NEW BRITISH ARMY

Taranaki Daily News, 15 July 1935, Page 5

NEW BRITISH ARMY

MUCH PAGEANTRY LOST MECHANICAL SIDE GROWS SILVER JUBILEE REVIEW STILL IMPRESSIVE SIGHT By Telegraph—Press Assn.—CopyrightRec. 7.30 p.m. London, July 13. The King’s silver jubilee review of 100,000 troops of the Aidershot Command took an unprecedented form, reports the Australian Associated Press special representative. Whereas previous reviews were dependent for magnificence on long lines of troops in blue, scarlet and gold uniforms, modem khaki aims at concealing the soldier. Hence 1 ’ pageantry is lost

Accordingly it was arranged that His Majesty should inspect the troops marching past at Rushmoor Arena, the scene of the famous tattoo, but it is not the coat that makes the soldier. The King and Queen and 50,000 spectators, despite the troops being in khaki, witnessed a stirring spectacle of Britain's modern army in which the growth of mechanisation was demonstrated.

The King, who wore a field marshal's uniform, on riding on co the parade ground, Was received by the First Cavalry Brigade with the Royal salute of 31 guns. The long column of horse, guns and foot began to pour past His Majesty, the Royal Horse Artillery, with one battery mechanised, leading. In accordance with ancient tradition three regiments of cavalry rode past in a picturesque pageant of shimmering steel and brass and tossing manes. Twenty battalions of infantry, with bayonets gleaming and historic colours emblazoned with battle honours floating iii the breeze, all led by distinguished generals, swung by. Massed bands played each regiment’s time-honoured march. Finally a long stream of mechanised arms, including a battalion of tanks, led by General Swinton, inventor of tanks, now a colonel in the Royal Tanks Corps. The mechanised section was undoubtedly impressive, presenting indications of the power of modern armaments. Dragons hauling heavy howitzers thundered past. Finally the Guards on parade with the colours of all the infantry battalions advanced in revfiew order, gave the Royal salute and three cheers for His Majesty. It was a fitting end to the Army’s jubilee tribute. Mr. J. G. Coates cancelled his visit to the Army review owin' to the death of his mother.