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The Ypres Times.
composed of the ancient burgher families and the property owners also a few of the
old nobility occupying hereditary mansions at Ypres and historical chateaux in the
country. This was a typical provincial town. The residents led a quiet, homely exist
ence but it was evident that day by day she was losing that activity and culture for
which she was famous in bygone days. Her gems of architecture were her chief boast
with a jealous eye she watched over the preservation of these relics of centuries.
Of late years a fresh impetus had been given to market enterprise. The cultivation
of hops, chicory, beetroot and tobacco, the raising of cereals and fruit crops, had made
this district one of the chief agricultural centres of the country. The butter market of
Ypres was one of the most important in Belgium.
The world-war broke out, and very soon the martyrdom of Ypres began But if
the city is dead, its ruins are still there They bear witness to the sacrilege They
evoke the phantom of modern war, they show the destructive power óf modern warfare.
Photographs are the only record for future generations.
It was but yesterday, the Cloth Hall and the church of St. Martin stood out as emblems
of the ancient glory of Flanders. To-day, their ruins are a witness to the desperate and
unconquerable resistance of our brave soldiers and our valiant allies. To us, their grandiose
and tragic beauty will ever be sacred
(Extract from a proposed publication by V. de Deyne, late Professor of the Council School at Ypres.
Published by authorisation of R. de Deyne, dated 25/1/22.)
ENQUIRIES FROM CORRESPONDENTS.
Anyone being able to answer any of these enquiries
is asked to communicate direct with the enquirer.
Sir,i wonder if the Ypres Times could
assist me in gaining information that I've wanted
for a long time.
It is thisOn the night of the 8th or 9th
October, 1916, on the Somme, near Goudecourt,
my divisionthe 6th-relieved I think, the 55th
Division, and my battalion11th Essexa
Battalion of the King's Liverpools.
On the night of the 10th, I was able to assist
a wounded comrade in from between the lines,
and in so doing, I received my blighty."
I have ever since wondered if that man came
through alright, as I believe he was very badly hit.
If anyone of that Division in the King's Liver
pool Regt. could remember the incident they may
possibly be able to enlighten me as to that man's
whereabouts.Faithfully yours,
Harry Moss,
Late Sergt. Essex Regt.
The Mount Farm,
Farnham Royal, Bucks.
Sir,Will anyone who knew the Convent St.
Charles Chaussée de Zounebeke, St. Jean, used as
a hospital by the French in October, 1914, com
municate with Mrs. Pumphrey, Hindley Hall,
Stocksfield-on-Tyne
I remain, dear Sir,
Stocksfield-on-Tyne. F. Pumphrey.
Sir,I wish to get into touch with other officers
of the same Battery as that in which our son.
Second Lieut. J. Kenneth Mathenson served.
Some particulars follow
The only information with regard to himself is
that he was in Special Reserve Officers and when
at Retford, previous to going to the Front for the
second time, his address was
R.A. Mess,
6th B. Reserve Brigade, R.F.A.,
He was commissioned May 26th, 1917; B.E.F.,
Flanders. August, 1917 Wounded, Flanders,
September, 1917 B.E.F., Flanders, April, 1918,
under General Plumer, 2nd Army, killed in
action, 14th September, 1918, in a dug-out at
Salvation Corner, less than half-a-mile from Ypres
on the Brielers Road, when Battery in action on
Banks of Canal. Buried at Hagel Dump British
Cemetery, Plot 6, Row A, No. 1, and beside him
Lieut, (or Capt., I am not quite sure) Brown, who
was killed at the same time and place.
His officers were as follows Major Herbert
Sommerville Smith, M.C., R.F.A. Lieut. D. R.
McNeil, R.F.A. 2nd Lieut. H. Mann, R.F.A.
2nd Lieut. A. A. Ackerman, R.F.A. 2nd Lieut.
D. D. Brampton, R.F.A. his Batman No. 183062,
Gunner C. Ballard. This list, I believe, our son
sent us in June, 1918, and we have a letter from
Lieut. S. E. Adams, informing us of our loss,
September, 1918. I think Lieut. Adams was
Captain later.
I should add that the Chaplain at the burial was
Rev. Michelsen, C.F., to whom Mr. Mathenson
wrote, but letter was returned. Major Smith we
had hoped to have met, and he wrote accordingly,
but something seeips to have come in the way.
I am, Yours truly,
Ellen S. Mathenson.
Hendra,
Comely Park, Dunfermline
