THE "OLD CONTEMPTIBLES"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19805, 28 November 1927, Page 10

THE "OLD CONTEMPTIBLES"

MEN WHO FOUGHT AT MOWS. REUNION IN AUCKLAND. With medals and decorations making a brave showing, and the 1914 Star predominating, 27 veterans of the Battle of Mons held a reunion dinner on Saturdayevening. After the toast of the King had been honoured the National Anthem was sung in a way that only soldiers can sing it. The toast of "The Army and Navy," was proposed by Captain J. Dawson and responded to by Sergeant-Major Andrews. Mr. P. C. Furley, in proposing the toast of "The Association," said it was indebted to Bombardier Jenkins, who fired the first shell in the war, for his assistance in bringing about the reunion. Years rolled on and memory was short, but the memory of Mons could never be erased. Generations to come would learn of the glories of Crecy, Agincourt and Balaclava, but Mons would be emblazoned at the top of the list. Everything augured well for the success of the association, said the secretary, Mr. W. C. Pilgrim. The support already given was most promising. The Returned Soldiers', Association had offered them the use of its rooms. There would be other old comrades in Auckland who must bo discovered. In time it was hoped to extend the membership all over the Dominion. During the evening a tally was taken of the numbers of men present belonging to the first seven divisions to set foot in France. There were 21 members of infantry and artillery units, six claiming attachment to various cavalry brigades. Several vocal and elocutionary items were contributed by the Lyric Quartet. As a tribute to those who fought at Mons but did not return the quartet sang "The Long Day Closes" (Sullivan). The following provisional committee was

elected :—-President, Captain J. Dawson ; vice-president, Mr. P C. Ftirley: chairman, Mr. N. F. Elliott; secretary-trea-surer, Mr. W. C. Pilgrim.