Honors

Whatever history may eventually say of Britain's part in the Czechoslovak crisis, the Government of Neville Chamberlain is proud of the way its diplomats did their jobs during the trying month of September 1938. Most notable group to be singled out on the King's New Year's honors list last week were men who commanded Britain's diplomatic front-line trenches from Berchtesgaden to Munich.

Basil Cochrane Newton, British Minister at Prague, who delivered the British ultimatum to President Eduard Benes, and John Troutbeck, first secretary of the British Legation at Prague, were made a Knight Commander and a Companion, respectively, of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. Sir Nevile Henderson, British Ambassador at Berlin, was made a Knight Grand Cross of St. Michael and St. George. Frank Ashton-Gwatkin, adviser to Viscount Runciman, the British "observer" in Czechoslovakia last summer, and William Strang, the Foreign Office Counselor who accompanied Mr. Chamberlain to Berchtesgaden, Godesberg and Munich, became Companions of the Order of the Bath.

Britain as a whole is probably prouder of the great Queen Mary and new Queen Elizabeth than of the peace of Munich. So their builders were also remembered on the King's honors list at the suggestion of the Prime Minister. A knighthood went to Stephen Joseph Pigott, managing director of the John Brown shipyards where they were built. The award of Commander of the Order of the British Empire went to George Patterson (Cunard-White Star's chief naval architect) and Donald M. Skiffington (John Brown yard director). Honest Tommy Rankin, foreman of the riveters who put the Queen Mary together, became a member of the Order of the British Empire.

But the richest rewards among the four new peerages, two baronetcies, 35 knighthoods and miscellaneous decorations distributed went to a gifted scientist who has brought his subject to the masses and a sailor who has brought the British Navy up to snuff. His Majesty was graciously pleased to add Sir James Jeans (The Mysterious Universe, etc.) and Admiral of the Fleet Lord Chatfield to the Order of Merit (British membership limited to 24).

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.