TO THE GLORIOUS DEAD.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17633, 9 December 1922, Page 16

TO THE GLORIOUS DEAD.

DEDICATION TO LONGUEVAL MEMORIAL. FLERS BATTLEFIELD TO-DAY. (FKOII 01TB OWN COBBESPONDENT.) LONDON, October 13. "We herewith dedicate this obelisk and the ground on which it stands to the glory of God and in memory of the brilliant exploits performed by the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces during operations around Flers, not I forgetting in this dedication those j who made such exploits possible by the sacrifice or their lives. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."-. ' ; These were the words by which the acre of French soil and the handsome memorial near Longueval were formally made sacred. inspiring speeches in French and English followed, but in spite of all tiie eloquence and the dig- j nified ritual only those who knew what was the scene by day and the scene by night here in i>ei- ■ -mbcr and October of 1915 could understand to the full the significance of the peaceful-cere-mony. Last Sunday was_a beautiful autumn day—a tittle cold, out the sun shone warmly in a perfectly blue sky, and from the site of the monument one could see through the crystal clear atmosphere that portion of France which must for ever be sacred to the people of New Zealand. But how different from the scene a little more than six years ago. Yet on that memorable September 15th, 1916, the men of the 2nd Brigade, who gained Switch Trench after their gallant attack, looked down on a green countryside and saw .the villages of Flers and Gueudecourt, Eaucouit l'Abbaye, and Martinpuich still shrouded by the unshuttered trees. It was only when the battles had raged in the weeks that followed over Flers Trench and Flers Support, over the village itself, and on to Gird Trench and Gird Support, that the whole face of the laud was changed into that heartbreaking desolation which was the inevitable result of victory. Standing beside the monument last Sunday it was this scene of desolation that one recalled. By October Bth, 1916, the Division itself, with honours thick upon it, had left the scene of so many victories, but tho Divisional ArtaUery remained down there, in front of | Flers beside the Abbey road, in the filth and the mud, and took part in the unsuccessful attacks which were made on Ligny-l'hdloy by the 30th Division Standing there this Bth of October °-x , ho ,„ Blte w h«re the old switch. Trench reached its hkh est point one could pick up the 1916, swa owed up thousands of gall lant English soldiers. To the west just a portion of High Wood showing over the crest of thelnll. A kilonX to the south-east, Delville Wood, sacto, f th6 memory of many Wave South Africans, and now the property of the South African Government ^ thejrood *•**«• Delville Wood. i 6 Y iU !» thousands/in New Zealand to-day who will remember the r?5 d - 11 Ip 4° £° n «!Mval and on .round Delville Wood They would come up &J£° i r ° ad th ™ u £b wbat was once Montauban, and. turn up the valley to the left. So on past the heavy guns belching fire almost over one's head and lighting up the endless stream of mud-begrimed men and horses. Ana then they would come at last to lon-gueval-only a few heaps of bricks seen by the flash of the guns which bristled among the shattered tree stumps of Delville Wood. As they passed onward round the wood the splitting shrieks from a hundred unseen guns, the alternating hght and darkness, the utter confusion of traffic the moan of heavy shells far overhead, tho hiss and crash of bursting shells neareri.^t J ht s nd created an inferno which robbed the patient infantryman of his sens© of reality. To-day, seen in the autumn sunshine, Longueval, with its background of shrubbery, is like a prosperous little Colonial township. As yet there are few permanent brick structures. Wooden cabins built with any salved war material are there. 'More pretentious cottngea of; new tim* ber and bricks have been erected on the sites bf the old mud houses. And here and there the Nissen huts have been 6et on more permanent foundations, and made less drafty by the additi°n of low brick walls. Delvilla Wood, like all the other wrecked forests, is now thick undergrowth about ten feet in height, with only here and there-a blackened tree trunk showing. Tiers To-day. The village of Flers, however, seems to have spread far beyond its original confines. No trees are yet visible, but the red-roofed brick houses make a garish patch on the green landscape Some large factory building ar © visible at the southern end of the town and cottages stretch along the Lignv ro a d towards the new brick structure which has been built at Factory corner it may interest some to know that "dnr- ' mg the whole of October, 1916 the Germans made a target of the pyramid of bricks when was once the factory. The relieving troops just as persisi ently established headquarters in the

