With the beginning of a new month and the summer recess
behind us, the Livery in London is once again in full swing. And what more
poignant way to herald the new season than to join with a wide range of
military, religious and civic colleagues to remember all those who gave their
lives for our country in World War One.
Organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for
Greater London, a Drumhead Service was held in the Royal Hospital Chelsea on
wonderfully sunny and warm Saturday morning. Presided over by Sir Kenneth Olisa
OBE and General Sir Redmond Watt KCB KCVO CBE DL the Drumhead Service was held
specifically to commemorate the actions of the London Divisions during the
final Hundred Days Offensive of the Great War which lead up to the Armistice in
November 1918. The last such service took place four years ago to commemorate
the start of the War and similarly on this occasion was held in the Hospitals’
quadrangle.
The service was led by the Right Reverend and Right
Honourable Lord Richard Chartres (an Honorary Freeman of our Company) and was
preceded by parades from the Royal Yeomanry Band, The London Regiment, 600 (City
of London) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, the Pipes and Drums of the
London Scottish, the Royal Marines Reserve (City of London) and the First Aid
Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royals’ Volunteer Corp). Also on parade were a large
contingent of Chelsea Pensioners who looked splendid in their bright scarlet
coats.
Lord Charters led prayers for those that have served – and
died – for their country, for those who now serve and for the Reserve Forces
specifically. He also told the remarkable story of Jack Harvey VC of the 1/22
Battalion, The London Regiment who spent the entire war on the Western Front.
He gained his Victoria Cross on 2 September 1918 north of Peronne, France
whilst single-handedly destroying an enemy machine-gun post; an extraordinary
act of bravery and a sobering insight to the dedication and service of those
soldiers.
The North London Military Wives Choir sang to us their London Medley before a final Act of
Commitment and Remembrance and the Blessing. A very moving service and the
Livery movement (including your Master and the Mistress) was very well
represented.
After the service we were all invited across the road to
Barton Court, an open park to take part in a WWI Youth and Community event.
This took the form of a range of displays and stands manned by various youth
organisations including the Police Cadets, West London Boys’ and Girls’
Brigade, the Air Training Corps, the Sea Scouts, the Scouts and the Army Cadet
Force. There were also demonstrations of marching bands, a gym troop and
self-defence classes all undertaken by young people. There was a real sense of
energy and pride and it was a delight to chat to the guys and girls there.
Light refreshments were kindly laid on and it was great to
catch up with many Masters and their consorts before departing mid-afternoon
after what had been a truly inspiring day.
Pictures show awaiting the start of the Drumhead Service and
the Pipes and Drums of the London Scottish after their parade.
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