Naval Review 1914

King George V reviews the British fleet at Spithead in July 1914, as Britain steels herself for war.

Naval reviews are held to instil national pride, to impress potential enemies or as part of mobilisation for war. In 1914 it was the last, and the fleet was never dismissed by the First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill - to the annoyance of those still hoping to avert war. This highly choreographed display would include a kind of battleship ballet and night time searchlight display.