cellar beneath the ruins. But there came a day when a well-directed shell 1 smashed m the roof of the cellar and the inmates perished beneath the debris. All the trench system on the further 6 lope--Gird Trench an'l Gird Support, Goose Alley. and the Circushas long since been obliterated bv the mdustnous peasantry, and the green ?b« P lw fT"? on . the 6l °P es which the New Zealanders took and held in the ast days of September, and where nearly a thousand of the 30th Division perished a few days later in launching a new attack. s Remembering those other days it was with strange emotions one watched *h« lux «™«« motor-cars draw into the little village of Longueval last Sunday, the run frcm Amiens having been accomplished in little over the hour Already French officials had and French officers and a few English officers connected with the Imperial War Graves Commission. Sir Francis Dillon Bell and Sir James and Lady Allen were received by th© Sons-Prefet of Peronnes and hy the Mayor of Lontraeval. and all the members of the English party proceeded to the little church—a Niswn hut with a bell tower in front made from the standard's of a broken windmill. Longueval's Gratitude. On either side of the doorway the school children were grouped, each weari ing a red, white, and blue sash. When J visitors, citizens, and children had en- ! tered the church Lady Allen placed a , i wreath, beside the small brass tablet j which New Zealand had presented to ;the people of Longueval. The tablet jbears the simple inscription:—"To the . j glory of God and" in memory of those . i of the New Zealand Division who fell in i , the battles of the Somme, 1916, 1918." | There was no ceremony, only the i : euro, M. Coffinguiez, spoke a few words ■, in French. "I consider it a rlntr." he . said, "to thank the people of New Zea- . land for the ■beautiful tablet whirh tbpv . have presented to us. It is the first I I see here, but I hooe it will not be the t * last, and that we shall l<!>ve on* 1 +o potimemorate our own soliders. The Best

way for u g Catholics to translate our | gratitude is by prayer; Every Sunday, I therefore, we shall have roraeni- ; brance the soldiers of New Zealand who have fallen so gloriously in defonco of our village." A Strange Procession. A procession of school children formed up outside, an acolyte carried a cross : at the head of the procession, and the vicaire-general a vessel containing the holy water. Villagers and victors formed up bellind, and the column of people, a quarter of a mile in length, marched quietly up the gentle slope to where the handsome marble monument glistened white in the morning sunlight. By the roadside the sugar beet crops flourished, and a kindly cow, tethered in a patch of trefoil, looked curiously at the unusual sight. Only a few heaps of exploded shrapnel shells and some baby elephant shelters were eloquent of other years. , The dedication service was brief. The two French priests chanted their office lon the "'stops of the monument and sprinkled the stone with holy water. The Rev. M. Mulliueux. a chaplain of the New Zealand Forces during the war and now the head of the St. Barnabas Hostels, pronounced the words already quoted, and then the speakers and oilicials mounted the steps. "Before 1 ask Sir Francis Bell to unvfcil this momorial," 6aid Sir James Allen, "I desire to express iny gratitude to the Prefet of the Somme and the Sous-Prefet of Peronne, to the Mayor and councillors of LohguevaJ., for the valuable assistance they have given to me and my country in securing this site and in giving us so many facilities for carrying out the work. I also wish to express my gratitude to the Imperial War Graves Commission —the staff in London and the staff here, especially the Horticultural Branch —and to the men who have done so much during ths trying weather to make it possible to unveil this memorial to-day." The High Commissioner added his thanks to the contractors, Messrs Fenning and Whiting, and to Mr S. Hurst Seager, the architect, for the conscientious and patriotic work he had put into the memorial. "Sir Francis Bell," said Sir James, "joined the New Zealand Government ten years ago as leader of the Legislative Council. This honourable position he still holds and it is a matter of great satisfaction to me that he has consented to unveil this memorial. During the war there was no more loyal supporter of the promise made to our soldiers that for every man who fell another would be sent to take his place."

