Royal Inspection

I'm not sure but these pics appear to be linked to X craft (Midget submarines) and possibly chariots (Human torpedo's). They did have some X craft at Portland during the 50's. I just wonder perhaps if these pics were taken aboard HMS Maidstone. Just a footnote a lot of the scenes from Above us the Waves were shot at Portland during the 50's. I've just noticed the Official stamp on the pics dated 1944.

Well spotted Tony,
Although I dont have all my stuff here that hatch being examined matches exactly with an X-craft hatch, the small size of these craft explains the wooden safety rail, as the photog is shooting up at the King he must be below the deck of the x-craft so she must be out of the water somewhere.
I knowe of the Bonaventure being one of the support ships, whatever ship supported the x-craft it had to have one thing - a derrick with an SWL greater than 27 tons, which was the weight of an x-craft, beyond the Bonaventure I do not know of any other support vessels employed