6th K.S.L.I. Regimental Association.
The Ypres Times.
197
has been purchased by the Newfoundland Government and is being preserved in the
same state as it was after the Armistice. Others, again, visited the ramparts in the morn
ing, and in the afternoon went to Armentieres by car. To old 2nd Londoners this town
is of particular interest, as it was in this sector that the regiment first entered the trenches
in the early part of 1915 on their arrival from Malta. A halt of more than an hour was
made, each going his own way, some to visit the old billets, where they were received with
open arms, while others paid a visit to Houplines. The return journey was made via
Neuve Eglise and Kemmel.
Monday dawned all too soon, and the party divided, some returning to England, while
the rest went on to Bruges, visiting the Cathedral and Museum and also the Belfry, from
which the bells were ringing a beautiful carillon. After a few delightful hours spent in
this picturesque, old-world city, the party continued their journey to Ostend, where rooms
had been booked for the night. The day was brought to an interesting close with a visit
by tram to Zeebrugge, passing the famous Vindictive set up as a memorial, and going
through Blankenburg and Coq-sur-mer. On arrival at Zeebrugge a walk was undertaken
to the Mole, which is one-and-a-half miles in length and of immense interest. Evidence
of British air raids and bombardments is still visible also the breach made by the
submarine on the night of the heroic exploit. The spot where the bows and stem of the
Vindictive lay alongside are also marked, and several German guns are to be seen in their
original positions.
Tuesday morning was whiled away in strolling along the front, and after a calm
crossing in the afternoon Victoria was reached about 9 p.m.
Thus ended a memorable trip with King's weather all the time, and unmarred by any
hitch in the arrangements made. In this connection thanks are owed to the Secretary
of the Ypres League for his kindness, help and advice. Next year the party hopes to go
to Amiens.
W. A. FRANCIS, Hon. Secretary,
2nd London Regimental Association.
The Easter Pilgrimage was the first occasion on which I have re-visited the scenes of
war days." May I be allowed to express my views and sentiments
Frankly, prior to the trip, I was nervous of anything that appeared to be likely to be
a rush." But this proved a baseless fear no one, to my knowledge, was rushed
everything just dove-tailed perfectly.
Our party arrived at Ypres at 7 p.m.
on Easter Saturday. A wash and brush-up
put us in excellent form for a good dinner,
and Skindles Hotel is to be congratulated
on being able to cater for the most fastidious
appetite. After dinner a stroll round until
dark in the City of Ghosts," and so to bed.
On Sunday our party had a special mission
to fulfil. After breakfast we hired a convey
ance and bumped along to Essex Farm
Cemetery, where we held a simple, but im
pressive ceremony by laying on the Re
membrance Stone a wreath on which were 6th K.S.L.I. Wreath at Essex Farm Cemetery
