GLITTERING PAGEANT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 31, 31 October 1918, Page 5

GLITTERING PAGEANT

THE FORMAL ENTRY INTO LILLE (Roc, Ootolcr 30, 7.W p.m.) London, October 2D. Mr. Percival Phillips writes: "Lille was made glad to-day by a pageant which tho population had eagerly awaited since their liberation—the British troops niado a formal and triumphant entry into the city, the bauds playing the ."Marseillaise" and .British tunes, and marched through tho crowded streets acclaimed with cheers and tears. For tho first timo during this war we saw the infantry dressed nnd polished for a fete, carrying flowers and little Tricolours.

"General Sir William Birdwood led this .historic procession, with ,i glittering Staff, to tho 'La Decsso , .Column (erected to commemorate the <lefenco of the city against the Austrians in 17!)2). where tho Mayor nnd many dignitaries awaited them. General Birdwood dismounted on arrival and advanced with tho red and black Headquarters flag, and asked tho Mayor to accept the flag in Lille's name. ]Io expressed his admiration for the courage and devotion of its people. "Another flag, inscribed 'From the People of Lille to her Liberatere,' woe hanacd to General Birdwood, tho troops and guns marched past, and the people feasted their eyes on tho seemingly endless procession."—Aiis.-N.Z. Cable Assn.