The St Martin's Banner in Westminster Abbey



In April 1921 the Dean and Chapter of Westminster Abbey accepted an offer from the Governing Body of the Church Lads' Brigade to present a Banner to commemorate all Brigade members killed in action.

On 9 November 1921 the dedication and presentation of the Banner took place. There were between 2,000 and 3,000 Officers, Warrant Officers, NCO's, Lads, past members, parents, veterans of Loos, High Wood, Neuve Eglise, Salonika and Gallipoli present in the Abbey for the Dedication of the Banner.

The Governor and Commandant, Field Marshal Lord Grenfell presented the banner to the Dean at the high altar who then said: "In the faith of Jesus Christ we dedicate this Banner to the glory of God and in memory of those members of the Church Lads' Brigade who gave their lives for their King and Country in the Great War. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost - Amen." In total silence the Banner escort presented arms and the Brigade Prayer resounded throughout the Abbey. After an address by the Dean, The Rt Rev Herbert Ryle, the Banner was carried in procession round the Abbey.

The Banner was designed by the Rev Edward Dorling and depicts St Martin of Tours parting his cloak to give to the beggar. It bears the legend 'I am become the soldier of Christ'.

A fuller report of the Dedication Service and description of the Banner in PDF format is contained in St Martin's Banner in Westminster Abbey



St Martin's Banner in Westminster Abbey