194
THE YPRES TIMES
The following relatives requested that their tablets might be dedicated
Mrs. Baynes, in memory of her son.
Mrs. Oakes, in memory of her son.
The latter also representing Lord and Lady Playfair, in memory of their son.
This short and impressive service closed with the sounding of the Last
Post and Réveillé," the Blessing, and the National Anthem.
Representatives of units then went to the unveiling of the Ploegsteert
memorial.
The Bishop of Fulham again preached at the evening service.
By staying an extra day, the writer of these lines was enabled to attend the
prize-giving at the British School on Monday, June 8th.
In the Pilgrims' Hall about one hundred children were seated together, while
at the back were parents and visitors. The elder children sang two sea-shanties
with great spirit, and Mr. Morris, the Headmaster, explained the progress of the
school, the steps taken for the welfare of the children, and the nature of the annual
grant from the Imperial War Graves Commission.
General Sir Robert Whigham, in the absence of Lord Plumer, gave away the
prizes, expressing his great pleasure at seeing such a thriving school. He stated
that it would not be difficult to realize that the report of the school recently made
by the inspectors was an excellent one. Col. Higginson pointed out to the children
that last year they had a distinguished architect, Sir Reginald Blomfield, to give
away the prizes, and this year a distinguished soldier. He called for three cheers
for General Whigham, which were heartily given. One could not fail to be struck"
by the keenness and intelligence of the children attending the school.
An afternoon tour of some of the smaller cemeteries near Kemmel, with the
Chaplain, Mr. Milner, brought to light one of the prize-winners of the morning
helping her father to weed, while others were met near their homes at play, a
pleasing sight in a foreign town.
We owe a great debt of gratitude to the British colony at Ypres, careful
guardians of our memorials, kindly and sympathetic to all pilgrims, and surely few
British settlements, so near to England, hold such a place in our affections. Many
pilgrims, relatives of the fallen, describe it as satisfying and comforting," while
we, who served in the Salient, can find the graves of our comrades, and memorials
to those who led us, who fed us, and who took charge of us as casualties.
To the young, it should be an inspiration: "To you from failing hands we
throw the torch; be yours to hold it high."
Can it be wondered that the Belgian Government showed their appreciation by
giving civil status to this, our national memorial?
It now remains for us to clear off the debt on the buildings, still about £400,
and to raise an endowment for the maintenance of the settlement and its activities.
F. G. Poole, Lieutenant-Colonel,
Hon. Secretary and Treasurer,
Ypres British Settlement.
In addition to the list of gifts and memorials already issued the following have been received
Framed notice to worshippers, Mr. H. Benson, M.A. drawing of St. George for Pilgrim's Hall,
Mrs. Eadie-Reid oak panelling of Chancel, Garrison of London, Ontario credence table, Old Com
rades, 8th Bedfordshire Regiment.
Regimental Memorial Tablets.The Liverpool Scottish, Liverpool Rifles, 4th Queen's Own Hussars,
The 6th King's Shropshire Light Infantry, The Northumberland Fusiliers, The Queen's Own Cameron
Highlanders, The Nursing Services.
Chairs.Mrs. Mackintosh, Mrs. Tucker, Mrs. Douglas, White, Mr. Grundy, Mrs. Lee Betts, Mrs.
Tedder, Major Ingpen, Lady Pinhey,. Mr. Brodbelt.
