HAIG ARRIVES HOME.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16421, 15 January 1919, Page 8

HAIG ARRIVES HOME.

GREAT GREETING TO GREAT ENGLISHMAN. LONDON, December 22. Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig had a brilliant naval and military reception on arriving at Dover en route to London. He wag also greeted by tens of thousands of people on the sea front. The distinguished Field-Marshal crossed aboard the Belgian hospital ship Jan Breydol, which was escorted by three destroyers. Well out at sea the Jan Breydel was met by six coastal motor-boats, and many seaplanes and aeroplanes. In choosing the ancient port of Dover for his first lauding since the armistice was signed he but followed the example of those other illustrious 6oldiers, Kitchcncr (who first touched English soil here after Khartoum), and Roberts (returning from the South African war). . _ , ~ As the Jan Breydel drew alongside tho Admiralty p<er Sir Douglas Haig was seen on the bridge, standing next to Vice-Admiral Sir Roger Keyes (who directed the Zeebrugge raid), a/nd surrounded by his generals. Distinguished naval officers received Sir Douglas at tho landing stago. Guards of honour of the seamen from the monitors and of the Royal Marine Light Infantry, with bands, wero mounted. On stepping ashore the Commanaer-in-Chiof inspected both guards, amidst terrific cheers, and then entered a motor-car with the Mayor of Dover. His victorious generals followed m others. The route was lined with soldiers. There was a gaily boflagged triumphal arch at the dockyard entrance, surmounted by anti-aircraft guns, with banners of welcome from tho Dover patrol and tho Sixth Patrol, Dover. The patrol assembled and gave a mighty cheer. The drive to the marino station on the pier was a pageant of victory. Unbounded enthusiasm was displayed. _ At a reception in the station the Recorder of Dover read an address of welcome.

OUR WONDERFUL MEN

Replying to the address on behalf of himself and the generals the Com-mander-in-Chief said that they recognised that the greetings wore more than merely .personal, and thafc_ they sprang from & profound realisation of the historic greatness of the occasion, and of all it symbolised for the future of our race. He and his generals know that the welcome expressed the feelings of gratitude and admiration which Great Britain entertained for the wonderful men whose unequalled courage and endurance brought us, by victory, to peace. He glowingly referred to Dover s historic role, which had been splendidlv maintaired during the war. The Lora-Lieutenant (Lord Harris) presented a second address of welcome, to which Sir Douglas Haig replied, after which the Field-Marshal and party left for London. The weather was beautiful. The Commander-in-Chief and the generals, on their arrival at Charing Cross, were welcomed by the Xhike of Connaught and Mr Lloyd George, Mr Balfour (Foreign Secretary), General Botha (South African Premier), Sir Robert Borden (Prime Minister of Canada), Sir P. Sinha, and the Maharajah of Bikanir (Indian Peace Delegate*), othor Dominions statesmen now in London, members of the War Cabinet, Mr Asquith, and other distinguished people. The Grenadiers furnished a guard of honour, and the band played "See the Conquering Hero Comes.'* Five royal carriages were in which the party drove to Buckingham Palace along decorated streets, amid cheering erowas, who had assembled hours beforehand. „ . , As Sir Douglas Haig's carriage emerged from the station the church of St. Martin's bells pealed merrily, and tho gigantic crowd raised a great cheer, which was taken up by the dense passes all along Duncannon street. Tho Commander-in-Chief looked well. His hand was continu- | allv at the salute, acknowledging his welcome. A squadron of aeroplanes circled over the station. One of the mightiest shouts ever heard in London greeted his appearance in Trafalgar square, which was black with people. So it was, too, along Oockspur street, Pall Mall, St. James's street, and Piccadilly. Down I Constitution Hill to the Palace was one continuous roar of cheering. * Sir Douglas Haig and the generals were all recognised by the thousands of soldiers among the crowd, especially General Birdwood, who came in for special cheers from many Australians. AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE. Thero was a stirring and historic scene outside the Palace, where a crowd of 80,000 had assembled with children from all parts of London in the front positions. The, seven aeroplanes which had accompanied Sir Douglas from the coast flew oyer the Palaco, glittering like silver in the sun each time they wheeled round. A little later eleven other 'planes circled round the Palace in battle formation. , , Then came Sir Douglas Haig and liis party. The enthusiasm of the crowd was tremendous. Deafening roars rent the air as the carriages passed and crossed the fore-front to tne grand entrance. . Passing into the Palace the party was received by the King and Queen and other Royalties. The ' Ul j" cheon room was decorated with red, yellow, and copper-coloured chrysanthemums. Altogether forty-eight sat down, including, besides their Majesties. Prince Albert, Princess; Mary, Mr Lloyd George, Lord Milner, Lady Haig, and Generals Sir "William Robertson and Sir Henry Wilson.