From the collection of
London’s Screen Archives is a network of over 50 organisations with a collective vision – to preserve and share London’s history on film. The network is managed by Film London and we work with our partners to digitise, preserve, and offer access to their moving image collections.
Top-hatted dignitaries turn out in force for this service held to honour Wanstead locals serving in the armed forces.
A cadet or scout band march past followed by the Lord Mayor of London, the Bishop of Chelmsford and other top hatted gents who shakes hands. They are followed by a parade of soldiers, firemen and nurses at this outdoor ceremony, held to honour Wanstead men and women's contribution to the war effort.
These poignant films return us to a time when the war was still fresh.
The First World War came to an end at 11am on 11 November 1918 - the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month - a day that was immediately commemorated as Armistice Day (Remembrance Sunday was an innovation of the Second World War). The annual parades and wreath laying became a staple of the newsreels, and subsequently television.
But the act of remembrance began long before the guns stopped firing. During the war, cinemas across the country regularly screened 'Roll of Honour' films, paying tribute to members of the local community who had been killed, captured or wounded in the conflict. And of course, while the war itself faded into history, filmmakers would revisit those world-shattering years for generations after.