"No Praise Too High." Tho Attorney-jGreneral first conveyed the thanks of tue i\ew Zealand Government and the people of New 'Zealand to the Government of France and to the officials of the Department for permission to erect on the soil of France the memorial to the New Zealand Division, "it must be a great gratifi-. cation to the New Zealand people and to her soldiers," he said, "that officers of the French Army, our gallant Allies, the Mayor of this town, the sous-prefet of the Department, an official of/ the French Government, and so many of the neighbours of our dead have come to make this ceremony more memorable.". Sir Francis then. eulogised the work of General Sir A. J. Godley as commander of the New Zealand forces before and during the war, and that of Sir James Allen as Minister of Defence. He recalled how the Division was maintained complete in numbers and equipment until the end of the war, the places of the killed and disabled being immediately filled by reinforcements kept prepared and trained. "This memorial stone," said Sir Francis, "stands on the site of Switch Trench, the New Zealanders' objective on September loth, 1916. The trench was carried and from that time oh-, wards, day by day, for twenty-three consecutive days the 'Division advanced and took every objective. And when at the end of this time it was relieved we received a message in New Zealand from--the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army—words whioh still ring in our ears in that distant land: 'The New Zealand Division has fought with the greatest gallantry in the Somme for twenty-three consecutive days, carrying out with complete success every task set and always (Wng more than was asked of it. The 3>ivision has won universal confidence and admiration. No praise can be too high for such troops.'' The Lesson of the War. "To these men of the Division, to the living as well as the dead, this stone has been raised. It does stand where so many New Zealand soldiers fell. In those twenty-three days there were 7000 casualties. Sixty officers and 1500 men laid down their lives. The dead lie buried here and around. Their ashes mingle with, the dust of the Allies who fought with them. This stone may be a reminder that from the uttermost ends of the earth, from the furthest part of the Dominions of the King of England, soldiers came and died with their French allies. May it be a lasting sign and token that New Zealand will never forget the soldiers of France. May not this memorial standing on French soil serve to remind the two nations of the lesson of these years! "England and France are great countries and great nations, each possessing territories in diverse parts of the world, rivals in commerce, in industries, in science, and art. The statesmen of both nations may often differ in the future as they have differed in the past. How is it possible tirrtt it can be otherwise? But both nations have learned that their very existence and the future of civilisation and liberty depend upon their standing together when a powerful foe attacks either of them.

"May it not also serve as a reminder to our children's children of an alliance which preserved freedom for them at' the present time, and which alone can preserve and maintain freedom in the future years. In that hope I unveil this memorial, and commend it to the keeping of the great nation of Prance." Both the High Commissioner's and Sir Francis Bell's speeches were translated into French by Major Ingpen, of the War Graves Commission. Senator Cauvin, the Mayor of Longueval, Colonel Jordan (representing the General Commanding the Military District), and the Sous-prefet de Peronne, all spoke in French. The last-mentioned concluded his eloquent speech in his own language by a few words in English. "I am deeply honoured," he said,, "to tell you, on behalf of M. le Prefet | [ de la Somine, how 1 friendly are our feelings and those of our people in sight of that splendid memorial dedicated to the glorious memory of men of New Zealand who lost their lives in the first battle of the Somme and anywhere in France during*the war. I cannot translate my French speech into English, but I want to tell you a few words in order to be understood by your ears as I hope the tune of my song was understood by your hearts. •"Tell it to Your. People." "First, I congratulate Sir James Allen on the successful accomplishment of his purpose to have this memorial built just here. I met him last year at Longueval, and I felt how anxious he was to realise the pious longings of wives and children, and mothers and fathers in New Zealand to have their dear and glorious dead honoured in Prance in the name of their own native country. All of us know quite well how heroically the New Zealand Division fought at Longueval on the 15th of September, 1916, to take Flers back again. All of us know quite well that nearly eight out of ten glorious soldiers fell on the

