THE YPRES TIMES
99
The senior Field-Marshal, the Duke of Connaught, representing the King,
is seen behind the coffin.
A group of old Chelsea Pensioners who had served under Lord Plumer add
colour with their scarlet to the magnificent scene such as we do not often face
the like of.
The procession passes into the Sanctuary; for a little time the coffin rests
there, and then it is taken to the Warrior's Chapel, followed by members of the
late Lord Plumer's family.
The coffin is committed to the ground, and the clergy return to the choir. A
hymn is sung and then the Dean, an old friend of Lord Plumer, asked for prayer.
[Reproduced, by kind permission of The Times
LORD PLUMER'S COFFIN BEING BORNE INTO WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
Let us pray in silence," he said, and give thanks for the life and example of
one who worshipped regularly in this church, and throughout a long life did
justly, loved mercy, and walked humbly before his God."
The Archbishop of Canterbury delivers the Blessing, and then throughout that
stately Abbey the notes of the Last Post ring out. The soldiers present had
heard the Last Post sounded in every clime, but surely never with so tremendous
and portentous an effect. The august plumes of Fame seem to rustle in the
air, and on the inner ear steals the noise of great namesYPRES; THE
SOMME! PASSCHENDAELEMESSINES! MAFEKING!