LAUNCHED BY KING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 February 1939, Page 5

LAUNCHED BY KING

NEW BRITISH BATTLESHIP FAST & POWERFUL CRAFT. AN ELABORATE ARMAMENT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, February 21. The battleship King George V was launched by the King at Walker-on-Tyne today. Its displacement is 35,000 tons in accordance with the Naval Treaty. The main armament consists of 10 14-inch guns in three turrets. The secondary armament consists of 16 5.1-inch guns in eight turrets, as well as numerous smaller guns. The machinery is* geared turbines, for which oil-fired boilers supply steam. There are four propellers. The ship’s speed exceeds that of the Rodney and Nelson. She carries aircraft in hangars, flown off by catapult. Attention has been paid in designing the King George V to protection against gunfire, air bombs, and mines. The complement is 1500. The ship is fitted as a commander-in-chief’s flagship. The crew's accommodation is of a high standard. WELL GUARDED PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFETY OF KING & QUEEN. LONDON, February 21. Scotland Yard took special precautions to guard their Majesties on their tour in connection with the launching of the new battleship King George the Fifth. King's Cross station, where their Majesties entrained, was heavily guarded. Stations from York to Newcastle were closed as the Royal train passed through. A thousand specially selected, police guarded the route from the Newcastle station to the naval yard.