Times 55
ii6 THE YPRES TIMES
During 1931 we made a strong appeal for funds in support of the Ypres Times.
We pointed out that the cost of production exceeded £300 per annum, and at the same
time regretted that the general depression had created a grave problem to future
editions of this extremely popular illustrated journal.
The result of the appeal is certainly gratifying, and the total amount subscribed
to date is approximately £400, of which £200 has been placed on deposit to form a
nucleus of an Ypres Times Maintenance Fund, and the balance is being
necessarily utilized in defraying part cost of the current editions.
We take this opportunity to express our very sincere thanks to all those who have
so willingly and generously supported the appeal. We are naturally eager to continue
the good work in adding to our Maintenance Fund with a view to the creation of an
Endowment Fund, which perhaps is too ambitious a proposition at the moment, but
we are hopeful of the ultimate achievement.
There seems no reason to emphasize the unparalleled loss the Ypres League has
sustained in the death of its beloved President, Field-Marshal Viscount Plumer, and we
feel it our duty from now on to make our work two-fold in his memory. Firstly, to
enlarge the League's membership, which is in successful progress. Secondly, to raise
sufficient funds for the continuity of the Ypres Times. We earnestly ask the co-operation
of all our members.
We publish a few of the recent letters received in support of the Journal
July 16th, 1932.
My dear Mr. Editor,
Yesterday the latest issue of the Ypres Times (July, 1932) arrived safely, and, as usual, was
welcomed avidly. It has been read and re-read, and now rests with all the other issues received since
I was privileged to become a member of the Ypres League. Some day in the near future they will all
be bound into one volume, and money won't be able to buy them.
When I sit in my office and read and read again, once more I am in the land of long ago, in the days
when my outfit served in the Sector and ran the ambulances and dressing stations in front of Kemmel.
Once more I whiff the odour of chloride of lime and gunpowder. Once more I see the long white Belgian
roads and the smashed up houses, the shell-ridden steeples and limey batteries fringing the roads.
Again I call to mind the men of the British 133rd Ambulance Company, which worked in conjunction
with my own company, the 107th, A.C., 27th Division, A.E.F. And I think again of old Bill Kersey,
black-headed Bill, in whose car I slept many a stormy night. Where is he now, and how is he I
wonder whether he ever remembers the wild young gang with whom he soldiered in the Hindenburg
Line battle
How the years fly What days they were My compliments to you, Mr. Editor, on your lovely
sentimental publication. Long life to you and all my comrades of the Ypres League
Very sincerely and cordially.
New York. William Rich.
August 15th, 1932.
Dear Sir,
It may interest you to know that the other day my mother said that she wished to give me a
present, and I suggested to her that the present I should appreciate the most and the more lasting would
be a Life Membership of the Ypres League. I therefore have pleasure to enclose her cheque for £2 10s.,
and I shall be glad if you would enroll me. Perhaps this idea might appeal to other people.
I have also pleasure in enclosing my own cheque for £1 is. as a contribution, small though it may be,
towards the Ypres Times Maintenance Fund." I think it would be most deplorable if this very
interesting publication had to be dropped through lack of funds.
I hope that you will get a big response to your appeal, and under no circumstances will you consider
the curtailment of the publication, as it must be of the greatest interest to so many ex-service men who
fought in the Salient and help so greatly to keep alive the Salient Spirit.
Yours faithfully,
Highgate, N.6. Cyril E. Prescott.
