Former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill reviews his old regiment, the 4th Queen's Own Hussars, at Hohne, West Germany, in May, 1956. (Merle Hunter/Stars and Stripes)
HOHNE, Germany, May 13 — A deeply moved Sir Winston Churchill reviewed the 4th Queen's Own Hussars as colonel of the regiment here today in ceremonies traditional to Britain's fighting men.
The white-haired British elder statesman has been colonel of the 4th Hussars since November 1941. His last visit to the crack armored outfit was in Ancona, Italy, In 1944. He joined the 4th in 1895 as a cavalry officer, direct from Britain's Sandhurst military academy, and served with the Hussars through 1899.
Tears rimmed the eyes of England's former prime minister as he arrived for the 11 am parade in a British jeep. Spectators were packed around the 100-by-40-yard parade ground. Guests included American, British and German soldiers, wives and children.
A bright sun broke through the clouds as Churchill entered the macadam rectangle to review the 400 troopers.
Churchill has been in North Germany for the last three days. He spoke briefly after presenting medals and awards to members of the tank outfit, whose 70-ton Conquerors are Britain's finest.
Standing in the special review stand decorated with flying twin blue-and-primrose-yellow standards of the 271-year-old regiment backed by the flags of Britain, the U.S. and Germany, Churchill praised the fitness of the men and evidence of unity between Germany and Britain.
"I am greatly honored that my old regiment should have received me in this way," he said. "The parade which I have just witnessed reflects credit on you all, and I have no doubt that the training with the weapons with which you are equipped is of the same high standard.
"It is remarkable that there should be so many high personalities, German and British, here. It is a powerful tribute to the close and friendly relations which are established between our two countries, and that is a good omen for the future."
Leading Americans present Were Brig Gens C. Stanton Babcock, 2d Armd Div CG, and W. Paul Johnson, assistant 2d Armd CG.
The crowd broke into a cheer as Churchill left the parade grounds. He returned to England tonight.