KING'S STRETCHER-BEARERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 112, 14 May 1929, Page 8

KING'S STRETCHER-BEARERS.

■ ■ JOURNEY TO BOGNOR. AMBULANCE MEN CHOSEN. On the King's own instructions gold sleeve-links bearing His Majesty's monogram have been presented to the four stretcher-bearers of the St, John Ambulance Brigade who carried him between the rooms and the ambulance at the start and finish of' the journey to Bognor. The men are Superintendent P. S. Appleton, Sergeant J. W. Ciaridge, Sergeant E. Howard and Corporal W. T. Puddifoot. They were summoned to Buckingham Palace, where Colonel Erskine, Crown equerry to the King, handed them the gifts with a message. When interviewed subsequently by a representative of the "Daily Express," Superintendent Appleton said: — "The King seemed-very comfortable, and graciously thanked us on removing him from the Palace and taking him to his room at Craigwell. We had a week's training at both places with a twelvestone man in the stretcher. When we entered the King's bedroom we found him already in the stretcher by the side of the bed. The doctors and nurses had performed that initial service. I was in charge, and placed myself at the King's head. We had, of course, to keep the stretcher level in descending the stairs, but w y e knew exactly the best way to accomplish this. At Craigweil there were two flights of stairs to be negotiated, although the King is on the first flcor; but we were thoroughly rehearsed. The King said: 'Thank you,' when finally we had deposited him by the side of his bed. Afterwards the Queen sent for us, and we lined up before her. She shook hands with each of us."