BRITISH LEGION

Hokitika Guardian, 20 August 1931, Page 2

BRITISH LEGION

LANCASHIRE RALLY. FRANCE’S ONE DESIRE. LONDON, July 10. On Saturday, over 10,000 e.v-Sc 1 vicemen from Lancashire, Cheshive, Westmoreland, Cumberland, and other parts of the North of England were on parade at Knowsley Park, tjie Lancashire seat of .Lord Derby. The proceedings began with a silent tribute to the "Imperishable memory of the glorious dead,’’ and afterwards the British and French National Anthems were sung.

.Mine, la Barone de la Grange, who for her kindness to the British soldiers during the war is known as “The Mother of the British Army,” inspected tlie parade and was received with striking tokens and affections. She gave an impressive address. After referring to Lord Derby as "France’s great friend,” she said that as Mother of the British Army it was only right that she shoulu oe present on such an occasion. ‘T salute and wish the best of luck to those men who during the war contributed to the deliverance of our invaded regions, and "the liberty ol France,” she said. "Sometimes your judgment of France is not quite exact, but I can, assure you that in every class in France we have only one desire—peace.” Paying tribute to the work of the 'British Legion, tire French lady added; "When I visit the cemeteries on the old front lino, 1 realise that Great Britain could not have proved her faith in us more implicitly than by leaving us her dead. Ihe sons ol England are the most sacred pledge of out vin'on. What an honour your country has clone to France in allowing her to keep that glorious vanguard ! It is -an ‘affirmation that you will lievei permit the land where your heroes sleep to be trampled upon by the steps of a common enemy.”

Lo'-d Derby (president of the NorthWestern Area Council of the Legion) said that the British Legion was doing extraordinarily good work, and would do even better if it had more members. The Legion existed to supplement what the nation had offered its ex-Service-uiPn. and it did so not in a spirit of charity but as one comrade helping.