AT VILLERS BRETONNEUX

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 July 1938, Page 5

AT VILLERS BRETONNEUX

AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL UNVEILED impressive Speech by His Majesty EMBLEM OF EMPIRE COMRADESHIP (By Telegraph. —Press Association.) (Received This Day, 9.20 a.m.) VILLERS BRETONNEUX (France), July 22. All France today turned its thoughts northward, following their Majesties to Villers Bretonneux for the unveiling of the Australian War Memorial. The festivities marking their Majesties’ visit to Paris were replaced by a more solemn mood. Unbroken ranks of 30,000 troops were strung out for miles round the Memorial in order to safeguard their Majesties, and thousands stood waist-deep in golden corn with the khaki lines disappearing below the Memorial in the summer haze. When their Majesties reached the memorial “God Save the King” was played and sung. The King then inspected the guard of honour of Australian ex-service men. As the Memorial was unveiled, a fanfare was sounded. His Majesty, in performing the unveiling ceremony, said: “It is a great privilege for me to unveil this noble monument and in the name of Australia to welcome the presence among us of the President of the French Republic, the head of this great people on whose soil we are now standing and to which the events we recall today have bound us with ties that the passing years can never weaken. On this monument is an inscription telling us and others who visit this hill in years to come that it perpetuates the memory of the Australian Imperial Forces in France and Flanders, 11,000 of whom fell in France and had no known graves, but .there is in these stones, as there was in the very sacrifice they commemorate, a much deeper and fuller significance. What we see before us is more than a tribute to the gallant services of a splendid army—it is a symbol marking the first entry into history of a young and vigorous nation—the gateway through which Australia passed from youth to manhood. ’

AWAKENING TO NATIONHOOD “A century and a half ago,” his Majesty continued, “a new land of peaceful promise was revealed to your forefathers in the vast continent of Australia—as the years drew on and settlers availed themselves of the gifts of nature, the promise was fulfilled and prosperity in that golden age seemed to have become the certain birthright of every Australian man and women and peace and plenty were abroad in the land. Although unity had been achieved in federation, there was as yet no outward stress to weld the people together, so that Australia might take her rightful place in the community of nations. “In 1914 the call came and the trial was made. Australia’s response was unhesitating and sure. Her chivalry hastened to Europe and before the four long years of war ended no less than five division's of citizen soldiers had been engaged in its several theatres. At Gallipoli they won their spurs. Henceforward they were veterans, Their quality unquestioned by friend or foe. The long and glorious record of their later achievements holds none more resounding than those which link their names with Villers. To them was allotted the task in 1918 of recapturing the town, a vital strategic point. On Anzac Day they accomplished the task, and four months later it was from this spot they strode >forward to their Victorious and ever memorable advance. ON HALLOWED FIELD “This ridge on which we stand surveys those hard-fought actions and the monument which crowns it will commemorate them for all time. Its very surroundings are emblematic of the comradeship which is the watchword of our British Empire, for it looks down on the hallowed field beneath whose soil, consecrated to God _ and their glorious memory, lie men who came from every corner of the earth to fight for ideals common to that whole Empire. They, rest in peace, while over them all Australia’s power keeps watch and ward. It is • fitting that it should be so, and as your King I feel a great pride in unveiling it, a pride in the deeper sense of reverence and gratitude towards those whose last resting place it guards.” UNITY OF NATIONS CEMENTED BY SACRIFICES OF WAR. M. LEBRUN’S ADDRESS. (Recd This Day, 10.10 a.m.) VILLERS BRETONNEUX, July 22. The President (M. Lebrun), after the unveiling, said: “A great honour falls to me for the third time to bring the salute of France to a monument destined to commemorate in history

the heroism of the sons of the British Empire who died gloriously on our soil. First in 1932, at Thiepval, whose promontory we can almost see from here. There, with a gesture for which we cherish infinite gratitude, Great Britain associated our two countries in the glory of one memorial to celebrate the unity of the sacrifice of the soldiers of our armies who fell side by side in the course of so many severe battles. Then, two years ago, on Vimy Crest, which henceforth is historic, where our two nations met in the- presence of the Ottawa Monument, erected by Canada in memory of her sons. Today we are glorifying the admirable Australian and New Zealand Army Corps—those . irresistible Anzacs of the Fourth British Army who, in April, May, July and August, 1918, took such an active part in the Amiens'operation, taking 22,000 prisoners, capturing considerable war booty, leaving 20,000 of their own on the field. Twenty years have gone by and now the corn is growing again on this land drenched in blood. Trees, mutilated by shells, are throwing out vigorous branches and the martyred grass is growing in the meadows. “It is just to recall the martyrdom of the heroic soldiers from Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and New Zealand. Let us bow our heads and render a homage which centuries will not efface. It is touching to the head of the French State to stand beside your Majesties at this moving ceremony, united in the same gesture of pious homage. It is a pleasure, Sire, to salute you here, whose youthful years were spent at sea and in the air, amidst shot, shell and the din of battle. We are particularly touched that your Majesty has combined your first visit to France with the inauguration of this memorial. In associating the head of France with today’s ceremony, the French Government is anxious to mark again the close understanding of our two democracies on the scene of their exploits. It is also desired to remind them that their union on the battlefield was to safeguard independence and liberty. Your Majesty said recently that the friendship of two people sharing the same ideal of justice constitutes the best guarantee to world peace. That affirmation was renewed at yesterday’s festivities, the echo of which will not die out, but retains, in the present troubled times, actuality and force. May it resound among the peoples as a guide to action and appeal to confidence. On behalf of the French Government and people I thank your Majesties for the honour of your visit, the memory of which will be deep and lasting.”