Padre's Flag Westminster Abbey

The Reverend David Railton M.C. was a Army Chaplain who served on the Western Front and carried a Union Flag which he used at religious services in the Front Lines claiming that the colours brought a little relief in the battlefield. The flag was also used in military burials.
It was the Reverend Railton who suggested the concept of an 'Unknown Warrior' to the Dean of Westminster. When the King, Prime Minister and Government accepted the idea, the Union Flag used by the Reverend Railton was supposed to be used to cover the coffin once the body had been selected and remain on it for its journey to Westminster Abbey. Many years later it was revealed by the Dean of Westminster that the Padre's Flag had only been used for the procession from Victoria to the Cenotaph and onto Westminster Abbey. For many years it hung above the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior but was moved to St Georges Chapel where it now hangs.

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Source

• Text: Sharky Ward
• Photos: Anthony (Sharky) Ward