KING GEORGE AS STOKER

Hokitika Guardian, 17 April 1929, Page 7

KING GEORGE AS STOKER

ON AMERICAN FLAGSHIP.

AjjMIKAD RODMAN’S REQUEST

LONDON, March 7

Interesting impressions and anecdotes of tlie King and tlie Prince ol i, ales are contained in the very lively and interesting autobiography of RearAdmiral 11. Rodman, of the baited Stales Navy, which is published today by Martin llopkinson under the title, “Yarns of a Kentucky Admiral.’’ During the war Admiral Hodman was hi command of the American battleships constituting the 6th. Battle Squadron of the Grand Fleet, and both the King and the Prince were frequent visitors to his ships. On one of these occasions, having heard that tin* King, when Duke of York, had done a spell of duty in the stokehold of a battle cruiser while crossing from Halifax, the Admiral asked His Majesty whether he would do as much lor the American flagship. “Certainly, sir,” the King replied, “and with pleasure.” “Whereupon a brand-new shovel was handed him, The furnace door was swung open, and in the glare and heat and roar of the fire the King of England shovelled coal into the furnace of an American battleship.” Uhis anecdote follows a personal appreciation of the King, whiclr, incidentally, reveals Admiral Rodman’s shrewdness of judgment. King George is an exceptionally agreeable and affable gentleman, splendidly informed, democratic in his in-ter-course, without iu the least detracting from the dignity of his high position. He loves a good yarn, and can spin one admirably.

AN INFORMAL COMPLIMENT,

Another delightful incident is recorded, this time about the Prince of Wales. Sitting in Admiral Rodman’s cabin over coffee, the King.had requested permission to- smoke one of his own cigarettes.

the King reached for his case and the steward offered the tray to tlie Prince of Wales. I said: “What übout you, young man?” The Prince smiled slightly, and I noted by faux pus. “T mean,” I said, “the Prince of Wales.” Then, as both the King and the Prince laughed audibly hut very good naturedly, I still further qualified my speech by saying. “I should have said Your Royal Highness.”

At once, to put me at my ease, the King said, “Well, after all, he is a. fine young man, isn’t he?” “He certainly is,” T said; “he’s a poach.”

That seemed to he the- last straw, for both the King and the Prince laughed outright. And the Prince is a “ peach ” —a fine young fellow and a jolly good chap; and even if he were not the Heir to the Throne of Great Britain everyone who knows him would like him. I have met him on several occasions—at luncheons, dinners. etc.—and have always found him responsive, full of good humour, dignified when in the limelight, hut relaxed and very agreeable in every way to those around him at other times.

ROYAL STANDARD ON U.S

FLAGSHIP

The King’s last visit to Admiral Rodman’s flagship was paid after the war, when the American squadron was under orders for home. As the Admiral wished for once to observe the ceremonial formalities which had perforce been in abeyance during the war, and as there was no Royal .Standard on hoard, “ T borrowed one from Admiral Beatty’s flagship, which, by the way, someone forgot (?) to return.” When the King came over the side the Marines presented arms, the band played the British national air, and officers and men saluted as the Royal Standard was broken at the main masthead and my flag at the fore. As we walked aft T said, “Your Majesty, this is an historic day and a proud one for ns, for this is the first time in history that the Royal Standard of Great Britain lias even flown officially over an American man-of-war. I realise that we have been serving under your command in the Grand Fleet, since you are the Cfom-mauder-iu-Chiel of the British Aim\ and Xavv. just as our President is of the American forces.”