THIS WEEK IN 1985: Goodbye to a much loved Admiral
Nothing could be more appropriate for an admiral leaving the Royal Navy on Valentine's Day than to receive a Valentine.
When Admiral Sir Desmond Cassidi, Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command, left Admiralty House, Portsmouth, after 46 years in the Navy, wren Yvonne McClure stepped forward to present him with his Admiral’s Flag.
Hidden under the flag was a pink box containing a large Valentine’s card ‘To Someone Very Special’.
As the delighted Admiral waved the card aloft, four sea harrier jump-jet fighters from Royal Naval Air Station, Yeovilton, screamed overhead in a farewell salute to the fleet Air Arm’s most senior pilot.
Earlier, Admiral Cassidi welcomed his successor Admiral Sir Peter Stamford on-board HMS Victory.