EXACTLY 100 years ago today King George V and Queen Mary paid a flying visit to Brockenhurst in the New Forest to inspect the arrangements being made for the care and comfort of wounded warriors who were returning in numbers from the front.

The Royal party left Waterloo aboard a special train bound for Brockenhurst where the King was to see first-hand the provision being made for the wounded there, which included Indian, New Zealand and Australian troops.

The excitement of the impending Royal arrival quickly spread around the New Forest and expectant pockets of spectators had also gathered at Southampton West Station as news travelled out of the countryside and into the town.

Long before the train was signalled at Southampton large crowds gathered at the crossing gates, and a large number of vehicles were waiting to pass through. As the train went by there was stir, and heads were craned. Some stood on tip-toe to catch a glimpse of his Majesty, but there was general disappointment as the train passed through at express speed.

The King and Queen arrived at Brockenhurst to a rousing reception at 11.15am and immediately motored to the Balmer Lawn Hospital, where they made a tour of the building and inspected those of the troops who were well enough in the grounds.

A large portion of the wounded were gallant Indian soldiers, who were greatly delighted that the King should recognise by his presence the service they had rendered the Empire.

The scene was a picturesque one, as the King, dressed in a khaki military suit, and the Queen, who was attired in a dark costume with a long fur coat, and a black hat with a large white feather, were greeted by the wounded Indians dressed in bright blue hospital coats.

The Indians smiled and cheered as the royal party passed down the line. After leaving Balmer Lawn the King and Queen motored to the Forest Park Hospital, where they spent a considerable time, before being entertained to lunch by Mrs Edward Morant at Brockenhurst Park.

Their Royal Highnesses then inspected the tin huts which were being built on the Brockenhurst estate for the accommodation of wounded soldiers, and also paid a brief visit to the Morant War Hospital, before leaving again for London in the afternoon.