THE YPRES TIMES
185
General would not and must not expect the
members of the Purley Branch to be overawed
by his presence, as not even a Sergeant-Major
could subdue them on that occasion.
The General responded in a speech which
charmed and delighted his audience. He spoke
of the memories of the Salient which to him, and
to most of his hearers, were sacred. In a notable
passage, he remarked that, although the English
were a non-military race, they turned out the
finest soldiers in the world. He informed his
audience that he had had to listen to a diatribe
from his neighbour on the wickedness and the
shortcomings of Generals (this particular neigh
bour may be identified as the Amphibian)but it
was distinctly pleasing to the members of the
Branch that the General gave the impression of
having enjoyed himself immensely.
The Bombardier, in the last speech of the
evening, proposed the health of the C.O. He
Extract f rom Menu Card.
Oeufs R.F.C.
Whizz-Bangs
Crème DixMud
Consommé Water Tower
Sole Yser (bombé)
Boeuf Route Menin (Róti Hell Fire)
Yorks. Lanes. Pudd.
Agneau Passchendaele
Sauce Glycerine
Pommes Mills
Verts Ver(e)y
Petits Shrapnel
Compote PoelcApple
Confiture pavé
Glace du Moat
Fromage Phosgene
Canal Café
said that, while it would be easy to dilate upon
the virtues of the C.O. as a Chairman, and as the
Secretary of the Branch, he (the speaker) pre
ferred to think of him as a good sportsman, a
good fellow and a real friend of the members of
the Branch.
This sentiment met with the vociferous
approval of the company and, with a brief
speech of thanks, the Chairman unloosed the
bonds of restraint, and the rest of the evening
was spent in enjoying the excellent entertain
ment provided by Captain Vernon Lee, the
Branch's own favourite.
Some excellent stories by Dr. Moon and Lieut.
Silvester, and the A. P. Herbert verses recited
by the Amphibian, contributed to a most
delightful evening, which was enjoyed by no
less than 126 members and their friendsthe
largest number so far gathered together.
The Bombardier.
LONDON COUNTY COMMITTEE.
Informal Gatherings.
A review of the last three Informal Gatherings,
which are held on the third Thursday in each
month at the Bedford Head Hotel, Maiden Lane,
Strand, W.C.2, from 7 to 10 p.m., recalls the
passing of three very interesting and enjoyable
evenings.
On January 19th there was a welcome return
visit by Captain E. L. Frewen, R.N., who gave
a very interesting illustrated talk on With the
Grand Fleet in the Great War." Many present
that evening remembered Captain Frewen's
previous lecture on Zeebrugge," and as the
unanimous opinion was that the talk on the
activities of the Grand Fleet was even more
interesting, there remains very little scope for
an expression of further appreciation, having in
mind the way in which everyone thoroughly
enjoyed the thrilling recital of the Navy's
exploits at Zeebrugge. These Naval lectures
are all the more appreciated by members of the
Ypres League, because the average foot
slogger's experience of the Navy during the
war was strictly limited to visions of ghostly
grey forms surrounding his troopship when on
the way to Boulogne, Havre, or Etaples, and
knowledge of what the other fellows did will
always be a narrative of great interest. We hope
to see more of Captain Frewen.
The following month brought a new experience
to the Gatherings in the form of a visit by the
St. Dunstan's SingersParty on February
16th, an experience which will long be remem
bered by those present. How those fellows can
sing Individually and collectively they are
artistes of the first order. Humour Yes,
more than sufficient to mitigate the feelings of
pathos in the members of the audience at the
sight of those terribly afflicted heroes. They
soon made it clear that they were not there for
sympathy but to provide an evening's entertain
ment for everyone to enjoy, which we most
certainly did. The choral singing of the part-
songs was perhaps the greatest success, although
it is particularly difficult to individualize any
one item from the programme. What a splendid
chaperon the party has in Miss E. M. McCall,
their Music Mistress. The care and attention
she bestows upon each member is worthy of the
highest commendation.
The March Gathering, which took place on
the 16th, was the occasion of another of those
most interesting illustrated talks by Captain
H. D. Peabody, D.C.M., of which he has already
given several. He appears to have an in
exhaustible supply of slides at his disposal, and
their collation and classification must take hours
of his time. This particular evening Captain
Peabody's talk was more generalized than usual,
and dealt with various sectors of the battle front
instead of one particular sphere of activities.
The innovation proved most successful, and yet
another very interesting talk was thoroughly
enjoyed by everyone. Impromptu items
provided by staunch supporters of these Informal
Gatherings, terminated a very convivial evening.
Surely we have the material for a Ypres League
