RMR’s attend memorial service for Earl Roberts in Salisbury Cathedral

Thursday, November 19, 1914

Camp Salisbury Plain, West Down South

The Battalion War Diarist wrote for this day: “Fine and cold.  Detachment of 1 N.C.O. and 25 men under command of Lieut. English, and with Lt.-Col. Burland representing Battn. H.Q. attended memorial service for Earl Roberts in Salisbury Cathedral.”  [1]

Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral

THIS DAY IN RMR HISTORY:  “London.  Nov. 19.  (Canadian Associated Cable)  –  Six hundred members of the Canadian contingent attended the memorial service at Salisbury Cathedral to-day in honour of the late Lord Roberts.  The divisional staff was largely represented, and the proceedings were most impressive.  Hon. G.H. Perley** attended the St. Paul’s service, where several Canadian officers on leave were also present.”

After lying in state in Westminster Hall, London, (one of two non-Royals to do so during the 20th century, the other being Sir Winston Churchill), Lord Roberts was given a state funeral and was buried in St. Paul’s Cathedral, in the presence of the King.

Notes:

*   Lieutenant Alfred Soden English.

[1] War Diary, 14th Canadian Battalion, The Royal Montreal Regiment, Nov 19, 1914.  Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001089676.jpg

[2] http://someinterestingfacts.net/history-of-salisbury-cathedral/  

[3] “Attended Services In Honour of Roberts,” The Montreal Daily Mail, Montreal, Quebec, Friday, November 20, 1914, pg,5  col. 2

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