"The President Leaves London -- A familiar sight to Londoners and visitors to the Embankment alike, HMS President leaves her mooring place this afternoon, to be towed on the first stage of her journey to Chatham. This famous old ship is pictured against one of London's most imposing scenes, formed by Waterloo Bridge, the tall clock tower on the Shell-Max building, and the not-so-tall King's college buildings towards the right.HMS President, the headquarters training ship on the London Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, left her familiar moorings on the Thames Embankment today (Sunday), for the first time since 1928. July 20, 1947.