Comments (2)

1. johngleeson says

   13th February 2014

   RALLY FOR WAR LOAN AT TRAFALGAR SQUARE 1917.
   
   The 'Guards' shown in this short clip are from two Foot Guards' regiments. The first ones seen (just the tops of their bearskin caps) are from the band of the Welsh Guards. Since the Welsh Guards had only been formed in 1915, this clip is one of the earliest to show its band (even if you can't see the majority of it).
   The band shown face-on listening to the Lord Mayor are from the Coldstream Guards. They are identified by their ribbed band tunics...with the buttons in twos. Just to the right of the picture (only half shown) is the Coldstream Director of Music (Major John Mackenzie-Rogan). It seems that more than one Guards' band was on this particular event, and as Mackenzie-Rogan was the senior D.o.M. he would have conducted them.
   
   J.G.

2. johngleeson says

   28th February 2014

   RALLY FOR WAR LOAN AT TRAFALGAR SQUARE 1917.
   
   Found this article in the 'Manchester Evening News' of Thursday 15th February 1917:
   
   GREAT DEMONSTRATION IN LONDON.
   
   There was a huge War Loan demonstration in Trafalgar Square, London, at one o'clock to-day, after a procession of municipal dignitaries from the Mansion House, headed by the band of the Welsh Guards. In the Square massed choirs, assisted by many professional singers, and accompanied by the bands of the Coldstream and Welsh Guards, led the singing of "O God Our Help in Ages Past."
   
   The article went on to state that speeches were made by the Lord Mayor of London and Mr. Massey, Prime Minister of New Zealand. This find confirms the above post, and the exact date of the film: 1pm, Thursday 15th February 1917.
   
   J.G.