AT TANNENBERG

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 33, 8 August 1934, Page 9

AT TANNENBERG

HINDENBURG FUNERAL

IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIAL

TOECJELIT COETEGE

United l'ress Association—By Electric Tclo- j graph—Copyright. j BERLIN, August, 7. ! ."With characteristic military precision, Fiuld-Marshal Hindenburg's cortege arrived at Tannenbcrg for the fuueral just as dawn was breaking.

The service began at 11, and a description was broadcast in four languages. ' All sections of the forces filled the courtyard. The Reichswchr Protestant chaplain's address was from a text chosen by Field-Marshal Hindenburg, Revelations ii, 10. A salute of 21 guns was fired and the coffin carried to the Hindenburg Tower, wh^re it will remain for' a fortnight to allow of public homage, after which it will be permanently interred in the War Lords' Tower. Last night to tho throb of muffled drums, tho coffin of Field-Marshal Hindenburg was placed on a gun-carriage drawn by six horses and tho 50-mile .journey from Neudeek to Tannenberg began. The coffin was transferred to a motor-hearse a mile and a half from Neudeek, and thence' conducted by motor detachments and followed by two infantry detachments, two squadrons of cavalry-, and one battery of artillery. \Thc cortege throughout the night passed between linos of Storm Troopers holding ilaming torches. Villagers stayed up everywhere to soo the procession pass.

Ilohenstein, where 20 years ago 150,000 Germans under Field-Marshal Hindonburg defeated tho Russians, was the centre of feverish activity. Two hundred thousand mourners gathered to witness tho burial, including Press representatives, generals, and others in full uniform, and diplomats, among whom was Sir Eric Phipps, representing King George, and members of tho Government. The aged General yon Mackensen and tho ex-Crown Prince were expected.

Eighteen special -trains, one carrying members of Cabinet, ambassadors, diplomats, >, and generals, arrived at Tannenberg, 150 sleeping cars being Utilised. A complete goods train was devoted to tho wreaths, . .including those from his Majesty King George,, the British Army. Council, the Emperor of Japan, South African Union, and the Chinese Government.