ARMISTICE DAY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 14 November 1927, Page 7

ARMISTICE DAY

THE MARCH TO WHITEHALL PRINCE OF WALES'S ADDRESS. UNFORGETTABLE SCENES. London, Nov. 12. The Prince of Wales, in a heavy overcoat and bowler hat, wearing a long row of medals, marched with Mr. Churchill on one side and Earl Cavau on the other. Lt is estimated that 20,000 marched to Whitehall, completely blocking the route. The police were helpless. Many women overwrought became alarmed by camera flashes and tainted. The crowd was calmed with the singing oi* “Abide With Me.” Ten thousand ex-servicemen and women crowded Albert Hall, lavishly decorated with poppies, and thousands gathered in Hyde Park, where the proceedings were transmitted by loud speakers. The Prince of Wales arrived in mufti and was received by the National Anthem after winch the crowd sang, “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” There were dealeumg cheers when the Prince acknowledged the salute. The assembly enthusiastically joined in community singing. The Prince ot ales, addressing the audience as “Old comrades and friends,” said: We celebrated the first Armistice Day with rejoicing and relief; it was the end of a long period of strain, struggle, sorrow and glory, the like of which he prayed Cod never to endure aqain. Nobody present at any public place during the two minutes’ silence that morning or night could question that Armistice Day was still full ot meaning, but it was now a day, not of rejoicing, but of remembrance. Everyone cherished dear personal memories. There were also memories shareable with others, which should dwell with us every day. Every year we were able to save ourselves and those succeeding us from renewed war and times of sufferings, even more frightful, for our every action and everyday conversation, and even our thoughts, must seek to ensure peace. We also had a duty to the living. In battle every man fighting alongside was a comrade and friend, whether his luck was better or worse than ours. To-day he was no less a comrade and a friend. At least he could remember the great cause for which we fought was still alive and comradeship was its vital spot. Only such remembrance could redress the sacrifices of those serving in the name and cause of Britain at the time of trial. The climax of Armistice Day was the remarkable final scene, which will live long in Londoners’ memory. The Prince of Wales, outside Albert Hall, placed himself at the head of 1500 torch-bearers, behind whom lined up the crowds pouring out of the hall and the park. Then, accompanied by 10 bands, with torches flaring, the Prince of Wales led the cheering crowds along Knightsbridge. Bucking ham Palace road, to Whitehall, where there was an unforgettable spectacle as they reached the Cenotaph for the simple ceremony. It was early morning before the crowds dispersed.—(A. and N.Z.) MINOR INCIDENTS IN DUBLIN. London, Nov. 13. There was a series of minor incidents in Dublin in connection with Armistice Day. A young woman carrying a Union Jack was mobbed on the waterfront. Ex-servicemen went to the rescue and fighting continued until the police dispersed the combatants. Several processions traversed the city bearing the Union Jack. The police prevented disorder. —(A and N.Z.) THE OLD CONTEMPTIBLES. London, Nov. 11. The Old Contemptibles’ delegation arrived via Brussels and were welcomed at Mons by military and municipal authorities and ex-soldiers’ associations. They marched in procession to the Town Hall, where the burgomaster said Mons would ever remember the coming of the British forces. He concluded: “I greet you, glorious Old Contemptibles." The procession marched to the British cemetery, where the silence was observed.—(A. and N.Z.)