MACHINE
GUN FIRED BY THE QUEEN
ROYAL
INSPECTION AT ALDERSHOT
The King
and Queen, who are visiting Aldershot, yesterday inspected the working of a
machine-gun on the Rushmoor rifle range. The principle of the gun was explained
by General Sir Archibald Hunter, and after several magazines had been fired,
the King fired a full magazine and then the Queen, taking a seat on the tripod,
did the same. Their Majesties afterwards walked up to the targets to see the
results. On their return to the firing point, Princess Mary, who was also of
the party, tried her skill with the machine-gun, emptying the magazine in ten
or twelve seconds, at almost the full speed capacity of the weapon.
During the
day the King and Queen paid a series of visits to various parts of the training
camp to see the troops at work in the field.
The author of the official divisional history (who
erroneously dates the visit to 16th August) recalled that,
“the Division formed up on Hankley Common, and, presenting a
magnificent appearance, was inspected by His Majesty the King, who was accompanied
by the Queen. His Majesty was graciously pleased to express his very warm
appreciation of all he saw. The cheers with which the 23rd Division
acclaimed their King at the conclusion of the parade will live in the memory of
all who were present that day”.
 |
| King George V inspecting 69th Brigade on Hankley Common, accompanied (to his right) by Major General Babington, commanding 23rd Division and (to his left) by Brigadier General Lambert, commanding 69th Brigade. (Photo by kind permission of Jerry Rendell). |
Pte. Tom Darwin (see 16th August) was reported
absent without leave, having overstayed on his embarkation leave.
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