The Ypres Times.
207
submitted by the Regiments. As has already been explained in The Ypres Times,
the accounts received were very similar in character, and long correspondence ensued with
units, several of which were stationed abroad.
But it is very difficult to get a British soldier to recount any deed of heroism. The
net had to be thrown wider. A suggestion was made by one in a high official position
that I should have access to the Gazettes of all Honours awarded in the Salient, and make
my choice of outstanding achievements. I replied that, though I was willing to give my
time to the work, I knew of no one ready to carry it on after my day is done. I passed
through many vicissitudes. Well meaning helpers offered, but they brought new schemes
that meant scrapping all that had been done, and starting afresh. Well-intended
promises also hindered progress, as time was lost waiting for that which never came.
At last I laid the whole position before the Ypres League Committee, with an
ultimatum either to give up the book or else to carry it out on a plan that I indicated.
'The latter alternative was decided upon, and the book in its present form is the result.
I will indicate by one episode what the work of preparation has been.
A Regiment sent in the account of the action that they wished included. It read
rrather like a communiqué, and the vital human element was entirely missing. I asked
a. personal friend in another battalion of the Regiment for an introduction to the Colonel
•commanding at the time, and motored to see him in the country. He gave his account
•of the affair, and showed me every available document dealing with it. But Captain
So-and-So," now abroad, could tell me more. This officer wa.s written to, and some
months later I received a vet fuller description of what occurred. I then re-cast the
whole of this information and so produced an account of no great length, now in the
book.
This episode will show how willing the Regiments have been to help in making the
book a success. If the difficulties have been many my chief sentiment in finishing the
work is one of gratitude for all the kindness I have received.
BEATRIX BRICE.
PANNEL ASH COLLEGE (HARROGATE).
Group of Students who joined the Junior Division of the Ypres League in April, 1927.
