The launch of the light cruiser Sirius (1940) from No. 5 Slip, Portsmouth Dockyard, Hampshire

A view of the starboard bow, taken from near No. 3 Ship Shop abaft the bow, of the light cruiser Sirius (1940) on No. 5 Slip, Portsmouth Dockyard, on the day of her launch. The launch platform is empty and the crowds of spectators have not yet gathered. Names have been painted on the timbers of the ways under the rear end of the launching cradle, including Mr Chapman, Mr Alford and Mr Saunders.