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17 August
Cockerill has begun testing two prototypes of its Marine Tank, currently under development as a private-venture. The tank has a large flotation hull allowing amphibious use, being propelled by its tracks in the water. The trials will hopefully find the optimum bow form and water propulsion. The design is likely to be offered for export.
1 September
The first stone was laid to mark the beginning of construction of a new Auto Union car manufacturing factory in Forest/Vorst, southwest of Brussels. The venture is the brainchild of Pierre D'Ieteren, this family of industrialists also owns a long established coach-building business. D’Ieteren has been the Belgian importer of several US brands including Studebaker since the mid-1930s and recently entered into an agreement with the German Auto Union to import and build cars in Belgium for the domestic market. It is planned the factory will ultimately complete 75 cars a day by 1952.
The Navy’s first purpose-built diving tender, ZM-1 Vise, commissioned with the 2nd Support Squadron at Zeebrugge this afternoon. The boat is based on the Herstal Class minesweeper with only minimal changes for her diver support role.
16 September
The new M-48 Class MTBs MT-3 and MT-4 commissioned with the 1st Motor Torpedo Squadron at Zeebrugge today.
Solvay Indupa (Indústrias Patagonicas), an Argentine subsidiary of Solvay, was formally established and opened today in Río Negro Province. It is hoped the plant will become the region’s leading local producer of chlorine, polyvinyl chloride resins and caustic soda.
Solvay Indupa (Indústrias Patagonicas), an Argentine subsidiary of Solvay, was formally established and opened today in Río Negro Province. It is hoped the plant will become the region’s leading local producer of chlorine, polyvinyl chloride resins and caustic soda.
Isn't this bit of news related to Argentina?
Solvay is a Belgian company so merits mention here too. You'll get the pleasure of reading the same news again in Noticias Argentina in due course.
28 September
The front pages of the newspapers and the radio news bulletins were full of the recovery of the missing piece of the Ghent Altarpiece, De Rechtvaardige Rechters which was stolen in 1934.
Polish investigator Tomasz Banaczek has been hailed for finding the lost treasure and recovering it safely. By the terms of the reward offered originally, Banzczek has received a bounty of one and a half million Belgian francs.
4 October
Brothers Adrie and Wuf van Ginkel have founded a small business in their hometown of Ederveen. Their company will refurbish ex-military trucks for onward sale the construction industry and carry out other modifications as required by customers.
15 October
The Dutch company Chemical Factory Naarden N.V. (CFN) which manufactures flavours, fragrances, antioxidants for food preservation of food and Vitamin C has opened a factory in Belgium to increase production.
[Edit]
Nothing to see here folks move along... take a look at Monsieur Le Blanc's hand-made chocolate shop just down the road.
20 October
Off Balikpapan six days of intensive naval exercises have begun. Exercise Golden Horn is designed to test the readiness of the DEI's coastal defence fleet.
27 October
Discussions began in Amsterdam today about the possibility of forming a Dutch television network across the country. A panel of experts has been appointed to assess the technical requirements a television broadcasting system would require. It is possible that an initial broadcasting channel could be operational within two years.
Ought this not be filed under Dutch News?
13 November
The Belgian registered cargo ship Rene ran aground on the Rocks of Mansonria off Fedala, Morocco in a storm today. Although the crew were rescued, the ship is feared to be a constructive total loss.
14 November
The new M-48 Class MTBs MT-5 and MT-6 commissioned with the 1st Motor Torpedo Squadron at Zeebrugge today, bringing this unit to a full complement of new craft.
1 December
The Navy’s first purpose-built torpedo retriever, ZM-2 Seraing, commissioned with the 2nd Support Squadron at Zeebrugge this morning. The boat is based on the Herstal Class minesweeper with only minimal changes for her role. The Navy is hoping and easier and quicker retrieval of practice torpedoes will reduce waste and increase efficiency and cost effectiveness. The Navy has recently placed an order with Cockerill for 20 additional practice torpedoes of a new type for use aboard destroyers. Rumours abound that these are actually for a possible submarine purchase.
20 December
The steelmakers Société Métallurgique d'Espérance-Longdoz have today confirmed their reputation as the largest producer of sheet metal in Belgium with the public announcement of a yearly production of 142,000 tonnes achieved this year.