FIELD-MARSHAL MONTGOMERY

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25243, 23 July 1947, Page 6

FIELD-MARSHAL MONTGOMERY

Christchurch Welcomes Great Soldier

PEOPLE LINE ROADS FOR SEVEN MILES

With pealing bells, happy cheers, and the waving of .hundreds of flags, the people of Christchurch yesterday welcomed Field-Marshal Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, Chief of the Imperial General Staff. In brilliant sunshine one of the biggest crowds in the city’s history lined the streets to see and acclaim the hitherto almost legendary figure of “Monty.”

There was no continuous wave of cheering as Lord Montgomery passed in his open car between the dense ranks of people on either side of the route for nearly seven miles. Most of the crowd were content with the realisation that here at last was the legend in person —“Monty” himself with his keen eyes and hawklike nose, the black beret with its badges, and the British Warm. For several thousand excited children who lined, part of the route Lord Montgomery’s arrival was the greatest event in their lives, and their shrill-voiced welcome made up for any lack of demonstrativeness by their elders.

Before he entered Christchurch Lord Montgomery had made a triumphal progress from Timaru.

After his official welcome to the city at the civic reception in the King Edward Barracks Lord Montgomery drove through crowded streets again to his hotel. There was a large crowd in Cathedral square, and us it. cheered Lord Montgomery the bells of the Cathedral pealed joyfully in the background.

In the afternoon Lord Montgomery saw more of Christchurch and its people, for he was cheered at almost every point of his route during his visit to hospitals.

Early in the evening Lord Montgomery met returned servicemen of the two world wars at the Christchurch Returned Services’ Association reception. His day in Christchurch ended with the laying of a wreath on the War Memorial. '

Lord Montgomery will leave for the West Coast by the Lewis Pass at 9 a.m. to-day.