MAJESTIC CEREMONY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 22, 27 January 1936, Page 7

MAJESTIC CEREMONY.

IMPRESSIVE BRITISH TRADITION. » PERFECTION ASSURED IN EVERY DETAIL. United Press Association.—Copyright.— Roc. 12.30 p.m. ...— — LONDON, January 26. ■A® the day of the supreme Royal obsequies approaches a realisation of the extent of the mourning all over the world penetrates every heart. Impressive preparations go steadily on, assuring perfection in every detail. The majestic ceremonial of the lowering of the Royal coffin from the Chancel steps into the vault of St. Georges Chapel, Windsor, at 1.30 p.m., Greenwich mean time ° n Tuesday, will coincide with the beginning of two minutes* silence throughout the Empire, enabling millions to participate in the crucial moment of tHe burial service. This necessitates exact timing of the funeral procession, for which the Earl Marshal and his officials have supervised rehearsals at Windsor, achieving complete synchronisation, though adjustment of the musical service can be made to ensure coincidence of the silence with the actual burial. A procession over the entire route in which troops will participate will be rehearsed on Monday in order that the actual observance may be [lawlessly carried out in accordance _with impressive British tradition. The funeral procession, sections of which will earlier take up positions at various points adjacent to the route, will be finally marshalled at 9 a.m. and starts at a wireless signal at 9.45, arriving at Paddington at 1 1.45. All armed forces of the Crown, including the Dominions, Air Forces and Navies, will be represented. All troops will be dismounted, marching at slow time to solemn music, carrying reversed arms. The bearer party of the King's company of Grenadier Guards will march on each side of the naval gun team drawing the coffin. The Earl Marshal will precede it. The Royal Standard of England follows. Then come King Edward, the Royal Family, foreign Royalties, the Queen Mother and Court ladies in carriages. It is officially stated that whatever the weather, the King and his brothers will walk in the funeral procession on Tuesday. The King will wear naval uniform. The funeral will be distinctly naval in character, befitting King George's many years of service with the Navy, but the Army will supply nearly two divisions for duty. The overseas military representatives will include Dominion officers attached to the Staff and other colleges. Captains D. T. Maxwell, who is attending a course at Camberley, and A. H. L. Sugden, who is undergoing a course with the Royal Engineers, both of the New Zealand Staff Corps, will represent the New Zealand Forces at the funeral. Many foreign armies are sending Fifty nations will be represented by either Kings or Ministers. The procession will pass through streets draped in black and purple.