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Mrs Smuts, wife of general Smuts, Prime Minister of South Africa, pressed a button
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Mrs Smuts, wife of general Smuts, Prime Minister of South Africa, pressed a button
Mrs Smuts, wife of general Smuts, Prime Minister of South Africa, pressed a button in her home on the edge of the veldt outside Pretoria today to send a radio impulse flashing across the world to Belfast shipyards of Mrs Harland and Wolff. Simultaneously the new 28, 000 ton union Castle liner " Pretoria Castle" slid down the slipway to the cheers of thousands of workmen. She pressed the button after her christening message had come over the loudspeakers wishing the ship godspeed. Her signal broke a bottle of South African wine over the ships bows and sent her down into the water.
19 August 1947
TopFoto independent historic photographs and images all subjects and eras
Media ID 10976563
© TopFoto.co.uk
1940s Crowds Liner Nineteen Forties Ship Shipping Transport Women
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this photo print, we witness a momentous event that unfolded on the edge of the veldt outside Pretoria. Mrs Smuts, the esteemed wife of General Smuts, Prime Minister of South Africa, stands poised in her home as she presses a button with great significance. Little does she know that her simple action will set off a chain reaction felt across continents. As Mrs Smuts sends a radio impulse flashing through the airwaves to Belfast shipyards, thousands of workmen eagerly await its arrival. Simultaneously, amidst cheers and anticipation, the magnificent 28,000-ton union Castle liner named "Pretoria Castle" gracefully glides down the slipway into the water below. The atmosphere is electric as men and women gather to witness this historic moment in shipping history. The crowd's excitement is palpable as they marvel at the grandeur of this majestic vessel taking its maiden voyage. It is an occasion filled with hope and pride for all those involved. Mrs Smuts' role becomes even more significant when her christening message resonates over loudspeakers throughout the shipyard. With heartfelt words wishing godspeed to "Pretoria Castle" she symbolically breaks a bottle of South African wine over its bows before it embarks on its journey across oceans. This remarkable photograph captures not only an extraordinary feat in transportation but also serves as a testament to unity among nations during an era marked by progress and innovation.
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