[Jordan Baker]

I did some research by looking through some of the battalion war diaries today. I came across the informal account of the King's visit on 27 March, 1941. WHat is interesting is it gives a bit of information on how the Regiment's carrier platoon (4th Platoon) got its informal name of "Hell's Angles" The following was written by Major Waldron of the RHLI.

On 27 March 41 the battalion really reached the top - - we were inspected by our Colnel-inChief, his Majesty the King, who was accompanied on part of the inspection by Her Majesty.

The battalion was further honoured by being allowed to give His Majesty his first rinde in a Bren Carrier, who was driven by Lieut. Denis Whitaker, who commands that platoon. For the ride Lieut. Whitaker selected his own carrier - - which he has named GAIL after his daughter in Canada who was born after our arrival in England. The King was accompanied by Major-General Odlum, G.O.C. 2 Cdn. Div and Brigadier C.B. Topp, Commanding 4 C.I.B. Gail had been bathed, painted and polished until she became a joy to behold. Even the tracks had been manicured.

Ones first ride in a Bren Carrier is and experience never to be forgotten. They have a peculiar motion - 1/3 Camel, 1/3 St. Vitus and 1/3 unadulterated hell. Our Bren Carrier Platoon mixes all three without reserve and dishes up and overhelping of rattled bones, aching muscles and strained nerves. Thus do they live up to their name of Hell's Angles, which with a picture of the devil, is painted on the sides of each vehicle.

His Majesty was unfortunate in his Company as rarely does a subaltern have the opportunity of giving the G.O.C. and Brigade Commander the works - - the temptation was too strong. However the King apparently enjoyed it as he was most enthusiastic and thanked Lieut. Whitaker very sincerely for the experience. The event was featured in all the Canadian and British newspapers, and Lieut. Whitaker had the unique distinction of having a picture of the Bren party published far and wide.

The King then inspected "C" Coy camouflage. The inspecting party were standing on a hill looking over the typical English countryside. On the blast of a whistle 150 men, fully armed and equiped rose out of the ground. The five clumps of bushes of a moment before, suddenly were revealed as trucks.

His Majesty then inspected Bn.Hq, the R.A.P., and H.Q. Coys. He was particularly interested in the cookers on which the midday meal was being prepared.

As he left our area he wasvery kind in his remarks and complimented Lieut.-Col. R.R. labatt, our Commanding Officer, on the splended work of the battalion. All ranks gave tremendous cheers and a "tiger". The visit did us all no end of good.

During His Majesty's inspection the Queen drove past on a road running down one flank of our area. Sgt. William Tullock of "C" Coy. was standing at the edge of the road by himself. As the car drove by he came stifflty to attention and saluted. Her Majesty, very graciously, leaned forward and acknowledged the salute with a wave of her hand. Sgt. Tullock stood there for about three minutes and then cut his hand to his side. For some considerable time he wandered around in a daze exclaining - "Boy of boy she waved at me alone!"