From The Times, 23rd September 1957
HMSS VICTORIA LANDS: MAN ON THE MOON
"I claim this territory for her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, and for the British Empire. This is not the end of our mission. It's the beginning." - MoS Chief Pilot David Johnson
Such were the words of the first man to set foot on another world. Congratulations came from almost all nations, including the United States - President Eisenhower called this "An historic day for all mankind." - and from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics - Premier Khruschev offered his personal thoughts on the mission, calling it "A most impressive achievement indeed." He appeared to joke, also - "We shall have to see what our own people can do!"
As the pilots and scientists of the Victoria make their initial exploration of the lunar surface, the reader will surely need little reminding of the great strides the Ministry has made in a few short years. As recently as 1950, we witnessed an awful sight, as the first man in space, Sir John Dashwood, suffered the dreadful accident which cost him the use of his legs. At the time, this newspaper congratulated Sir John on his courage in doing everything possible to ensure that the Britannia did not hit a populated area upon re-entry, as well as his steadfast refusal to let his own unfortunate accident halt the programme.
Just seven years later, as the Union Jack flies on the surface of the Moon, we have Sir John to thank. Not only Sir John, of course - the scientists and technicians of the MoS deserve their mention, as do the brave pilots who have risked their lives to achieve such wonders as the Orbital Station. Lastly, we must not forget the role of the MoS's Chief Designer, Werner von Braun. However, Sir John has always been the driving force behind the Ministry, and...[etc]