BURNHAM MEN

Camp News, Volume 1, Issue 21, 3 May 1940, Page 7

BURNHAM MEN

Rousing Reception In Christchurch CITIZENS TURN OUT CHRISTCHURCH, April 27. With a heartiness unusual in a city noted for its restraint, Christchurch paid tribute to the officers and men of ihe second echelon who, for the past three months, have been in training a* Burnham Ca.mp. The weather was excellent for the parade, and 1601) men marched through streets lined with

cheering people to be drawn up in Cranjner Square. There speeches were given by the mayor, Mr. Macfarlane, the president of the R.S.A., Mr. Haynes, the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr. Sullivan, representing the Government', and the officer commanding the military district, Colonel Rowllings. Colonel Rowlings later took the salute as the troops marched past on their way back. The spectacle was in every way worthy of the occasion. Thousands lined the streets and expressed their admiration for the smartness and soldierly bearing of the troops by fullthroated cheering. At Crahmer Square there was a crowd estimated at 10,000. Five hundred returned soldiers lined both sides of Cashel Street. The roar of the cheering moved along streets to herald the approach of the parade, led by Lieutenant Colonel A. S. Falconer, officer commanding the 23rd Rifle Battalion. Next were the Railway Con struction and Maintenance Unit, led by Major Rabone. Battle-dress Uniform. These troops, big and husky men. wore , the battle-dress uniform. The workmanlike appearance of the unit won enthusiastic applause as it swung steadily by. The men of the 23rd Rifle Battalion wore their serge uniforms, making an interesting contrast with the iailway unit. The reinforcement for the 20th Rifle Battalion, now in Egypt, was commanded by Lieutenant McKinlay. The Divisional Supply Column was commander by Captain Creeser. and the sth Field Ambulance, under Lieutenant Colonel Kenrick, completed the long column. After the speech the,mayor called for three cheers for the troops, and these were given with a will. The National Anthem was played, and then the crowd, beginning with a hesitant murmur, which quickly rose to a roar, joined in singing “Auld Lang Syne.”

The next incident was unexpected and all the more enjoyable for that. Lieutenant Colonel Falconer gestured the Burnham Band,'which broke into a lively tune, and the whole parade, officers included, roared out the Burnham song. ‘‘Kiss Me Goodnight, Sergeant Major.” It was a delightfully human touch just at the moment of tension when tears might have come just as easily as smiles.