DUKE RIDES IN TANK FOR THE FIRST TIME

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 268, 2 February 1928, Page 9

DUKE RIDES IN TANK FOR THE FIRST TIME

“NOT MUCH ROOM” The DCike of York had his first ride in a Tank when he visited the Woolwich Arsental yesterday. He had just left one of the shops when he saw one of the latest Army Tanks, the secrets of which are closely guarded. The engine was purring softly and the Tank began to move off to give a demonstration. It had only gone a few yards when he turned to the officials and said he would like to ride in it. He waved his hand to the driver <vho brought the Tank to a halt, and the Duke immediately climbed into the body, followed by Mr. R. Townsend, Director of Ordnance Factories, and Mr. F. Carnegie, Chief Superintendent of Ordnance Factories.* “Smashing the Enemy” The Duke peered out from the turret, and was keenly interested in the mechanism of the guns, which he swept round as if to demolish an imaginary enemy. Girls clustered al the windows of the offices, and working men standing near cheered as the great iron door closed on the Duke and the Tank went lumbering forward. When the Duke stepped out from the confined space: “There is not a great deal of room for three hefty men in there.” he said, smilingly. Three of the workmen presented to the Duke had worked at the Arsenal for 50 years. They were Mr. W. Starling, Mr. W. Endby and Mr. James Bampton. After lunch the Duke was joined by the Duchess, and together they went to the Woolwich and district WaxMemorial Hospital, which the Duke declared open. It was stated that this was the first post-war hospital to be built in the county of London. The building and its equipment has cost £210,000.