PILGRIMAGES TO YPRES.
THE BUGLE CALLED.
12
The Vpres Times.
This act of homage was followed by the singing of the National Anthem, the whole
great assembly joining in, standing bareheaded and at the salute, and the deep toned
volume of sound which rolled out seemed to drive home the message
And some of us may ponder We citizens who soldiered
On things we learned out there. When foes were at the gate,
Our country's call still sounds for all If so we will, may soldier still
If only we will hear. And still may serve the State."
Then came a seemingly endless stream, headed by war-blinded men from St.
Dunstan's, of representative bodies bearing wreaths from all branches of the Regiment,
Regular, Territorial, New Army, representing not only units still in being but many
that had been disbanded. Old Comrades' Associations, widows, orphans, parents, and
relatives. So great was their number that the procession past the monument lasted
throughout the afternoon and when darkness fell men and women were still paying
homage to the Royal Artillery's gallant, dead. And so again the following day and for
several days afterfrom the earliest hour of the morning crowds thronged round the
Memorial. Every 'bus that passed Hyde Park Corner deposited pilgrims. Police
regulated the traffic, and in connection with this it is noteworthy that every ex-gunner
serving in the Metropolitan Police volunteered to a man to help in this work in addition
to his other duties.
And now the Memorial stands as a shrine to the memory of those brave men who
died and never knew whether the day went well or illand to us who remain words written
some 2,300 years ago still carry their mandate
These men were worthy of their country. And you who are left may pray for a
more peaceful end. Day by day contemplate your Country's influence till you grow full
of passionate love for her. And when you realise her greatness, remember that it was
the dead who won it for you."
Prices.
Second Class return, including hotel
accommodation, £3 15s.
Third Class ditto, £3.
Easter.
Reave London Saturday, April 3rd.
Return Tuesday, April 6th.
Whitsuntide.
Leave London Saturday, May 22nd.
Return Tuesday, May 25th.
August.
Leave London Saturday, July 31st.
Return Tuesday, August 3rd.
Note.For the organisation of any of the
above Pilgrimages a minimum of twenty-
five persons is necessary.
For further particulars apply to the
Secretary, Ypres League, 9, Baker Street,
Portman Square, London, W.i.
A thousand stout hearts bounded,
When Reveillé called her slaves,
And when Fall In was sounded,
.Sought Death across the waves.
Nobly did they fight, and fall,
Until Retreat rang out.
'Twas few that answered Roll Call,"
Or ever turned about."
They left the side of those,
Whom, from their glorious hosts
God Almighty chose
To stand by the Last Post."
Rouse will ne'er call out
Those warriors who waitagain,
'Till long after Lights Out
Dismiss was sounded latefor
them.
Ralph Whyte.
