The 'Colossus' loaned to France. Mr and Mrs Attlee, the First and Fifth Sea Lords and heads of the French Navy were present at a ceremony at Portsmouth today (Tuesday) . When the British aircraft carrier 'HMS Colossus' was handed over to the French Navy. The 'Colossus' is being lent by the Admiralty for a period of not more than five years and a crew of 1500 officers and men, arrived from France recently in the battleship 'Richelieu' will take over the aircraft carrier. Later, the Prime Minister and his party lunged in 'HMS Victory' with captains of the ships. Photo shows, the handing over ceremony on the flight deck of the Colossus. The Prime Minister and Mrs Attle, with senior naval officers standing on the elevator on which they rose to the flight deck from the hangers below. A Royal Marines band, a guard of honour of British naval ratings and the French naval contingent are assembled for the ceremony. 6 August 1946