IN MEMORY OF THE DEAD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16714, 21 April 1922, Page 6

IN MEMORY OF THE DEAD.

IMPRESSIVE SERVICE IN LONDON. TRIBUTES TO GREAT AVIATORS. By Telegraph—Press Association-Copy right. ! Australia n and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received April 21, 8.00 a.m.) LONDON, April 20. One of the most beautiful and most impressive services in London for years was that held at St Clement Danes Church, in tho Strand, in honour oi : the late Sir Ross Smith and Lieutenant Bennett. Outside the church a large crowd opposite Australia House, who were unable to obtain admission to the church, stood beneath the half-masted Southern Cross, Union Jack and Itoyai Australian Air Force flags, fluttering against a cloudless sky in glorious sunshine. It was such a day as marked the Brooklnnds tragedy. The interior of the church was exceedingly picturesque. With its Italian characteristics aud starred ceilings, it was in direct contrast to the atmosphere created by the presence in tho gallery of the Royal Air Force Band which provided several moving selections before the service. Mourners entering the church were stuck by bells pealing joy, alternating with muffle.] tones of sorrow. This note was preserved throughout the services, in which the sombre voice of the organ was interspersed with the full band’s triumphant selections, ranging from Mendelssohn’s “Pilgrims’ March ” and Handel’s “ Largo ” to Bach’s “ Prelude and Choral Fugue.” The fact that the band played the majority of the hymns provided tho dominant effect in this memorial service. After th*. lessor, had been read by the Rev Henry Howard, of Adelaide, South Australia, an address was delivered by the Rev H. D. Viener, Chap-lain-General to the Royal Air Force, who maintained an appropriate note of exaltation overshadowing sorrow. CHAPLAIN-GENERAL’S ADDRESS. The Rev H. I>. Viener paid a striking tribute to the dead intrepid airmen, who, he said, possessed all the characteristics of what successful flying men should be. He alluded to their courage and enterprise, attention to detail, and their prioeless gift of cheeriness. “ Day after day,” he said, “ they faced problems the solutions of which were common to both. We dearly love such sportsmen. Only yesterday tho whole civilised world rang with the names of these splendid men and their companions, who, fortunately, were preserved for us. They met dangers foreseen and unforeseen until the last on the way to their native land. It was a grand achievement, marked by those qualities which built up the Empire and brought success in the gigantic world struggle.” The Chaplain-General said that it was the irony of fate that such airmen were killed on a trial flight, after emerging from the hardships of war and the terrible experiences of their historic flight. “ Our spirit seems to revolt at such happenings,” he said. “ The answer lies in the iuct that God wanted them. We should thank God for the gift of these splendid men, who are now engaged in a wider sphere of usefulness than was possible- here.” The service included a Masonic prayer. “ The Last Post,” “ Th© Dead March ” from “ Saul ” and the “ Hallelujah Chorus ” were rendered by the band.

The congregation included representatives of Britain’s air. army and navy services. The Prince of Wales was represented by General Sir James Trotter. The American, Japanese and Belgian Embassies, the Vickers Company and the relatives of Lieutenant Bennett were also represented.