wasp helicopter was assisted by Sea King from Culdrose.After a forced landing in Portchester a Wasp helicopter was assisted by Sea King from Culdrose.
After a forced landing in Portchester a Wasp helicopter was assisted by Sea King from Culdrose.

And finally, the photo, below left, is a tad blurred but look carefully and you will see a Wasp helicopter on the ground having made a forced landing at Portchester on March 3, 1971.

A Royal Navy Sea King helicopter from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall came to assist.

The caption on the photograph says the pilot was Lt J Hines and the observer was Lt R Edwards.

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It does not explain if they were from the Wasp or the Sea King.

A Sea Prince at HMS Daedalus, Lee-on-the-Solent, 1960.A Sea Prince at HMS Daedalus, Lee-on-the-Solent, 1960.
A Sea Prince at HMS Daedalus, Lee-on-the-Solent, 1960.

'¢ Andrew August, of Waterlooville, spent 37 years at sea with Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships.

But when he had some time to himself he volunteered for the Territorial Army and served in the Wessex Regiment. He loaned me this photo of the day the regiment trooped its colours.

On Saturday, June 30, 1979 a Presentation of Colours to the Second Battalion the Wessex  Regiment at Eastney Barracks was followed by being trooped in the Guildhall Square in the presence of the lord mayor Councillor RC Taylor.

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Number Four Guard was commanded by Major J H Spanner and  Lieutenant BR Crodden who is on the right at the front of the guard.

The Wessex Regiment No4 Guard parade at Eastney Barracks.
Picture: Andrew AugustThe Wessex Regiment No4 Guard parade at Eastney Barracks.
Picture: Andrew August
The Wessex Regiment No4 Guard parade at Eastney Barracks. Picture: Andrew August

Portsmouth lads in the front rank are the late Lance Corporal Micky Pearce, Corporal Phil Gates and a couple whose names Andrew cannot remember but I am sure someone will tell me.

Andrew can be seen third from the right next to Colour Sergeant HAT Cossey from Reading whose face is hidden behind Crodden's shoulder.Â