Anzac Day in London April 25th

Unfortunately the weather has taken a turn for the worse, and it dawned a really grey and dismal day.  We left around 9.15 to get to Whitehall and we came upon a huge traffic jam.  The bus driver suggested we all get off and catch the train, as the traffic was going to be that way for up to 3 hours.

The train station was just up the road, and we got off at Charring Cross at Trafalgur and walked to the Cenotaph.  The roads were closed, so perhaps that added to the morning chaos.  Entry to the area was by our tickets, and we met another couple from Brisbane who came to do the Anzac Service here as well.

The service started just prior 11.00am and it was very formal.  Wreaths were laid, hymns were sung, trumpeters played the Last Post, Australian and New Zealand anthems were sung, and then it was over.

I was able to lay my flowers in honour of our fathers, grandfathers and great uncle, all who were involved in the combat over the two world wars.

We then walked down to Westminster Abbey, stuck in between all the tourists that had come to watch.

What an experience!!!  The Abbey is so beautiful, and the details of the work involved is amazing.

Our yellow tickets allowed us to sit the front area near the tomb of the unknown warrior.  The service was again very dignified, very formal, and all sort of stage managed to allow it to be carried out to perfection.  The audio is not all that good, but when the orchestra belts our a hymn, the sound is brilliant.  The Duke of Gloucester was present.

No photos were allowed inside but I sneaked a couple just to show you what it is like.

We tried to imagine what it would be like for Rev James Sedgwick (great grandfather) when he was involved in the pomp and ceremony that is part of the traditions of the church.  I spoke to one of the curates outside.

To are very moving and different Anzac Day experience, red poppies and all, and very proud to be an Australian in London on the day that Aussies manage to bring the traffic to a standstill!

We decided to go to the Horse Guards, and on the way saw pelicans in St James's Park,

The Horse Guards was not a very big museum, but held some fascinating information.

 

The horses are beautiful, they must all have to stand at certain hands, and the soldiers also have to be 6ft tall.

It was quite cold and we stopped at a very British pub, almost next door, for another great British meal.

Then we went to St Paul's Cathedral, which we felt was insignificant after being inside Westminster Abbey, still wonderful though but entry is limited to certain areas.  Passed the Nelson Monument at Trafalgur Square, then another few buses, in rainy weather until we got back home.

After a thoroughly enjoyable and extremely busy 7 days in London, we leave tomorrow for Staplehurst, and to visit Rev James Sedgwick's grave at Royal Tunbridge Wells.