A NATION’S SORROW

Evening Star, Issue 19779, 1 February 1928, Page 5

A NATION’S SORROW

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, January 30. The nation is shocked at the dramatic suddenness of the passing of the greatest soldier of the Empire. The news was not revealed till nearly twelve hours after his death. An official medical statement, issued with the consent of Countess Haig, made it clear that war strain and worry contributed finally to the death of the great Field-Mar-shal. No inquest will be held. Arrangements are being made for burial in St. Paul’s alongside other great soldiers of the past. Lord Haig was spending the weekend with his sister, Mrs Jameson, at Prince’s Gate, London. The countess was not present. She was staying with friends in London, with the intention of joining her husband before his departure for the Riviera next week. The news was telephoned to the King at Sandringham, who despatched a telegram to the countess expressing his deepest sympathy. Lift'd Haig no longer had any direct part in the organisation of the Army, and was not serving as an officer, but a Field-Marshal retains his rank and connection after retirement. Viscountess Haig hopes that those who intend to send wreaths will purchase those made of Flanders poppies by ex-servicemen in the Richmond and Edinburgh factories, which Lord Haig established. The British Legion endorses this, and sax s that no more appropriate tribute is imaginable than thus helping Lord Haig’s disabled comrades.—A. and N.Z. anl Sui ’ Cable.