H.M.S. RODNEY.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18569, 19 December 1925, Page 17

H.M.S. RODNEY.

CHRISTENING INCIDENT. THREE ATTEMPTS TO BREAK BOTTLE. ißr CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.) (AUSTRALIAN AXD N.I. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) (Received December 18th. 5-5 p.m.) LONDON. December 17. A thousand people watched Princess Mary at Birkenhead try three tiroes to break a bottle of champagne on the bows of H.M.S. Rodney. The bottle was suspended "By a silken cord from the prow. The first tune she threw very gently.' the bottle bouncing back unharmed." The second time she threw more I'oreibly, but missed the huge target At the third attempt, amid thunderous applause, she succeeded in breaking the bottle. A platform on which a number of women were accommodated collapsed, resulting in several minor injuries, which were attended to by ambulance men, who were in readiness. fHMS Eoduev, which is a sistership to H.M.S. Nelson, was successfully launched on September 3rd at .New-eastle-on-Tyne. The whole design of these vessels, which are about 33 000 tons displacement, thus complying with the Washington limit of 35 000 tons, and gun calibre not exceeding 16 inches, is the result or experience gained in the War. particularly, at Jutland. The vessel cost £7,000,000 to build, and the yearly maintenance cost is £400,000.] (AUSTRALIAN AND X.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) (Received December 18th'7.18 p.m.) The bottle which Princess Mary broke ojier the bows of H.M.S. Rodney was of Imperial Burgundy, which was substituted for champagne for the first time in naval launching*.