British School at Ypres.
THE YPRES TIMES
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A decided advantage of a tour with the Ypres League is that the tourist
is free to go where fancy may take him, and not tied down to a particular itinerary,
and the time can be profitably and enjoyably spent on foot in Ypres and its
environs. For example, Sunday morning, a walk as far as Elverdinghe to see the
famous Chateau, and return by way of Brielen, making a slight detour to have a
rest and a chat with mine host at Essex Farm—an interesting individual this, who
will get quite talkative when you tell him you knew his place when it was a
dressing-station after he had fled. Leaving here, you will be ready for lunch on
your return. Sunday afternoon, a walk along the Menin Road, past Hell Fire
Corner as far as Zillebeke, is very interesting, or through St. Jean to Passchen-
daele will well repay the tourist, and for the evening a good walk through
Vlamertinghe to Poperinghe will round off a perfect day.
It is most interesting to get into conversation with the peasant people, who are
alw.ays ready and willing to talk, especially of their adventures and travels during
the war. Their experiences are totally different to the people of these isles. Some
will tell you how they hung on to their homes until shelled out, and how they
lived as refugees; others will tell you of their years of captivity after the German
invasion, and the life they were forced to live as prisoners of war.
The only regret is that time flies far too quickly. Tuesday morning sees us
up early, a last look round, a final walk across the Grande Place, a last lingering
look at the grey ruins of the Cloth Hall, and we are in the train for Ostend and
home. At Ostend there is ample time to have a walk round, before catching the
afternoon boat. It is with mixed feelings one sees the Belgian coast disappear
in the distance, but the great desire expressed by one and all is to come again
and yet again. Ypres is like a magnet to the heart of anyone who has lived
within its walls, its drawing-power great and unfathomable.
I cannot conclude this article without paying tribute to the arrangements made
by the Ypres League for the comfort and convenience of the traveller; from
Victoria back to Victoria the well-being of each one is considered. The courteous
guide, the travelling and hotel arrangements are of the very best, and the whole
trip is a joy and a pleasure, which once taken will certainly be repeated.
H. W. Allinson, ex-Sergeant-Major,
late 3rd West Riding Field Ambulance
49th West Riding Division.
THE British School at Ypres will open on Monday, April 8th. The London
County Council have lent Mr. and Mrs. Morris as teachers for a period of
three years.
The School has been built and equipped by Eton, in memory of the 342
Etonians who lost their lives in the Salient.
We hope all going to Ypres in the future will visit the School and take an
interest in this venture of giving the very best chances of education to the children
of British subjects living in the Salient.
It is of interest to note that there were over 100 applicants for the post of
Schoolmaster, and our best thanks are due to the Education Department of the
London County Council for their assistance and encouragement to the whole
project.
Sixty children are attending the first term, and it is hoped the numbers will
eventually reach a hundred.
The parents of the children are nearly all employed in tending the British
Cemeteries
March 14th. 1929. W. P. PULTENEY, Lieut-General.
