Ypres Times95 Maintenance Fund.
144
THE YPRES TIMES
that the Belgian Government have agreed to the preservation of some 180 of the most
interesting concrete shelters, blockhouses and dug-outs.
A brief description of the events connected with each of the pillboxes which
are to be left is now being prepared by Colonel Thurlow and it is hoped to produce this
in handy form sometime in the spring. This interesting guide-book should prove
immensely welcome to those fortunate enough to visit the old battle front in the future
and who would be pleased to obtain some idea of what actually occurred at these famous
landmarks.
Only the tremendous enthusiasm of Colonel Thurlow has enabled him to overcome
the difficulties in the preparation of such a unique record, as it will be remembered that
following the terrible weather and battles in 1917 the Salient was completely obliterated,
landmarks disappeared, streams ceased to exist, woods were effaced and even some of
the roads vanished. All that was left were the innumerable pill-boxes, the existence
of which were, in hundreds of cases, quite unexpected. Fortunately Divisional and
Regimental histories furnish a certain number of clues which together with a close study
of trench maps have made it possible in the majority of cases to piece together the story
of these pill-boxes.
Colonel Thurlow would nevertheless be extremely grateful to receive anything
authentic concerning the large shelter at Essex Farm which was used as a dressing
station, the observation post at Hussar Farm, Potijze, Bedford House, Lankhof Chateau
and the large concrete German Headquarters on the main road a quarter of a mile east
of Gheluvelt.
Any readers of The Ypres Times in possession of information regarding these
places are asked to be so good as to communicate with Colonel E. G. L. Thurlow, c/o
British Legion, 26, Eccleston Square, London, S.W.x, not later than January 15th, 1933.
Through the columns of the last edition of The Ypres Times, we had pleasure to
thank all who have contributed so generously to the above-mentioned fund, and we
reported that the total amount subscribed was £400, of which 200 had been placed
on deposit and that the balance was being utilized in defraying part cost of the current
numbers.
Members will be glad to know that a further sum of £100 has been added to the
deposit account, which has only been made possible through the continued generosity
of our faithful supporters, to whom we extend our very grateful and hearty thanks, and it
is comforting to know that we close the year with promises of donations ahead.
We earnestly hope that each one of our members who have not yet contributed
will send some donation, no matter how small, towards the growth of the fund in 1933.
However, we know we can look forward to the staunch support from all members who
have the continuance of The Ypres Times at heart.
