Thousands of Londoners March to the Cenotaph

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 201, 14 November 1927, Page 9

Thousands of Londoners March to the Cenotaph

Prince Heads Torchlight Procession By Cable. — Press Association. — Copyright. LONDON, Saturday. TW EN f\ thousand Londoners followed the Prince of I Vales to the Cenotaph of the fallen on the evening of Armistice Day. ith hundreds of torches flaring, this great host marched along through cheering crowds to Whitehall, where there was an unforgettable spectacle as the Cenotaph was reached.

THE Prince of Wales, wearing a heavy overcoat, a bowler hat and a long row o£ medals, marched with the Chancellor of the Exchequer,. Mr. Churchill, on one side of him and the Earl of Cavan on the other. Whitehall was completely blocked and the police were helpless. Many women were overwrought and fainted. The crowd was finally calmed by the singing of the hymn, “Abide with Me.”

Ten thousand ex-servicemen and women crowded the Albert Hall, which was lavishly decorated with poppies. Thousands also gathered in Hyde Park, where the proceedings were transmitted by' wireless and loudspeakers. The Prince of Wales arrived at the park in mufti. The crowd sang the National Anthem, followed by “For Pie’s a Jolly Good Fellow." There were deafening cheers when the Prince acknowledged the salute. The asembly then enthusiastically joined in community singing.—A. and N.Z.

SPEECH BY PRINCE “COMRADES AND FRIENDS”

BROADCAST TO EMPIRE Reed. Noon. LONDON, Sunday. Reports received by the “Daily Express” show that the first Empire broadcast on Armistice night, including the speech of the Prince of Wales, was picked up and rebroadcasted at Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Bombay, and partially picked up at Cairo, Colombo, Nairobi and Hong Kong. The Prince of Wales, Ln his Albert Hail speech, said: “Old Comrades and Friends, —We celebrated the first Armistice Day with rejoicing and relief. It was the end of a long period ot strain, struggle, sorrow and glory, the like of which I pray God we may never have to endure again. Nobody who was present at any public place during the two minutes* silence this morning or who is here this evening, can question that Armistice Day is still full of meaning, but it is now a day not of rejoicing, but of remembrance. TO ENSURE PEACE “Everyone cherishes dear personal memories and there are also memories that can be shared with others which should dwell with us every day and every year,” continued the Prince. “If we are to save ourselves and those who succeed us from renewed wartime sufferings in an even more frightful form than the last, our every action and our everyday conversation, even our thoughts, must seek to ensure peace. DUTY TO THE LIVING “We have also a duty to the living. In battle every man who fought had alongside him a comrade and a friend, and, whether his luck is better or worse than ours, to-day he is no less a comrade and a friend. At least we can remember that the great cause for which we fought is still alive and that comradeship is its vital spot. Only such a rememlmance can redress the sacrifices made by those who served the name and the cause of Britain at our time of trial.” —A. and N.Z.

SOLDIERS OF MONS IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY “OLD CONTEMPTIBLES” British Wireless—Press Assn.—Copyright Reed. 11.35 a.ra. RUGBY, Saturday. In welcoming to Mons the representatives of the British units that fought in the war, the burgomaster said: "I greet you ‘Old Contemptibles.’ I welcome you to our town.” The observance of the two minutes’ silence at the British burial ground in Mons Cemetery was an impressive ceremony. One of the organisers of the British Legion Poppy Fund, referring to the Armistice Bay sale of poppies, says there is every possibility that the sum of £500,000, which was aimed at, was passed. On Friday 30,000,000 poppies .were distributed throughout the country, and over 2,000,000 leaflets and posters were issued in connection with the effort. Armistice Day in Dublin was observed on a larger scale than in previous years, and the ceremony in Phoenix Park was attended by 80,000 persons.—A. and N.Z. FIGHT IN DUBLIN GIRL WITH FLAG MOBBED By Cable.—Press Association. — Copyright. LONDON, Saturday. A series of minor incidents occurred in Dublin in connection with Armistice Day. A young woman carrying a Union Jack was mobbed on the waterfront. Some ex-service-men went to her rescue and fighting ensued until the police dispersed the combatants. Several processions traversed the city bearing Union Jacks. The police prevented disorder. —A. and N.Z.