One Day of Crowded Life in the
Trenches
THE YPRES TIMES
81
urged them to cultivate unselfishness and to acquire the team spirit. Referring
to the fact that the majority were sons or daughters of employees of the War
Graves Commission, he said that he knew of no better example of duty well and
faithfully performed than the beautiful British War cemeteries, which were the
outcome of constant, devoted and unselfish toil on the part of their fathers. He
advised the elder children to make mental preparation for the careers they intended
to take up the close of their school-days.
Sir William Pulteney, after alluding to the regrettable absence of Lord Plumer,
commented upon the improvement in the appearance and conduct óf the British
children at Ypres since the establishment of the school. He claimed with justifica
tion, that the pupils were receiving an education and general equipment for success
in after-life quite equal, if not superior, to that accorded to their brothers and
sisters in Great Britain.
Colonel Higginson mentioned that the War Graves Commission had started
a school on similar lines, though not quite so ambitious in character, at Arras.
The curriculum had been modelled on that in vogue at Ypres. The proceedings
terminated with the National Anthem and three ringing cheers by the children
for Sir Charles Harington.
(Exclusive of Huns. Shells, or Bullets.)
5 p.m.Arrival in trenches. Temper normal. Half an hour spent trying to
appear interested while the outgoing officer explains to you the enormous amount
of work he has done during his time there.
5.30 p.m.Outgoing officer departs. Half an hour spent commenting with
your own officers on the utter and complete absence of any signs of work whatever
having been done since you were there last.
6 p.m.Start your own work for the night.
6.15 p.m.—Telephone operator reports he has got connection with Battalion
Headquarters. N.BLife in the trenches has now started.)
6.45 p.m.First instalment of messages handed in to you.
No. 1.You will hold respirator and smoke helmet drills frequently during
your tour. AAA. The signal for respirators to be put on will be two G's on the
bugle. AAA. Adjutant.
No. 2.Report at once if you have a fully qualified miner in your com
pany who can speak French and German. AAA. Age not under 18 years.
Adjutant.
No. 3.All respirators will be immediately withdrawn. AAA. The signal
for putting them on will be two blasts of the whistle, and not as per the last part
of my message 1 of this date. Adjutant.
No. 4.A French aeroplane with slightly curved wings giving it the appearance
of a German one is known to be in your vicinity. AAA. Use your discretion
in accordance with Anti-Aircraft Regulations, para. 1, Section 5. Adjutant.