ANZAC DAY IN LONDON.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18004, 26 April 1930, Page 7

ANZAC DAY IN LONDON.

IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY.

A MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD.

WREATHS LAID ON THE CENOTAPH

United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel.—Copyright (Received April 26, 9.45 a.m.)

LONDON, April 25. A large number participated in the Anzac Day ceremonies. The Australian cricketers at the earliest possible moment laid a wreath on the cenotaph. The wreath, which was placed by Woodfull consisted of wattle and poppies inscribed “In memory. From the Australian cricketers.”

Hundreds were unable to gain admission to St. Clement Danes Church which was packed half an hour before the service.

Venerable J. W. Ward, ex-Arch-deacon of Goulburn officiated, Mr F. F. Fenton (Australian Minister for Trade and Customs who is in London as a delegate to the. Naval Conference) and Sir G. Ryrie (High Commissioner for Australia) read the lessons, Mr Arthur Mason, of Sydney, presided at the organ, and Miss Eunice Meredith (a New Zealander) was the soloist.

The representative congregation included General Sir lan Hamilton, Mr T. M .Wilford (New Zealand High Commissioner), the Agents General, and the Army, Navy and Air Force liaison officers.

The most impressive part of the service was when 300 ex-members of the forces formed a procession to the shrine where Mr Fenton, on behalf of Australia, Colonel M. W. B. Thomas on behalf of New Zealand, and Woodfull and Kelly on behalf of the Australian cricketers, laid wreaths on the shrine. The congregation knelt while the Anzac Hymn was sung. ITefore his address, Archdeacon Ward read Field Marshall Sir W. Birdwood’s message and Sir G. Ryrie’s reply. Archdeacon Ward said: “Anzac Day commemorates the making of two nations and the setting-up of noble standards which it is our sacred duty to preserve.” Sergeant A. W. Simpson sounded “The Last Post,” and the service terminated with Chopin’s Funeral March. Thousands looked on at the moving spectacle when General Lord Plumer headed a distinguished assemblage and laid a wreath on the cenotaph while Sir G. Ryrie and Mr T. M. Wilford did so on behalf of their respective Governments.

Wreaths from various organisations in Australia and, Canada were also laid at the base of the Nation’s war memorial by representative persons. During the afternoon Lady Foster, on behalf of the New Zealand Victoria League and Mrs Wilford on behalf of the New Zealand Mothers’ Union, laid wreaths on the cenotapn.