The People of Gibraltar
1936 - The Maiden Voyage of HMS Apollo - Gibraltar


As far as I can make out the light cruiser HMS Apollo had a rather odd history.  She entered service in 1936 and almost immediately set off on a lengthy maiden voyage to and from the West Indies that seem to have lasted for ever - or to be a bit more precise from January 1936 to until May 1938. Gibraltar was probably her first port of call. On her return to her home base in Devonport, HMS Apollo was promptly sold to the Royal Australian Navy and renamed HMAS Hobart. 


HMS Apollo

On board the Apollo during her maiden cruise was the ship’s official photographer A.W. Ames. An album containing a collection of some 190 photographs taken by Ames was recently placed on auction. Copies of the four Gibraltar photographs from this album are shown below.



These two local fish-selling ladies are taking a breather at Castle Steps - one of the many narrow passage ways on the older part of the town.


The harbour area by night


American World War I Memorial


The Rock from the south showing the water catchment on the eastern side