YPRES DAY, 1923.
40
The Ypres Times.
We keep Ypres Day for thanksgiving and for remembrance, and in two short and
impressive ceremonies the League kept tryst with the Dead in 1923.
In Westminster Abbey we gathered to thank God for the sacrifice and inspiration
of over 200,000 Britons killed in the Salient." At the west end of the Nave a barrier
kept the crowd back, and the representatives of the Ypres League passed through led by
General Sir George Milne and Canon Storr next General Cunliffe Owen carrying the
wreath, and Colonel Maton (Belgian Military Attaché). We stood at the grave of the
Unknown Warrior and Canon Storr spoke for us.
We thank our God upon even- remembrance of you." From the Abbey we went
straight to the Cenotaph. Here again a way was cleared. Members of the League
ranked on the pavement. The Cenotaph was heaped round with flowers sent from all
parts of England for Ypres Day. In the wide open space two V.C.'s, Sergeant Brooks
(Coldstream Guards) and Corporal Issy Smith (Manchester Regiment), and two widows,
Mrs. Massie and Mrs. Nevill, supported the wreathsdeep blue and white lilies of the
League, beautiful flowers and a riband of their colours from the Belgian Army.
General Milne stepped forward, and laid our wreaththen Colonel Maton placed the
Belgian tribute.
