THE DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER

Evening Star, Issue 24007, 4 October 1941, Page 15

THE DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER

Last time I saw the Duchess of Gloucester (states a writer in the London ‘ Star ’ of August 26) she was in the uniform as air commandant, ■Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. She was fulfilling one of her many wartime public engagements, and everyone fell under the spell of her charm. The announcement that sho will not make any more public engagements for tlio next few weeks has produced a thrill of interest among the women who have added motherhood to their duties jn these difficult days. The Duchess has spent most of her time this year at .Barnwell Manor, her home in Northamptonshire, whore she takes a leading part in local women’s war organisations. She will bo 40 on Christmas Day. Since the war the Duchess has been busy in all kinds of war work, and has visited many centres of ajr-raid damage, and service hospitals. The understanding smile which she gives to everyday women she meets is partly due to the fact that she, too, is a soldier’s wife, and knows the sorrows of parting and tho joys of meeting. ON ACTIVE SERVICE. The Duke of Gloucester is on active service. He is chief liaison officer at general headquarters of the Home Forces. Cdlonel-in-chief of several regiments, English, Irish, and Scottish, his military delight, I think, is to be with cavalry, especially the _ 10th Hussars. He has high rank in tho Royal Air Force, but is first and foremost an Army man, and takes the greatest interest in his duties.