3-053-662 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Departure of the Shah from Portsmouth, 1873. The Shah of Persia leaves England for France. 'The sea was calm and the air was clear; the yachts, with their guard of mighty British war-ships, went on towards France. About half-past five that afternoon, they were met in mid sea by the squadron of five French men-of-war, under Admiral Reynaud, sent to escort the Shah to Cherbourg. This squadron consisted of the Ocean, flagship, the Suffren, the Reine Blanche, the Armide, and the Thetis, ironclads, with the despatch-boat Renard in attendance. Both squadrons fired a salute and manned yards, the sailors cheering aloft and on deck, while the bands played "God Save the Queen" and "La Marseillaise" in mutual compliment of the two nations. The British ships then returned to Portsmouth, while the Shah went forward to Cherbourg, where he remained on Saturday night, sleeping on board the yacht'. From "Illustrated London News", 1873.