This is Thursday 27th May 1915 and a march of Italians and other nationalities passes through Waterloo Place celebrating Italy’s entrance into the war on the side of the Triple Alliance. On 26th April that year Italy had signed the then secret Treaty of London which promised Italy the Austrian territories of the Tyrol, Istria and Dalmatia if Italy would join the fight against Germany and Austria. Here is how the Times newspaper reported the event.

THE NEW ALLY. ITALIAN DEMONSTRATION IN LONDON. ENTHUSIASTIC SCENES.

The Italian colony in London made a great demonstration yesterday in the West-end of London in support of the war, culminating in scenes of exuberant animation at the Italian Embassy in Grosvenor-square. British admirers of Italy took part in the demonstration, while immense crowds in the streets enthusiastically cheered the procession. The weather was perfect, with a sky worthy of Italy. In honour of the occasion the Italian tricolour was flown from many public buildings in the West-end. The procession assembled near Cleopatra’s Needle on the Embankment at 3 O'clock an astonishingly numerous muster, gay with flags and banners and enlivened by military bands. Conspicuous figures were a band of veterans of the Garibaldian Legion in their famous red shirts. Among the flags were those of Trento, Trieste, Istria, Fiume, and Dalmatia, this being the first occasion on which the five "Irredenta" flags have been borne in an Anglo-Italian procession. A striking emblem, that appeals to the high patriotic instincts of all Italians, was the historic banner showing in the centre the white cross of Savoy. The London Czechs, in their national costume, displayed a scroll with the words "The London Czechs greet Italy and her Allies. Down with Austria". The procession was made up of all classes - rich and poor - and of all ages - white-clad school children as well as the Garibaldian veterans. Among the latter was Mr. Edward Albert Hastings, now 73 years of age, who served in the campaign of 1860, and whose breast was covered with medals, and an Italian named Frosini, who has spent 40 years in England. The Chambers of Commerce were well represented and there were also contingents from Italian banks, hospitals, industrial, educational, and benevolent institutions. The crowd on the Embankment was so dense that it interfered not only with the carriage traffic but somewhat impeded the procession, protected though it was by a strong force of police, mounted and unmounted. To the music of the Italian National Anthem and the British and French national airs, they marched by way of Trafalgar-square, Pall-mall, Waterloo place, Regent street, and Oxford street to Grosvenor square. All along the route people lined the streets, and overflowed into the carriageway. Looking up Waterloo place from the Athenaeum the whole breadth of the road seemed a solid mass of heads over which the banners waved gaily. The onlookers raised hats and waved handkerchiefs and cheered, and the Italians on their part became more and more ebullient in spirits, with delight over the fraternal interest which their demonstration had called forth. It was a quarter past 4 O’clock when the Italians reached the square, and were marshalled around in front of the Embassy. Just before this Queen Alexandra drove past, and, being promptly recognized, bowed in acknowledgment. Over the entrance to the Embassy were displayed the Italian and British colours, and all the windows were filled with people. In the centre of the balcony stood bareheaded the Italian Ambassador, his Excellency the Marchese Imperiali de Franca Villa, and the Marchesa, together the staff of the Embassy and the Italian Consul, the Marchese Faà di Bruno, and among others present were Lord Blyth, the Contessa Greppi, Adele Countess Cadogan, and Cora Countess of Strafford.

ITALIAN AMBASSADOR’S SPEECH.

The Italian Ambassador, addressing the assembly in Italian, said :- To you, brothers of Italy, who today have assembled in such numbers before this house of Italy, I tender with emotion the greetings of our country. This imposing manifestation of your sentiments fills my heart with profound and sweet emotion, but it does not surprise me. Not in vain was scattered among the Italians resident in this metropolis by Mazzini and Garibaldi the beneficent seed of intense and enlightened patriotism. When four years ago we assembled together to commemorate the Jubilee of our national unity, no one of us was able to foresee that from the tower of the capital and from the Palazzo Vecchio were about to sound forth the peals of historic bells announcing to the Italian people that the hour has struck for the completion of Italian unity and the fulfilment of the destinies of our country. Our desires and hopes, which seemed afar off, have, now entered the field of actual realization, and now, as if by magic, all divergencies are merged, the political contests of normal times are forgotten, and one faith, one hope, and one love today binds together without distinction all Italians. Not seduced by blandishments, not intimidated by threats, but with a concord of hearts, with tenacity of purpose and with a full and entire faith in the abilities of the Army and Navy of Italy, the Italian people, fearless and confident, have nobly replied to the generous appeal of its King (Cheers). We send today to his Majesty the King together with our homage, the fervent wish for that victory which, after having accomplished the redemption of our brethren eager to see themselves reunited to the great and ancient Empire, will permit us to contribute efficaciously to the triumph of the sacred ideals of justice, liberty, and civilization, thus ensuring to Europe a period of fruitful and lasting peace. Sir Albert Spicer, M.P. and Mr. Hudson, M.P., speaking in the name of English Labour and Democracy paid a hearty and sincere appreciation to Italy‘s action in joining us as an Ally. The Italian Ambassador, in reply. said that for many a generation our two countries had been bound by a constant and cordial friendship. Our Sovereigns, our Governments, and our peoples had been friends, and this friendship had ripened on this momentous occasion into a more intimate relationship. He wished, above all, for a. long era of liberty and peace and to see Europe reorganized on the basis of respect for the highest principles of nationality "For the triumph of these lofty ideals shared by the Government and people of this great country, in close association and solidarity with them, we will fight with all our force. May the Almighty God bless our common efforts, as well as those of the other gallant nations associated with us, and enable us to bring this terrible war to a speedy and victorious end. I am sure you will join me in paying hearty homage, respect, and admiration to your august Sovereign, his Majesty the King Emperor, and to the noble Army and Navy of Great Britain and her Dominions of whose valour and gallantry no higher word of praise can be said than that they have proved equal to their glorious traditions.” (Cheers.) The following telegram was sent to King George :- “ The Italians in London, rejoicing that the traditional friendship between England and Italy has today been consecrated by brotherhood in arms in the cause of freedom and humanity, beg to assure your Majesty of their loyal sentiments." A telegram of sincere homage was also sent by the Italian colony in London to King Victor Emmanuel II.