The Ypres Times.
105
THE MENIN GATE.
A new photograph, showing the present state of the Memorial to the 55,000 missing
English, Scots, Welsh, Irish, Canadians, Australians, South Africans, Indians and
Colonials who fell in the Ypres Salient, but have no known graves.
Ridge, and the mine craters, now miniature lakes, and continued our journey past
Hill 60, arriving back in time for dinner.
The following morning an early train enabled us to catch the morning boat from
Ostend, and we arrived back in London at 5 p.m., with ample time to catch the express
for the North.
Perhaps a few reflections would not be out of place. The first thing that strikes one
is-the creditable way in which the Belgians have solved the housing problem. Ypres itself
is a brand new city, except for the Cloth Hallall the havoc of war has been cleared
away. Many fine shops and large hotels cater for visitors, and all the old familiar
landmarks of the War years have disappeared. It is indeed difficult for the ex-Service
man to reconcile himself to the changed atmosphere of the place. In the old days it
was a city of dread and despair, to-day it is a city of light and pleasure. Ypres conveys
nothing to the tourists who come, gaze up at the Cloth Hall, and pass on. Widows and orphans
come, and weep over the grave of the loved one-they realise. The survivors of the Salient
marvel at the change, listen to the music, and watch the dancing in the hotels and esta-
minets, and contemplate the silent cemetery just over there, where many dear old pals lay,
and wonder if the price we paid to defend Ypres was worth it after all.
H. W. ALLINSON, ex-S.M.,
(late 3rd West Riding Field Ambulance (T.F.),
49th West Riding Division).
The Ypres League arranges specially Conducted Pilgrimages at Easter, Whitsun
tide, and August Bank Holiday, and individual three- and four-day battlefield tours
throughout the year.
