Ceremony will mark historic Armistice Day
- 00:01:43
- ITN
Ceremony will mark historic Armistice Day
A poignant memorial service will take place at Westminster Abbey later to mark the passing of the First World War generation. The last three remaining First World War veterans living in the UK - William Stone, Henry Allingham and Harry Patch - all died this year. A Union Flag used to cover the bodies of the fallen during the conflict will hang in the Abbey. The "Padre's flag", as it is sometimes known, was flown daily on the Western Front and draped over makeshift altars at countless religious services including one before the Battle of the Somme, when the altar was a upturned bucket. It was also used by Army chaplain Reverend David Railton to cover hundreds of those killed in action before their burial in shallow graves. Relatives of some of those who served in the war will give readings. Anne Davidson, the daughter of Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer William Stone who fought in both World Wars but died in January aged 108, will deliver a passage from the Bible. Andrew Orr Ewing, whose great-great grandfather Captain David Orr Ewing fought in the Battle of Jutland in 1916 and whose father Lieutenant Colonel David Orr Ewing is currently serving in Afghanistan in the Black Watch, will also give a reading. The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams will give the address.
ITN | November 11, 2009
