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]
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
