LATE SIR HENRY WILSON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2447, 29 June 1922, Page 3

LATE SIR HENRY WILSON.

BODY LAID TO REST. IMPOSING MILITARY DISPLAY. London, June 26. Though shorn of much of its pageantry owing to the rain, there was an imposing military display at Field-Marshal Wilson’s funeral. The brilliant uniforms of the great military and naval dignitaries were covered by cloaks and mackintoshes. The funeral proceeded from Eaton Place to the Thames Embankment and thence to St. Paul’s. The route was densly crowded. The cortege, escorted by six battalions of Guards and eight squadrons of Household Cavalry, left the late Field-Marshal Wilson’s residence to the muffled drums of the Coldstream, Scots, and Welsh Guards rolling preliminary to the playing of'Chopin’s “Funeral March.” The gun-carriage bearing the coffin was draped with the Union Jack and surmounted by Field-Mar-shal Wilson’s plumed hat and sword. On either side of the gun-carriage were pall-bearers, including FieldMarshals Grenfield and Methuen, the Earl of Ypres, Earl Haig, General Sir W. Robertson, Admiral Beattie and Air-Admiral Trenchard. Then followed Sir Henry Wilson's grey charger. The Duke of Connaught, representing the King, walked with Marshal Foch, followed by representatives of the War Office, the Army Council, foreign dignitaries, and High Commissioners. The body was laid to rest in the crypt of the Cathedral between those of Lord Roberts and Lord Wolselev. The Cathedral was crowded long before the procession arrived. All members of the Cabinet were present. The Guards look up a position around the entrance of St. Paul’s, standing with arms -reversed. The service within was simple and impressive. The musical portion included the 23rd Psalm, Stanfort’s anthem, “I Heard a Voice from Heaven," and Gosse’s “If We Believe that Jesus. Died,” and also the hymn “0 GoSfTrtir Help.” The service was conducted by Canon Alexander, the Bishop of London assisting. The congregation remained standing while the “Dead March” was played, and then

the Last Post and the Reveille were sounded. While the coffin was being lowered there was an affecting scene and women and even soldiers wept. After the service Lady Wilson, leaning <>n Marshal Foch’s arm left the Cathedral.