The August Pilgrimage, 1933
242
THE YPRES TIMES
I HAVE been a member of the Ypres League for a number of years and happy to
do all in my power for such a worthy cause. Having been over to Ypres inde
pendently on previous occasions, I have found myself at a loss to explain to
possible pilgrims the benefit and pleasure derived by travelling under the auspices of
the League, so decided to go this year and see for myself. I had doubts about going
solo, rather expecting to meet with little parties of friends from various parts of the
country who naturally would have their own particular plans, and that I should be
somewhat "frozen out"; but let me assure any prospective pilgrim that once you join
up with the party you are one of a happy family. It put me in mind of J. B. Priestley's
"Good Companions."
Saturday, August 5th, was a glorious morn
ing with a promise of a fine and sunny week-end,
when at 7.30 I padded along to Victoria Station
wearing the League's cornflower emblem and
eager to start on what was one of the happiest
week-ends I have ever spent. I found the party
about fifty strong being made comfortable in
the Dover train by our genial Secretary, Captain
de Trafford, and settled down with five other
fellows, and there and then ripened a friend
ship which not only meant such a splendid time
during the trip but which we hope to renew on
many more occasions. The party consisted of
many ladies with an object of spending a few
precious hours with their loved ones out there,
and how splendid they were. Some getting well
into the autumn of their days, but that great
fighting spirit of our race keeps them young,
and so year after year they go across to be with
their men folk who passed on that we might live
in peace in this beautiful England of ours.
The conversation en route was not, as one
-would think, war, quite the contrary, county
cricket, latest film shows, etc., although these
carriage companions of mine had spent ghastly
months in the dirty ditches around Ypres.
After the usual formalities we quickly got aboard the "Princess Marie Jose,"
and what a glorious crossing with sea like a mill pond. Here we made acquaintance
with the rest of the party, taking snaps, light refreshments, and changed our money
into Belgian francs. Ostend looked very happy with its wonderful front and old-
fashioned bathing machines.
During our run to the tragic City, we spotted a pill box or two, but nothing
more to remind us of the past. Brand new buildings and an abundance of growing
■corn covered the devastation of Armageddon. On arrival at Ypres at 4.40 p.m. we
separated to find our respective accommodation, most of which was reserved at the
Hotel Splendid and Britannique in the Grande Place, and where we all assembled
for meals. An exceedingly comfortable hotel, and I complimented our hostess on
the extreme cleanliness of everything; in fact it was impossible to find a complaint
about accommodation or service.
DECORATIONS IN THE RUE DE LILLE,
YPRES.
