THE YPRES TIMES
-'i 5
A complete line of 59 of these workseach within a few feet of the nextis particularly interesting,
and close by are the two massive blockhouses at Alberta which were captured by men of the Sherwood
Foresters.
Other groups are still in existence near Essex Farm, Pilckem, Frezenberg and Sanctuary Wood,
whilst at Gheluvelt (a name always associated with the Worcestershire Regiment) there remains an
excellent example of a German Headquarter dug-out.
Details are given of the fighting which culminated in the capture of all the above and various
incidents connected therewith are related.
On the Messines Ridge the greater number have been demolished, but those few that do remain
are directly connected with some of the most heroic episodes which occurred in the course of the Great
War, and here also is to be found the sole surviving mine crater of the nineteen which were exploded
on June 7th, 1917.
There are references to over fifty British infantry battalions, besides units from the Dominions,
all of which were directly concerned in the capture or subsequent defence of these unique strongholds.
Several illustrations are included and the provision of two large-scale plans, together with a chapter
on How to reach the Pill-boxes," should be a means of facilitating access to the different groups.
There is in addition an excellent map on a 1/40,000 scale, which indicates clearly not only the exact
position of all the pill-boxes, but also shows the whereabouts of all the cemeteries and memorials in the
area, so that it serves a triple purpose.
Every pilgrim ór visitor to the Ypres neighbourhood and, in fact, everyone who is in any way
interested in the Salient," should be in possession of a copy of this little book.
Copies may be obtained from the Secretary, Ypres League, 20, Orchard Street, London, W.i.
Price is. (post free, is. 3d
By a Member of the 85th Club.
"T VICTORIA11.o p.m. Friday." So read the instructions; and a cheery crowd
Y of thirty-five-odd assembles at the appointed time to set out on an annual
pilgrimage to Ypres and all the old haunts of the battlefields. What a
difference from the journeys we used to make from London to the mud of
Flanders.
A few hands of cards and the last beer before leaving England and we are
soon on the boat and tucked down into our bunks waiting for the early morning
arrival in sleepy, dirty Dunkerque, and the hope of coffee and rolls at the station
but, no! only the usual farcical visit to the French Customs, where they try to
deprive us of our packs of cards and the only remaining decent fags left to us.
No bad judges either to take our English cigarettesfor even a French Customs
Officer can get tired of the doubtful French variety.
We get through after some argument and set off in the comfort of the Paris
express, only to be turned out at Hazebrouck to board the local Belgian "express"
with the square wheels.
We start to say Do you remember almost as soon as we cross
the Belgian frontier, and soon reach Pop." and our beloved Ypres, so new and
yet so full of all its old associations.
A hasty wash and brush-up at the hotel and we set off in our cars to visit
battlefields, old billets and all the old haunts which can never be wiped from
our memories. The day runs away all too quickly and before we know it we are
back to the Hotel for dinner followed by our usual visit to the ceremony of the
"Last Post" at the Menin Gate, played each year better by the local firemen.
Sunday is "our" day to do as we like and gives a splendid opportunity to
consume innumerable foreign drinks of doubtful origin which we even enjoy
because it is all such a refreshing change from our usual round.
