London Undaunted by Devastation

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 1, 2 January 1941, Page 7

London Undaunted by Devastation

Churchill Cheered m Streets “ WE WON'T CRACK UP, SIR ! ” United Press Association—Bv Electrio Telegraph—Copyright. Received Wednesday, 7.50 p.m. LONDON, Dec. 31. Standing amid tho ruins of the “city,” Mr. Churchill snapped a grim rebuke to a woman who shouted: “What about peace!” “When we have beaten them!” Then Mr. Churchill walked through scenes of devastation of what was a deliberate attempt to burn London regardless of military objectives. “They gave us something last night, didn’t they, Winnie!” a man called. “And we will give them something back," Mr. Churchill retorted. A great crowd followed Mr. Churchill and his wife as they walked through the debris that a few hours earlier had been some of tho most hallowed shrines in the world. The people cheered and waved their hats. “We won’t crack up, sir. We won’t crack up,” a flustered little man cried. “No, sir, we won’t crack up,” said Mr. Churchill. When Mr. Churcmll visited the city the Guildhall was in ruins. The richlydecorated council chamber was burned out, the roof blatsed open and the painted ceilings destroyed. Fortunately the treasures had previously been removed. Miraculously St. Paul’s was scarcely touched. People crowded the church offering prayers of thanksgiving for the preservation which was one of the most heroic feats of the professional and volunteer fire-fighters. Other buildingg damaged include the Old Bailey Criminal Court, the Ancient Girdlers Oor..pany Hall, the School of Music, and the Carlton Club in St. Swithin’s Lane.