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[Page 27]
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On the day of my return to London, I went with Mrs. Fisher to a special service at St. Magnus in the East End. It was about to be closed because so many Chaplains were at the Front, and there were churches near that would serve the Parishioners temporarily. To mark the occasion, and "In remembrance of Foundational principles of Free Institutions and ideals for which the city of London has stood throughout the ages of British History." The Bishop of London preached and the Lord Mayor and sheriffs were present. As things transpired there was only the smallest congregation other than official representatives, for on the way our car and all traffic in the vicinity was held up to allow the motor ambulances to pass for victims of an air-raid that had taken place a few minutes earlier, and of which until then we knew nothing. We learnt later that a large number had been injured, and much property had been destroyed through taking fire. The occurrence lent great solemnity to the occasion, for the Bishop fervently prayed for the victims.
When leaving we drove under the portico, that was part of the road, where in bygone days all the traffic from London Bridge passed and in the Church itself Miles Coverdale was buried. A feature of London summer life are the exhibitions, and for me these were the more interesting for seeing represented Struton Power, Bess Norris, Hilda Rix and one of the younger Australians meeting with success in Keith Edmonds, who it will be remembered went to London, after recovering from the motor cycle accident that cost him the loss of a leg.
There was a great Press out-cry in London against the reappointment of Winston Churchill's re-admission to the Cabinet as Minister for Munitions, and with Mrs. Hamilton Earle (professionally Miss Louise Dale) I went to hear Lord Beresford and others speak in protestation at a massed meeting in the Queen's Hall, and what was characterised as the Dardanelles blunder, for which he was held responsible, was criticised in very unqualified terms.
That evening on my return was a message from Cecil to say he was again leaving for France.