The Ypres Times.
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out the direction from which the Germans made their first gas attack and where the line
held by the French gave way. For 48 hours a large gap in the line was created through
which the Germans might have reached the channel ports had they been aware of the
success they had achieved. The flanks on either side stood firm, one flank held by the
Canadians and the Belgians, the other flank held by the British. Eventually an Army
Corps occupied the gap and the fine was restored.
Back again to Ypres, and passing through the Menin Gate and the ancient walls
of the town built in the 10th century we found ourselves in the restored city. How strange
is a town entirely modern. No picturesque old houses and no slumsWe marched through
the town and had a cursory view of what was left of the old Cloth Hall. No time was
allowed for enriching ourselves with relics and souvenirs, or even visiting the fair, as the
trains were waiting to convey us to Dixmude. In spite of the delay caused by an engine
COLONEL, L. AERTZ EXPLAINING THE BELGIAN POSITION AT DIXMUDE.
derailing itself we had an hour in which to explore the town and its cafes before entraining
again for Brussels. Some of us elected to accompany the liaison officers to the Yser Canal
which precarious and vulnerable position was tenaciously held by the Belgians, who estab
lished a barrier through which the opposing hosts could never pass. From this point also
could be seen the spot where the sluices were opened, the country flooded and the advance
of the enemy permanently checked.
Barracks were reached by 9 p.m., after a day of absorbing interest.
The following day our programme was completed by the never-to-be-forgotten
inspection of the Brigade by His Majesty King Albert, followed by a parade and an act of
homage at the grave of the Unknown Warrior.
