The Ypres Times.
45
In 1921, all the debris having been cleared away and the shell-holes and most of
the dug-outs filled in, the builders' work was resumed. By March, nearly all the traces of
the war had disappeared, and workmen were busy in nearly every street. Much work
was got through this last Summer, many houses were built, and the people are coming
back.
The archway over the Yperleewhich little river formerly ran under the houses
was partly destroyed by shells they have now stemmed the stream and diverted its
course so that it now runs under the streets, which is a great improvement.
Before, all the water came from the lake at Dickebusch, but now pipes have been
laid down throughout the town and we hope to have the water again next year. In the
meantime, the Royal High Commissionèr sees to it that every street in Ypres is supplied
with water carried by lorries. The gas comes all along the Menin road, so well known
to English soldiers, as we have no gas works yet.
In the course of next year, St. Peter's Church will be covered with a roof. It was
here that, in 1915, seven British soldiers were buried under the bells which were blown
down by shell-fire. Next Summer, too, the central portion of the Cathedral is going to
be repaired. The Cloth Hall, now cleared of debristhey have collected all the old stones
which could be used again, and gradually its parts are being built up day by day it rises
higher, and grows more like its former self. This noble edifice was a cherished inheritance
from our forefathers, a link with the past of which every Yprois may indeed be proud
The Notre Dame Hospital which English people have done so much for, and which
was in the Grande Place before the war, is still in wooden barracks, but it will be transferred
to the men's asylum near the Thourout Gate. The women's asylum on the Vlamitinghe
Road and the Hospice Ste. Godelieve for aged women are almost rebuilt, and work is
proceeding rapidly at the Hospice Belle.
And now there are over 9,000 people living here, just half of the pre-war population
some day, perhaps, Ypres will be greater and fairer than ever before.
With my best wishes for a Happy New Year to our readers and the Members of
the League, I remain, Yours sincerely,
Sister Marguerite.
The Editor,
Ypres Times.
Dear Sir,
I have just read the query in No. 1, Vol. 1
of the Ypres Times from A.L.O., London, and
think that I can supply you with the information
you desire.
I served with the 1st Bn. The Royal Dublin
Fusiliers, 29th Division, and was wounded at
Passchendaele.
My Unit went over in the first battle of
Passchendaele, 4th October, 1917.
In my Company there was an officer who was
blown up, and very severely wounded by a shell
after he had been lying for some considerable time
in a shell-hole, two German soldiers found him.
Seeing at once the seriousness of his position,
they set about doctoring him as well as they
could, and continued doing so, under a deadly
fire, at very great risk to themselves, until some
of our own stretcher-bearers found them, and
carried the officer into safety.
The two Germans undoubtedly saved his life.
I was not a witness of the incident, as I was
lying in a shell-hole myself very seriously wounded,
and, funnily enough, had a very similar experience.
I met the officer in question, however, some time
later in England, and he gave me all the par
ticulars.
A report of the incident was given in the columns
of The Times under date of 17th October, 1917.
The officer's name was 2nd-Lieut. E. A. Seale.
I am afraid I cannot tell you his present where
abouts, however, as he held a temporary com
mission and was demobilized somewhere about
August, 1919.
Hoping that this is the information which you
required.
Yours faithfully,
H. Victor Hastings,
Lieut, (retired),
The Royal Dublin Fusiliers.
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.
P. B.You ask us what we do and what we are
like. Read this number and see. Further
particulars from the Secretary.
Morecambe.Exactly
Noel C.Thank you. An excellent idea. We
hope to act upon it in our next issue. This
time it was crowded out.
N.B.To others We relish suggestions. Send
us some.