battlefield. We are proud you chosis to build your f and our people will always feel proud and amicus to watch over °f M, mothers and fathers and pray, tell it to your mourning people in New Zealand. . "Your sons and ours died for the same cause of justice and liberty under Allied flags, and we shall never forge While thinking of their own losses, our countrywomen will think of yours, too, who died so far from those, who loved them and who mourn for them Our children will be taught in those traditions. Just hke our own sons they live anxious, to maintain a fruitful peace, their pioud independence, and national I'beitiesAnd just like- your own sons, they «"i keep in their minds and in tneir hearts, .the high lesson of your heroes and oms who fought, and fell, closely united for the everlasting reign of peace in the world." Sacred Soil. General Sir A. J. Godley, who had come from his command on the llnine, was the last to speak. "This is very sacred soil to a soldier, he said. \Vo stand here in the middle of a country where has taken place some of th« greatest battles that have ever been seen or known in the world—battles which in generations to come will be read of and spoken of as most wonderful feats of arms. What more fitting than that a memorial should stand here to the Division which not only among the British armies but among the armies of the Allies, stood second to none. No Division in the Great Warhad a record better or more wonderful than the New Zealand Division. I think it may be some consolation to those who lost their* loved ones that ; there should bo such a fitting tribute- to : such a glorious record in such a position as this. "I think also nothing could be more fitting than the presence here of Sir James Allen. Minister of Defence, who was at our back and the greatest helper, and one of the greatest contributors towards the success of the Now Zealand Division. I can only say how proud T am to be here to-day, and to be able to make my small tribute to that wonderful New Zealand Division which was so excellently commanded by Sir A. H. Russell. Its glories will go down for generations to posterity, not only in New Zealand, not only in the British Empire, but in France, whero its soldiers fought and fell. We leave our memorial, in the good hands of the French people., and also of our fallant Allies and friends, the French .rmy, whose representatives we have here to-day." Jloral Tributes. At the close of the speeches a number of wreaths were laid at the base of the monument. Lady Allen placed the first thereon, from the Government and High Commissioner of New Zealand. Mrs Martin (wife of the late Dr. A. A. Martin) contributed one from -the parents, wives, and relatives of New Zealand soldiers. It was thus inscribed: "In proud recognition of the deeds of the living and in loving remembrance of those who made the great sacrifice in order that others might liive." Sir R A. Squires (Premier of Newfoundland) laid on the marble steps of the monument a beautiful wreath of white roses on behalf of the people of Newfoundland. General H. T. Hughes brought a wreath of crysanthemums and orchids on behalf of the Canadian Government. Other floral tributes were from the Commune of Longueval, The Commonwealth of Australia, Senator Cauvin. Mr and Mrs E. H. Cucksey placed a wreath on behalf of Mr and Mrs P. Lury (Wliakatane), in memory of a son, and still another was laid on the monument by Mrs Kirkley in memory of a son. Some eighty people were guests at the luncheon held in the Town Hall (a large army hut) after the dedication service. A number of New Zealand visitors -were, present besides those already mentioned." Most of these had arrived at Amiens the' previous evening, and had spent the night at the St. Barnabas Hostel there, driving out by motor early:on Sunday morning. Mrs Bolleston, "Sir Francis Bell's daughter, accompanied the Attornoy-iGeneral, who had come down through Ypres and Lo Quesnoy by car with Sir James Allen. Lady Godley accompanied General Godley. The organisation was worthy of the occasion, and the whole ceremony, was carried out, from) the procession to the church to the final placing of the , wreaths, in perfect order and with impressive decorum. I New Zealand ivas further represented by Mr A. W. Beaven (Christchurch), ■ Mr and Mrs E. H. Cucksey (Auckland), Mr and Mrs J. T. D. Lloyd (Auckland), Mr J. C. Lewis (Wellington), Mrs Martin (late of Palmerston North). Mrs M. | Watson Henderson and Miss M. Pern- i bcrton (Chvistchurch), and Mv T. J. ; Pemberton (late of the 30th Division). ; A number of ladies from the St. Bar- : nabas Hostob in Calais and Amiens ] were also among the visitors, and English officers from the Imperial War ! Graves Commission. The French guests ] . present at the. ceremony and luncheon j included a number of officers of the ; French Army, the Mayors of Montau- j ban, Ginchy, Lcsboeufs, and Martin- ■ pinch, and all the councillors of Longueval. "All that they had they gave." Loyal toasts were drunk and further speeches were made at the luncheon. The cure of Longueval was particularly happy in his tributes to the British, soldiers and the visiting English pilgrims. "Now, at any time of the year." he said, in English, "everything in this small village of Longuev:il reminds me of England, 'thia earth, this realm, this England.' I see the workers of the Imperial Graves Commission who are so reverently and so carefully tending the last resting-place of their fallen comrades. I see the travelling j gardteners, who move from cemetery to cemetery, keeping fresh the tribute of grass, and flowers, and trees. All these gardeners give to my parishn'oners a great example of respect for the graves of our dead. Sometimes I have the good, but the sad, opportunity to meet bereaved relatives visiting the tombs of their dear ones, and to spsak with them of these heroes whom ycur Rudyard Kipling has told of: 'All that they had they gave, they gave in sure and single faith.' At last, when I am walking to and fro, alone the roads or through the fields, in all directions Ii may gaze sadly over the gea> of your wooden crosses— j this 'massed multitude of silent witnesses to the desolation of war.' j "But to-day, I am proud to h.ive" been chosen as the 'cure de Langueval' —this land saturated with the blood of. your bovs, this 'low and hollow ground ' stiffened with your dead, this hcly soil, for you and for us. I am proud liecause everyone here has done his best to be grateful to you for your sacrifices on that not-to-be-forgctten day." It was left to Sir Francis Bell to contribute one quotation from the Greek classics which held within the compass of a very few words much of the meaning, much of the emotion of this memorable day: 'K)h, passer-by, say to the Spartans that we nave obeyed their command and rest here."