On leaving, the Prince presented us each with a copy of the new Legion Book and we tried to get away from the House of Lords quetly, but to our amazement the crowds outside were nearly as large as when we arrived. However, after a struggle we got through - it reminded one of going over the top at zero hour.

On Monday, 11th November, we reported at the Wellington Barracks where R.E. V.C.'s consisting of General Aylmer, General Kirby, Colonel Colvin, Major Waters, Captain Knox, and myself were photographed separately. After a bit of arranging, falling in etc., the Guards massed Bands led the procession of V.C.'s, Life Guards, Guards Regiments, Artillery, ex-Servicemen, and Nurses, in this order, out into Bird Cage Walk, thence The Mall, Admiralty Arch, down Whitehall to the Cenotaph. Our V.C.'s column leading, was given a terrific reception as only London crowds can - we halted right in front of the Cenotaph facing towards Westminster. Subsequently, Ministers of State, Consuls and Ambassadors took up their position facing the War Office each laying a wreath on the side of the memorial. Next came the Queen and Home Secretary along with Princess Mary and the Duchess of York who went up to a balcony looking right down on the cenotaph. Next the Bishop of London, satellites and choir. Now the Prince of Wales with a wreath from The King and Queen and Royal Family followed by the Dukes of York and Gloucester and Prince Arthur of Connaught, several Admirals, Field Marshalls, Generals, Sir Hugh Trenchard and Lord Byng. Immediately a gun boomed forth and Big Ben commenced to chime whereupon everyone came to the General Salute and stood at attention with heads bare whilst Big Ben struck eleven, ringing out in the cold still air like death. At the end of two minutes the Buglers played the Last Post which was magnificent, just like a single bugle call - a short service and Reveille followed by the National Anthem. Our column again received the honour to lead, and after we had placed a huge Victoria Cross next to the King's wreath on the Cenotaph we marched back to The Mall and barracks. Here Lord Jellicoe took the salute and we dismissed. I must say it was a great honour for us to participate in such a glorious and dignified impressive ceremony. We also had a detachment at Westminster Abbey where another duplicate wreath was placed on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

In the evening we arrived at the Albert Hall for the Remembrance Festival and when we marched into this huge arena what a welcome we received. This affair was a magnificently staged pageant representing Britannia and all outposts of our Empire - every branch of the Services being represented. After the musical programme, the interval arrived and H.R.H. The Prince, Patron of the Legion, entered with Jellicoe. Really, I never saw or heard the like of the welcome given him and it was fifteen minutes before the poor lad could start his speech. He delivered his address eloquently to the delight of all and then walked along the passage and centre of the ground floor up an avenue between the VCs and believe me we didn't forget to let him hear us even above the cheers of the thousands of others assembled. He eventually arrived in the Royal Box behind us and after community singing, rendering all the old war time songs, we had portrayed before us a 'Field of Remembrance' exhibition taking the form of the late Colonel McCrae's "In Flanders Fields". This was followed by a shower of poppies, one for every British life lost in the war which made one's blood run cold at the memory of the loss of our brave heroes and comrades who laid down their lives that we might live. After the National Anthem we dispersed to our respective hotels, some embarking on the midnight train for home.