PILGRIMAGE BY AIR

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 36, 11 August 1934, Page 5

PILGRIMAGE BY AIR

CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL

(From "The Post's1' Representative.) , LONDON, July 0.

The first pilgrims ever to arrive at Canterbury Cathedral by air were Lord and Lady Londonderry in one machine, and Lady Margaret Stewart, their daughter, flying her own Puss Moth. The Minister for Air and Lady Londonderry circled the cathedral three times, then flew over tho city-to the Bckesbournc Aerodrome, where they landed. They attended the 11.30 Pil : grimage Service in tho cathedral. They were followed later in the day by fifteen other machines, piloted by members of the Women's Legioii flying section, some carrying passengers. . "Tho idea was the Dean's," Lady Londonderry stated. "The flying pilgrimage was organised by the Persona? Service League, of which I am president. Just as the pilgrims of 400 years ago preferred to come'on foot to maketheir, pilgrimage, so we today, in the same reverent spirit I hope, prefer to make our pilgrimage in the machines which arc representative of our age." On the return journey the aeroplanes circled the cathedral and dipped in salute before following the line of the ancient Pilgrims' Way back to London. ■ ■ •■ ■

In addition, pilgrims are assisting the cause- further by wearing a pilgrim badge of white enamel, as pilgrims of the past have done since ..the origin of such tokens in Spain.