WREATH LAID AT MEMORIAL

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25243, 23 July 1947, Page 9

WREATH LAID AT MEMORIAL

IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY IN SQUARE The most impressive ceremony of Field-Marshal Montgomery’s tour of Christchurch yesterday came shortly before 6 o’clock in Cathedral square, when he laid a wreath at the War Memorial. , A large crowd had gathered around the Cathedral plot before the fieldmarshal arrived, and there was spasmodic cheering as he left the car and went to meet Mr E. Orchard, president of the Christchurch Returned Services’ Association, and the secretary of the association (Mr L. A. McKenzie). A hush fell on the crowd as the fieldmarshal walked up to the memorial carrying a wreath of red poppies and fernleaves. While he placed the wreath, stood erect and saluted, there was complete silence except for the sound of organ music which came from the Cathedral. The wreath was inscribed: “In memory. This wreath was placed by Field-Marshal Viscount Montgomery of Alamein. 22.7.47.” The field-marshal walked round the memorial, and admired the bronze figures and the general appearance, remarking to Mr Orchard: “This is a very fine memorial you have here.” Cheering broke out again as the field-marsnal entered his car, and there were people along both sides of the Square as he drove to his hotel.