Lusty's pride for Portsmouth shines through as she bids farewell

By The Newsroom
Published 7th Dec 2016, 11:31 BST
Updated 14th Dec 2016, 13:46 BST
Crowds gather at the Round Tower in Old Portsmouth to say goodbye to Illustrious. Picture: Tom Cotterill PPP-160712-112753001Crowds gather at the Round Tower in Old Portsmouth to say goodbye to Illustrious. Picture: Tom Cotterill PPP-160712-112753001
Crowds gather at the Round Tower in Old Portsmouth to say goodbye to Illustrious. Picture: Tom Cotterill PPP-160712-112753001
ILLUSTRIOUS poured out her pride for Portsmouth for the final time as she sailed with dignity out of the Solent, onwards to her final resting place.

The sun beat down on the ageing carrier, but her beauty nevertheless shone through as crowds packed out Old Portsmouth and the Round Tower to say their goodbyes.

There were cheers, waves and a few tears as Illustrious - given the affectionate nickname Lusty by her Ship’s Company - proudly made her way through the harbour.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was a sight to behold as the Falklands veteran stirred up memories of naval life and her time serving Portsmouth and the nation at sea.