STRATHCONA'S HORSE AND THE KING'S SPEECH
KING AND QUEEN ACKNOWLEDGE THE SALUTES OF
CANADA'S ROUGH RIDERS
Star Correspondent, London
London, February 14th, 1901
“Though the Strathcona's Horse only landed this morning they occupied places within 200 yards of Buckingham Palace, the roof and precincts of which were crowded with spectators.
Among the troops lining the Royal Rout to the Houses of Parliament, the Strathconas, clad in dark overcoats with grey cowboy hats and carrying rifles, looked business like and bronzed.
“They were in striking contrast to the gorgeously uniformed Guards.”
CHEERED THE STRATHCONAS
“The heroes of the crowd were members of the Strathcona's Horse, who came in several four-horse brakes, carrying their carbines and wearing informal, slouch hats and khaki overcoats. They alighted in front of the palace and marched down the line to a position a short distance from the palace, where they were drawn up while the procession passed. The King saluted them most cordially and the people cheered them repeatedly.”
RECOGNIZED BY THE KING
“When passing them both the King and Queen, who were raised well above the heads of the crowd in the golden state carriage drawn by six cream coloured horses, and caparisoned in purple, were seen to half turn in their direction. The King and Queen bowed several times.
“Soon after the procession passed the Strathconas marched to the barracks.”
A MEDAL PRESENTED TO EACH OF THE
OFFICERS AND MEN
Star Correspondent, London
London, February 15th, 1901
“King Edward accompanied by Queen Alexandra, this morning inspected at Buckingham Palace 350 officers and men of Strathcona's Horse. His Majesty presented the regiment with the King's Colour and gave medals to the men. A detachment of Guards held the lawn of the West Terrace and the Canadians were drawn up in front of the terrace. The company present included Lord Roberts in full uniform; General Buller, the Duke of Connaught, Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, the Secretary of State for the Colonies; Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal who organized Strathcona's Horse, and many army and court officers. The Royal Standard was hoisted over the palace as the King, wearing a Field Marshal's uniform, and the Queen in deep mourning, appeared on the terrace, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, Prince Charles of Denmark and the Duke of Cambridge.
“His Majesty shook hands with Lord Roberts and General Buller, and the band of the Coldstream Guards played 'God Save The King.'
COLONEL STEELE PRESENTED
“Colonel Samuel B. Steele, of Strathcona's Horse, was presented to King Edward who proceeded to inspect the regiment.
Returning to the terrace, the King handed a medal to Colonel Steele. Then the officers and men filed past a table, the King presenting each of them with a medal.
The King's Colour was brought by an escort of Grenadier Guards to the foot of the steps, and His Majesty presented it to the Canadian cavalrymen, saying it had been the intention of his mother to present it to the regiment, and that he now did it in her name, and his own.
The colour was borne yo the regiment, the band playing, 'God Save The King.'”
THE KING'S SPEECH
“Afterwards the Canadians marched past, and the King, accompanied by Lord Strathcona, advanced and addressed the troopers as follows : --
“Colonel Steele, Officers Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates,
I welcome you here to our shores on your return from active service in South Africa. I know it would have been the ardent wish of my beloved mother, our revered Queen, to welcome you. Alas that was not to be. But be assured she deeply appreciated the service you have rendered, as I do. I feel sure that in entrusting the King's colour to you, Colonel Steele, and those under you, you will always defend it and do your duty as you have done during the past year in South Africa, and will do so on all future occasions. I am glad Lord Strathcona is here to-day, as it is owing to him that this magnificent force was equipped and sent out. I can only hope your short sojourn in England will be agreeable and that you will return safely to your homes, friends and relations. Be assured that neither I nor the British nation will ever forget the valuable services you have rendered in South Africa.”
COLONEL STEELE'S REPLY
“Colonel Steele, thanking the King on behalf of the regiment assured him that the people of Canada would always do as well as Strathcona's Horse, if not better, and added that they were 'always ready to defend the flag, the King and the rights of the British Empire.'
“After three cheers for the King, the officers were presented to His Majesty, who shook hands with and thanked each of them.”
Mike
