THE YPRES TIMES
At the interval Major E. Montague Jones expressed, on behalf of all present,
regret that our President, Field-Marshal Viscount Plumer, was unable, owing to a
chill, to attend the concert.
In giving a short account of the League's work during 1930, Major Jones said
that recruiting continued satisfactorily, also that seven pilgrimages had been
organized to Ypres and to other parts of the Western Front. These included two
regimental associations, two parties of the British Legion, and one free pilgrimage
consisting of thirty poor mothers and widows. He thanked the London County
Committee for their devoted work during the year, and spoke of the great success
of the Informal Gatherings and their increased attendances, the Reunion Dinner,
Christmas Children's Party, and the Parade on Empire Day when the Union Jack,
given to the London County Committee by Capt. de Trafford, was presented by
Lieut.-General Sir Herbert Uniacke.
Major Jones then read a letter from the Daily Express as follows: "We are
publishing a book of words and music of the songs sung by the troops in the
Great War. H.R.H. the Prince of Wales has graciously written a foreword and
permitted us to use his portrait as a frontispiece. We have heard of the excellent
work done by the London County Committee of the Ypres League to keep alive
the comradeships formed in the war, and we should like to present a copy of this
book to your President, Field-Marshal Viscount Plumer, Lieut.-General Sir W. P.
Pulteney, your Chairman, and distinguished ladies and gentlemen who are the
guests of your Committee at your Reunion. We regret we cannot send you copies
on October 28th, as the first copy will be presented on November 1st to H.R.H.
the Prince of Wales. We also have the pleasure of enclosing you a subscription
to your funds.
Sir Claud Jacob, who was received with cheers, said
Ladies and Gentlemen, I think you all must have been interested in what you have heard and
of the activities of the London County Committee. I am sure we all ought to be grateful to the
Committee for what they have done. Although the membership of the League is increasing, we
still want a great many more. You must remember that, while new members are joining, there
are also others passing away, and therefore, if we want to keep the League going for many years to
come, we want you to do all you can to recruit not only for the grown up, but also for the junior
division of the League. Remember this This year is the tenth anniversary of the League. Also the
British settlement at Ypres, would probably have bean impossible but for the vigorous co-operation
of the Ypres League with the Ypres Memorial Church Committee. (Cheers.) May I draw your attention
to the objects of the League enumerated on the programmeall very good objects, and I am sure,
if you will do your best to recruit for members, we shall flourish for many years to come. I would
remind you that I have been a League member since it was formed, and you have always found
me here if it has been possible for me to be present. We feel very grateful for the presence here
to-night of the French Military Attaché and the Belgian Military Attaché. They both know, as well
as we do, what we all went through in those four and a half years in the Immortal Salient, and I am
sure you will agree with me in thanking them for being here to-night and showing that they still have
an interest in that wonderful organization which has always been known as the Ypres League.
(Cheers.) We have also here to-night the Chairman of the Executive Committee, Lieut.-General Sir
W. P. Pulteney. I wonder whether you all remember or know how much we owe to him for the
formation of the Ypres League. I will not detain you any longer we have had a very nice concert
the best I have been toand I must express the debt of gratitude we owe to the Committee for the
arrangements they have made this evening.
During the concert the London County Committee Certificate of Merit
was presented by the Chairman to Mrs. Doggett as an expression of gratitude for
the help she has given to the League in the London area.
The telegram which was sent to the King, the Patron-in-Chief, and the Royal
reply, were then read.
