Duchess of Gloucester launches new cruiser 'HMS Gloucester (62) at Devonport. The Duchess of Gloucester, who was accompanied by the Duke, launched the new 9000 tons cruiser 'HMS Gloucester'one of the Southampton class, at Devonport Naval dockyard, Devon. The ceremony followed the tour by the Duke and Duchess of the Duchy of Cornwall estate in Cornwall. Photo shows, the Duchess of Gloucester, looking up at the huge bulk of the new cruiser at the launch. With her is the Adml Supt, Vice Adml Snaggs. 19 October 1937