THOSE WHO FELL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22108, 14 May 1935, Page 12

THOSE WHO FELL

MEMORIAL AT WALTON UNVEILING OF TABLET ANZAC DAY CEREMONY [from our own correspondent] By Air Mnil LONDON, April 27 Members of the Returned Soldiers' Association of Now Zealand, who subscribed for the brass memorial tablet in the parish church at Walton-on-Thames, will bo glad to hear of the appreciation displayed by the Walton pcoplo when the tablet was unveiled on Anzao Day. The ceremony was the last, but by no means the lenst important, of a series throughout Anzac Day. There was the usual beautiful service at the Church of St. Clement Danes in the Strand, when the Rev. Cnnon J. Russell Wilford gave the address. There was the laying of wreaths on the Cenotaph—one from the Mothers' Union of New Zealand arrived in a block of ice. There was a special Anzac Day service on the quarterdeck of the cruiser Australia, at Portsmouth; the 29th Division held their service at Holy Trinity, Eltham, where the High Commissioner, Sir James Parr, was represented by Lieut.-Colonel N. FitzHerbert; find the Empire Service Club commemorated the day at a special luncheon. Sir James Parr and Miss Christine Parr took part in the unveiling ceremony. The church, a very old one, with rough, oak beams and oak roof, was decorated with spring flowers. Just inside the door and on the right, til" tablet of brass, mounted on a kauri frame, was covered by a New Zealand flag. Unveiling of Tablet Members of the British Legion from nine different branches, Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, assembled in the town and marched to the church. The nine standards of the Legion were displayed throughout the service on each side of the aisle. The standard of the local branch was carried by Mr. W. R. Wood, a New Zealandcr, who remained at Walton after the war. Other members of the New Zealand forces who made Walton their home and who attended the service were Mr. R. Perry, Mr. P. Howie and Mr. Saunders.

On the top of tho tablet, unveiled by Sir James Parr, are the words:— "1914-1918. In memory of New Zealanders buried at Walton-on-Thames." Below the names are the words:— "The isles saw . . . they drew near and came . . . and everyone said to his brother. Be of pood cheer." Isaiah, xli., 5, 6. The tablet Ts 3ft. Cin. in height and ,2ft. wide. "Great Days of Battle" From the chancel steps the High Commissioner addressed the congregation. He said he was proud to be asked to unveil this beautiful piece of work commemorating 21 New Zealanders, whose New Zealand dust commingled with the dust of England. "I boliev«3 you have your annual service in this church," said Sir James, "to commemorate the stay of New Zealanders with you in those great days of battle and service for right. We appreciate very deeply the compliment you pay to us. Our country is greatly indebted to vou for the mark of respect you have shown for our N«*w Zealand dead. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

After the blessing and the National Anthem, the clergy, choir, and congregation went in procession from the church, along the street, a distance of 100 yds., and so to the cemetery, where several wreaths were laid on the graves of New Zealanders.