AMONG THE WAR-WORN TROOPS

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVIII, Issue 286, 9 December 1914, Page 5

AMONG THE WAR-WORN TROOPS

NARRATIVE OF THE KING'S

VISIT

DISTRIBUTION OF DECORATIONS.

ENTHUSIASM OF THE

SOLDIERS

(Received Dec. 8, 8.35. p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 8. An eye-witness tells the story of the King's* visit. On Monday he inspected the base hospitals, including the Indians, and reached Sir John French's headquarters in the afternoon. He spent Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday touring among the army corps. Complete units, except the men actually in the trenches, generally paraded on the roadside. After the King drove through, taking the salute from each unit, three cheers were" given with spontaneity, showing the genuine enthusiasm aroused by the Sovereign's presence among the war-worn troops. At several places the troops formed a hollow square, when the King presented decorations, including Victoria Crosses. On Tuesday morning he visited the Indians, and received the Indian princes. • In the afternoon he met President Poincare and M. Viviani, and conferred the Grand Cross of the BatK on Generals JofFre and Foch, and Grand Crosses of St. Micliael and St. George on Generals Maudhuy, Durbal, Conneau, Dimitry, Maistre, Dubois, and Grosseitti. On Wednesday the King : motored 70 miles, inspecting the third army corps. He visited the convalescent homes and inspected the men in trench kit, consisting of goatskin coats, woolly Balaclava caps, and sandbags filled with straw for the legs. On Thursday he visited the first and second army corps, and' watched the German bombardment of Yprea and the fighting on the Yser. canal. On Friday he inspected the headquarters, including, the Intelligence Department,- ivhere^ 3000, messages are handled daily. In the afternoon- he went to the Belgian front. King Albert received the King, oh the frontier, arid oil Saturday he inspected the Flying Corps. ' Throughout the visit aviators maintained a continuous aerial patrol above the Royal party, ensuring the King's safety. Finally the King issued an order expressing admiration of the splendid manner in which,the army had fought a powerful and relentless enemy. He was particularly "impressed by the soldierly, healthy, and cheerful appearance of the troops.

"I can assure you," he said, "of the proud confidence and gratitude of myself and your fellow-countrymen?'