FUNERAL IN ABBEY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23818, 20 November 1940, Page 11

FUNERAL IN ABBEY

LATE MR. CHAMBERLAIN A CROSS OF RED ROSES LONDON, Nov. 15 Never before in England's history has secrecy so surrounded a former Prime Minister's funeral as thai; observed at the lodgment of Mr. Chamberlain's ashes in "Westminster Abbey. Apart from the fact that two household servants alone witnessed the cremation at Golder's Green, the public was left completely in the dark about burial arrangements, because London is the front line of battle, and many wondered whether the funeral would occur in London or in Birmingham. The ceremony in the Abbey, which took place during an interval between air raids, commenced at mid-day. The Government ordered that nothing be published until 1 o'clock. The congregation were all invited individually. Therefore there were many vacant seats. Although there was a request for no flowers, the coffin bore a cross or red roses bearing a card inscribed "With our dearest love, Annie, Dorothy and Frank," these being the names of Mrs. Chamberlain and her daughter and son. There were also large wreaths from the Cabinet and the City of .Birmingham. The service was probably the most simple ever held on such an occasion, and lasted barely an hour. The choir consisted of 10 men, wearing scarlet cassocks and surplices—boys have not sung in the Abbey since the outbreak of war. The procession of clergy, choristers, and mourners moved down the choir to the graveside at the head of the nave where the last words oi: the service were pronounced. Mrs. Chamberlain was the last to leave. She broke a bronze chrysanthemum and dropped the petals singly into the grave.