Page 460 - Reading Mercury

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Sat 31 May
The captured gun presented to the town arrived on Tuesday. It is a 120mm German
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howitzer and presents a very battered appearance. The gun was captured by the 12
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Division on the 27 July 1917 and claimed by the 5 Royal Berks. Regiment.
Tithe Barn is the residence of Col. Leslie Wilson GMG DSO MP.

Sat 7th June
The Borough Surveyor reported that a 120 mm howitzer had been received from the
War Department and was temporarily stored in the Town Hall yard. The question of
the provision of a site was deferred for further consideration.

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Sat 26 July
Armistice Celebrations
On Saturday, Wokingham duly celebrated the peace. The proceedings commenced
at 7 a.m., when peals were rung on the church bells. At 10 a.m. the town band
commenced to play in the Market Place. The officers and men who had been invited
to send in their names and had received a card of invitation from the Mayor,
assembled in Rectory Road and at 11.30 commenced a triumphal march through the
principal streets of the town under command of Admiral J.B. Eustace, assisted by
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Colour-Sergeant H. Harvey, 4 Royal Berks. Retired, the only man who wore the old
red volunteer uniform, and acted as chief marshal. Headed by the Wokingham
Military Band the procession proceeded through Broad Street, which had been
extensively decorated, the trees and lamp posts being bedecked with national colours,
evergreens etc. A large wreath in the centre of the street, “Our bold and brave heroes,
1914-18,” was saluted by the column.
A triumphal arch had been erected by the corporation from the London and County
Bank to Mr. T.M. Welch’s premises, bearing the words “We thank you.” Rose Street
was also very gaily hung with flags and streamers, with the motto “Welcome Home”
suspended across the street. As the procession emerged from Rose Street against All
Saints’ Church the bells rung a peal of welcome. Marching up Peach Street, the
procession entered the Market Place through an arch similar to that in Broad Street,
but bearing the words “Well done boys.” The Church Lads’ Brigade bugle band were
in the centre of the procession and took turns with the military band in providing
music.
The wounded and disabled who were accommodated in two wagons immediately
behind the leading band everywhere most heartily greeted.
Upon a draped and coloured dais in the Market Place, facing Denmark Street stood
the Mayor in his robes attended by the Town Clerk, the mace bearer (Sergeant
Sparkes), the town crier (Mr. J. Taylor) and the four honorary constables. There were
also upon the platform the Mayoress, the Rev. B. Long, the Rev. H. M. Walter, the
Rev. A.P. Carr and Rev. J. Conolly, Aldermen Hughes and Sale. Councillors
Hammond, Martin, Blake, Whaley, Priest, Brant, Bodle and Headington. Mr. C.W.
Marks (surveyor), Colonel Walker, Mayor Hanbury O.B.E., Mrs. Murdoch, Mr and
Mrs. W. Howard Palmer, Mrs. H. Walter, Mrs. Eustace, Mrs. Hanbury, Miss
Hanbury, Mrs. T.W. Heelas, Miss Sturges, Miss Gregorie, Mr. A Rasey and Mr.
William Palmer.
The cadet band KRR sounded the Royal salute. The Mayor (Alderman Mylne)
announced that he had received from H.M. the King, a message to all magistrates and
lord lieutenants of counties. The National Anthem was then sung, led by the band, Mr.
Yould conducting.

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