British Ships Go To Chinese Navy. An impressive ceremony took place at Portsmouth today, when the 5,270 tons British cruiser, H.M. Aurora, and the Hunt class destroyer HMS Mendip were handed over to the Chinese Navy. As the White Ensignia on board HMS Aurora was lowered, a Chinese band struck up "God Save the King", and the Chinese Flag was hoisted. HMS Aurora formed part of a patrolling force which inflicted heavy losses on the Italian Fleet in the Central Mediterranean, in November 1941. Photo shows: Aboard HMS Mendip - now named the Lingfu - the Chinese Ambassador (H.E. Dr. Cheng Tien-Hsi) and Admiral Lord Frazer, C. in C., Portsmouth, inspect the guard of Chinese naval ratings paraded for today's handing-over ceremony at Portsmouth. Portsmouth, England. 19 May 1948.