THE BOARD

The Board sits one sunny afternoon in June. A "wood-be" Jenny Wren enters to be interrogated on many points. One query in particular remains in mind: "Why do you want to join the "'Wrens'?" This suggests that "we don't want you unless your reasons are very, very good." Now, "would-be Jenny," what answer will you make?

Many possible ones flit through your brain, no doubt, but - be sure and fasten on the right one or your vision may never be realised. Possibly you will say: "To do something definitely connected with the war." That may satisfy the questioners, but let us look in retrospect to see how the vision grew, what really made you want to help. By the dreamy look in your eye you hint to us of some incident that made an impression and stirred a voice which would not be silenced. Come, Jenny, tell us what it was?

And slowly Jenny gave answer: "On an autumn afternoon two years ago, strolling through an old cathedral, notice a little group of men. What have they been doing, and what is this? A mast in a cathedral! Surely something unusual here. We must enquire.

Now we noticed that there is a tight little bundle at the mast-head - the Union Jack waiting to be broken. We learn that there is to be a ceremony on the morrow (Sunday), and not till then shall we see it flutter out, but at least we can hear where it comes from. This is what they tell us; `You've heard of Jack Cornwall and his gallant deeds, and you know his ship was H.M.S. Chester. Well, we've brought her flag the one that flew throughout the Battle of Jutland, to be held in safe keeping here in this old church, and if you want to see and hear an incident worth remembering, come to-morrow morning.'

"We go. It is an impressive spectacle - civic authorities, naval representatives and military, together for a church parade - they come trooping in to the strains of the National Anthem rolling forth from the great organ, and all take their places. Service of praise and thanksgiving for victory and noble deeds done follows, and in the middle, a pause.

From choir stall steps forth an erect, white-headed dignitary, from the nave the mayor of the ancient city, and beside him the Admiral of a neighbouring port. The three meet beneath the mast. One tells why the flag is brought; another pulls the halyards; the third accepts the charge, and promises that it hang there for all time in safety.

Presently the vast congregation joins in the National Anthem, both Services and civilians acknowledging common needs and sorrows, and common cause for thankfulness. It is a moment of soul stirring; it is an uplift; these scenes make one want to do things, and maybe to be a Jenny Wren is a tiny link in the great and wonderful whole.

"The flag hangs there always a reminder of duty done, calling for more to be up and doing. Some pass by and see it not; still for those who see it has an appeal which cannot be refused."

But one couldn't tell all this to the Board!

C. E. K. D., War Registry, Admiralty