2o6
THE YPRES TIMES
courtyard. The Colour-hearer (Lieut. Michael O'Leary, V.C.), and Escort (Cadet
Sergt.-Major Stokes and Cadet Sergt. Davies, of the St. Alban's School O.T.C.,
representing the Junior Division), were posted in front of the centre of the line;
they were supported by C.S.M. Argent.
A fitting background was provided by the flags of the Empire, carried by
cadets of St. Alban's School O.T.C., under Capt. B. Astley. Most of the other
units also attending the League of Empire parade arrived in time to line the court
yard, and witnessed the presentation.
PhotoTopical Press Arency
CONSECRATION OF COLOURS BY RF.V. G. H. WOOLLEY, V.C., M.C.
On the Right, Lord and Lady Plumer.
On the arrival of Lord and Lady Plumer, the Rev. G. H. Woolley, V.C., M.C.,
who was the first Territorial officer to gain the Victoria Cross in the Great War,
consecrated the Colours in a few appropriate words. The Colour-bearer then
knelt to receive the Flag from the hands of Lady Plumer.
After the presentation, Field-Marshal Lord Plumer, addressing the parade,
said that he would confine his remarks to the subject of the Colours they had just
had presented to them. He felt sure that everyone present on parade would join with
him in expressing his thanks to Sir Charles Wakefield for so generously giving
this beautiful Flag. They would always feel very proud indeed to possess it, for
it would be for them a symbol and a reminder of that magnificent defence of Ypres
carried on by British soldiers under the most terrible conditions and at tremendous
