From GDP/27 DDB
DB (1903-1987) was curate at Saffron Walden, Essex, when this entry was made in his diary. Here, he describes the service held marking the tenth anniversary of the armistice at the end of the First World War.
15 November 1928
Armistice Day seems to be as popular as ever. It was rather wet here but kept fine for the morning ceremony. There was the usual open air service at the Cenotaph, which this year was broadcast. Most of churches by request of the Abp.[Archbishop of Canterbury] (who resigned the foll. day) amended their times to allow for the obs. of the two minutes’ silence. They were given a very broad latitude. Here at Walden there was a united open air service at the war mem. at 10:45, when Mr. Jackson, minister of the High Street Baptist Church, gave the address, & Foggerty gave the blessing. The mayor & Corp. attended. The Corp. then came down to church (mattins having been postponed to 11:30) & arrived at 11:20. Ten minutes were prac. taken in getting the huge [illegible] (Mayor, Corp., [illegible], Scouts, Girl Guides, Brit. Legion, Fire Brigade, &c.) into the middle pace (which was reserved). All [illegible]. At that point L[ord’s] P[rayer] omitted. Psalm 46 only. No Bened. [illegible] special prayers. The vicar preached the best sermon I have heard him give yet: “a threefold cord is not quickly broken”, = Remembrance, Thanksgiving, & Hope. He spoke chiefly on the last, & recommended – fixture of limit of armed forces at their present strength, estimated to be reduced 5% annually, life of battleships to be lengthened. He said nothing of his letter in the magazine – which has been [illegible] criticised & was mentioned in the London papers. [Illegible sentence]. At the close of the service Last Post & Reveille (which sounded well in the church), and Nat. Anthem – the last verse – loud (with clap.) & full [illegible]. £15 odd collection & fearfully heavy. The Mayor gave an address in the market place.