ANCIENT & MODERN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 June 1939, Page 10

ANCIENT & MODERN

NOTABLE MILITARY BALLS. Perhaps the most famous military ball of all time was that immortalised, in ‘‘The Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage,” by the poet, Lord Byron, the ball given by the Duchess of Richmond at her husband’s home in Brussels on the eve of Waterloo. Candles burnt everywhere and banks of roses and lilies decorated the ballroom. Everything that could make the ball the most brilliant of the season had been done. Some of the sergeants and privates of the 42nd Royal Highlanders and the 92nd Foot had been prevailed upon to dance reels and strathspeys to the music of their own pipes. After an admirable performance of Gaelic wildness the skirl of the pipes died away and the orchestra struck up a waltz, and scarlet uniforms mingled with silks and satins as soldiers led their partners on to the floor. Then came the news of the very near proximity of the French at Quartre Bras. And so from the ballroom, in the grey light of dawn, the manly beauty of England and France, went to do battle for glory and honour; to victory and death. May the glorious heritage they handed down burn for ever in English souls. On June 21, 1939, another military ball will be held and as in the case of the ball' just mentioned, everything is being done to make it the most brilliant of the season. Have you made a note in your social engagements’ book, Wednesday June 21, for the Military Ball.