LATE DIKE OF KENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 August 1942, Page 4

LATE DIKE OF KENT

MORE DETAILS OF TRAGEDY SUM E'ER LAND FOUND BURNT OUT. NEWS SHOCKS AMERICANS. j ißy Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 1.25 p.m.) LONDON, August 26. It is disclosed that the Sunderland flying-boat in which the Duke of Kent lost his life burst into flames after crashing on a rugged foothill in a lenely and roadless part of the Highlands. The plane was practically burnt out when . found. The sole survivor was the rear-gunner, Flight Lieutenant A. S. Jack, aged 24. He was admitted to hospital, suffering from burns, but his condition is not very serious. The Duke of Kent's commanding officer was Air Chief Marshal Sir E. R. Ludlow-Hewitt, Inspector-General of the Royal Air Force. The Duke's job was to visit stations at home and abroad and report to Sir E. R. Hewitt on conditions generally. He had covered 40,000 miles inside England .and about 15,000 miles abroad. A New York message states that the news of the Duke of Kent’s untimely death has shocked Americans, who held him in the highest regard, especially since President Roosevelt became the godfather of his child earlier in August. The Press features details of the tragedy and gives lengthy obituaries with pictures of the Duchess oi Kent and her children. _ “The Times,” in a leader, says: “The manner of his death will make men of the Empire straighten to the tasks still to be done, for the Duke of Kent died on active service for his country, like many others who have died already and’ countless thousands who yet may die.” Among many messages of condolence received by their Majesties, Queen Mary and the Duchess of Kent were those from President Roosevelt and the Canadian Prime Minister (Mr Mackenzie King).