The Ypres Times.
181
faded little drawing-room and shook hands with the correspondents in turn as they were
introduced by I,ieut.-Col. Stuart. He then said (and I repeat his statement word for
word)
Well, gentlemen, I am glad to"see you. I have had great trouble getting you here.
Some of the most glorious deeds in the history of the British army have been performed
by our men, and the nation knows nothing of them. General Plumer (of the Second
Army) will receive you at Cassel, and pass you down to divisional generals, brigades and
battalions, in order that you may collect the fullest possible information. I want you to
see what is happening. I am sure I can rely upon you not to say or to write anything
that is indiscreet. Good morning."
We were passed down the Army before Ypres, and the first clear, detailed narrative
of the fighting on the Western Front was contained in our despatches dealing with the
German attack that had just failed.
That was the beginning of real war correspondence in the Great War. We had
minor troubles and vexatious obstructions to contend with later in the year, before the
traditional hostility of the regular soldier to the Press was finally overcome, but over
come it was, and to Sir John belongs much of the credit for putting the Nation's Eye
Witnesses on a recognised footing.
None of us ever forgot his friendly words and his faith in our discretion. And
I may venture to add, none of us, even unwittingly, ever betrayed that faith.
The above photograph, reproduced by kind permission'of the Central Press Photos, Limited, shows
representatives of the League, headed by members of the Executive Committee (in uniform) walking
•immediately behind the King's Indian Orderly Officers.
