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THE YPRES TIMES
A Memorial Colour Banner, presented by the Fifth Division, further
emphasizing the military associations of the building, was unveiled by General
Sir Reginald Stephens. The chest and the banner, together with mural tablets
in brass to the Nursing Services, the Honourable Artillery Company and the
Northumberland Fusiliers, were accepted and dedicated by the Bishop. Miss
Osborne acted as sponsor for the Nursing Services and Colonel Poole for the
Honourable Artillery Company and the Northumberland Fusiliers. The inscriptions
on the three tablets read as follows
TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN MEMORY OF ALL NURSES OF GREAT BRITAIN
AND THE DOMINIONS, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE VOLUNTARY
AID DETACHMENT MEMBERS WHO SERVED WITH HIS MAJESTY'S FORCES AND
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR, I9I4-I918. SUB CRUCE CANDIDA."
IN MEMORY OF THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE ARTILLERY
COMPANY WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE YPRES SALIENT, I9I4-I918.
ARMA PACIS FULCRA."
TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN MEMORY OF ALL RANKS OF THE FIFTH
(NORTHUMBERLAND) FUSILIERS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT
WAR, 1914-1918."
The service, though brief and simple in character, was moving and impressive.
The General Confession and the Lord's Prayer were recited by all. The lesson,
very appropriately taken from the fourth chapter of Joshua, was read by Dr.
Fleming, followed with prayers by the Rev. P. B. Clayton and the Rev. E.
Harrison. In the course of an eloquent address, the Chaplain-General reminded
the congregation that they were gathered together in a hallowed building which
was for ever England." He bade special welcome to the members of Toe
H." who were present, describing that organization as in many respects the most
important post-war religious movement." In accepting the memorials which had
been dedicated that morning, he said it was well that such remembrances were
made, so that generations to come might be brought to realize the mighty tide
of sacrifice which, between 1914 and 1918, flowed through our national life, uplift
ing and carrying us beyond the great danger, and leaving us still a free people
masters, for weal or woe, of our own destiny. St. George's Church at Ypres was
the home of the deepest and most abiding memories of all that had been highest
and best during the British Army's occupation of the city. The church, he added,
would zealously watch and guard the memorials and records committed to her
charge.
Then followed the closing hymn, How bright those glorious spirits shine,"
with its mingled note of hope and comfort. Standing with bowed heads, men and
women found the tears welling in their eyes, as all the meaning of the grim struggle
its beauty, agony, and sacrificerose again before them, as though it were
but yesterday. Such tears were pardonable, for there were many moments during
the moving ceremony when thoughts travelled rapidly and treasured memories were
revived.
The service concluded with the Last Post and Réveille," effectively
sounded from the school playground that adjoins the church. I often think there
is no music :n the world that so brings home proud sorrow and healing consolation
