Reeraitieg Competition
202
THE YPRES TIMES
Polygon Wood, and after much fighting during the day had to be relieved the
same evening with a much depleted Battalion of less than 100 strong. By standing
in what would have been the German front line, one could see what an enormous
task lay before the Regiment on that day; the Wood was full of shell holes and
manned by machine guns fired from strong points separated only by a few yards
from each other.
For all those concerned, Easter Sunday was made a memorable day, the party
taking part in the ceremony of the re-opening of the original Talbot House at
Poperinghe which Lord Wakefield, the Honorary Colonel of the Regiment,
purchased and handed over to Toe H. A service in the Upper Room was followed
by a reception by the Burgomaster and citizens of Poperinghe in the Hotel de
Ville. The ceremony of the unveiling of the Regimental Tablet in the Church of
St. George took place in the afternoon. The little church was thronged to over
flowing, and the congregation included Col. Baron Walis, representing the Belgium
Minister of National Defence, Major-General Sir Reginald May, Col. Higginson
of the Imperial War Graves Commission, Rev. T. B. Clayton and Capt. de Trafford,
Secretary of the Ypres League. After the hymn O God our help in ages past
had been sung and the lesson read by Major W. E. Grey, who commanded
the 2nd London Detachment, Lord Wakefield unveiled the tablet, which was then
dedicated by the Rev. Godfrey Bell, a former Chaplain of the Regiment. Wreaths
were laid at the foot of the Tablet by Major W. E. Grey, representing the
Regiment, and Capt. J. P. Kellett, D.S.O., M.C., representing the past members.
After the service Lord Wakefield and the other distinguished visitors were
entertained to tea, and then left Ypres to visit Lone Tree Crater at the Messines
Ridge, which Lord Wakefield had purchased. A fitting end to the day was made
by all members assembling at the Menin Gate to hear the Last Post," and after
wards by singing Abide with me."
The party returned to London on the Easter Monday after a most interesting
and impressive week-end. Our very excellent Secretary of the League, Capt. de
Trafford, made all arrangements for this tour which, as usual, were most excellent.
W. A. Fraxcis.
A WEEK-END TRIP LONDON TO YPRES (taken at any time desired), 2nd Class
rail, 1st class boat via Ostend or Calais, with full board and first class accommodation
(three nights) to include service and taxes, is offered to any Ypres League member or
Corresponding Member who succeeds in recruiting the greatest number of new members
from January ist to December 31st, 1931.
All membership forms completed must be received at Headquarters, bearing on
the top left-hand corner the name and address of the person responsible for recruitment.
It is realized that our Branch Secretaries have a more favourable opportunity of
recruiting in larger numbers, so we offer a second and similar reward, which can be
enjoyed by the Hon. Secretary, or any one of his committee whom he chooses to nominate.
All forms in this case must bear the name of the Branch responsible for recruitments.
Members, Corresponding Members and Branch Secretaries intending to compete
for these inviting prizes should lose no time in applying to Headquarters for member
ship forms. Competition, as we expected, is very keen.
