Saturday, November 7, 1914
Camp Salisbury Plain, West Down South
The Battalion War Diarist wrote for this day: “Representatives from the Battalion sent to take part in Lord Mayor’s Show.” [1]
THIS DAY IN RMR HISTORY: Thanks to the ancient and justified concerns of King John, every newly-elected Lord Mayor of London is required to leave the safety of the City of London, travel upriver to distant Westminster and swear loyalty to the Crown. Over the centuries this inconvenient journey became one of London’s favourite rituals. It moved from river barges to horseback and then into the magnificent State Coach, and around it grew the rowdy and joyful medieval festival that became known as the Lord Mayor’s Show. That ancient pageant is still going today. The modern procession is over three and a half miles long.
The Canadian Associated Cable reported on the day’s event – “Rarely has London’s population turned out in such vast numbers to witness a Lord Mayor’s show as to-day when Sir Charles Johnston assumed the ancient office. Interest in the affair was immensely increased by reason of the show partaking largely of a military display, in which the Canadians played a most conspicuous part. Three hundred men of nearly every branch now at Salisbury Plains were in line. They were in command of Colonel Williams and Colonel Reid. A detachment of the Strathcona Horse and Princess Patricia Regiment was also included.
The men, who came from each brigade, received a vociferous welcome. At the last moment they were by special request of the Lord Mayor, placed immediately around the state coach in recognition of his Lordship’s lifelong connection with the Dominion. King Edward’s Horse, in which many Canadians are serving, also played a prominent part in the procession.” [4]
[1] War Diary, 14th Canadian Battalion, The Royal Montreal Regiment, Nov 7, 1914. Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e044/e001089676.jpg
[2] “Canadian Soldiers Feted In London: Are Vociferously Cheered as They Pass in the Lord Mayor's Procession,” Canadian Associated Cable, The Globe (1844-1936), Toronto, Ontario, November 10, 1914, pg. 3, col. 2.
[3] Wikipedia contributors, "Sir Charles Johnston, 1st Baronet," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sir_Charles_Johnston,_1st_Baronet&oldid=567844322 (accessed September 25, 2014).
[4] “Canadian Soldiers Feted In London: Are Vociferously Cheered as They Pass in the Lord Mayor's Procession,” Canadian Associated Cable, The Globe (1844-1936), Toronto, Ontario, November 10, 1914, pg. 3, col. 2.