It was finally decided to go to the Square as arranged, and, if challenged by the police, to protest formally against the illegal interference, then to break up the processions and leave the members to find their own way to the Square.

It was also decided to go Sunday after Sunday to the Square, until the right of public meetings was vindicated.
The procession I was in started from Clerkenwell Green, and walked with its banner in front, and the chosen speakers, including myself, immediately behind the flag.

As we were moving slowly and quietly along one of the narrow streets debouching on Trafalgar Square, wondering whether we should be challenged, there was a sudden charge, and without a word the police were upon us with uplifted truncheons; the banner was struck down, and men and women were falling under a hail of blows.

There was no attempt at resistance, the people were too much astounded at the unprepared attack.

They scattered, leaving some of their number on the ground too much injured to move, and then made their way in twos and threes to the Square.