H.M.S. RENOWN

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 82, 31 December 1926, Page 9

H.M.S. RENOWN

BEING FITTED OUT FOR ROYAL TOUR FORCE OF ROYAL MARINES AND BANDS (Rec. December 30, 7.10 p.m.) London, December 29. The detachment of Royal Marines on the Renown consists of 150 rank and file and three officers. This is a larger number than usual on the warship, but it is necessary because the Roval Guard consists of a hundred and the band is fortv strong. This is drawn from the Royal Naval School oi Music, ami is conducted by Lieutenant Pragnall, who has been specially promoted to the post. There is also a band of ten drums and bugles, while a jazz band, formed out of a military band, will plav dance music during the voyage for the Duke and Duchess of York, the officers' of the Renown, and the ship’s company, and while in Australia will plav dance music ashore. The jazz band is' a specially fine combination, under Corporal Green, and is regarded as equal to the bands of the leading London dancing halls. To-morrow the Renown’s drab paint will disappear beneath a resplendent coat of pearl-grey. An army of workmen is busy fitting out the Royal apartments, to' which the final touches will only be given the dav before embarkation. A fascinating display of old naval prints, also the Commonwealth’s plate and wartime Ensign, are being arrayed in the state rooms.