THE YPRES TIMES
243
We spent the first evening looking around and making our plans for the next
two days, getting better acquainted over a friendly glass and attended the "Last Post"
at the Menin Gate. At midnight under a full moon de Trafford and I strolled up
to the Ramparts for a few moments' quiet with the "boys." It was a wonderful
experience and the thought that, could this be the scene of so much slaughter but a
few short years before, and now all so quiet and peaceful on this summer night.
On Sunday we made a very interesting battlefield motor tour of the Salient,
visiting St. Julien, Passchendaele, Sanctuary Wood and many other famous spots,
and everything of interest was explained by our esteemed Mr. Parminter, who so
ably represents the League at Ypres. We arrived back in time to witness the great
religious Thuindag procession of the various orders, and I must admit I have never
seen anything quite like it. For an hour the different bodies threaded their way
through the magnificently decorated streets chanting as they went. In the evening
the whole town and countryside gave themselves up to the "fun of the fair." I
wonder what Tommy would have thought fifteen years ago of roundabouts in the
Grande Place
On Monday an exceedingly interesting whole-day charabanc tour was organised
over the battlefields as far as Arras and back, and thoroughly enjoyed by all who
took part.
What struck me most
forcibly was the extraordinary
beauty of the cemeteries we
visited. They compare most
favourably with any we have in
this country, and after a little
while when nature exerts itself
and the trees and shrubs are
grown to maturity, they should
be unsurpassed in beauty.
The Belgian populace were
most kind and considerate, and
in no instance did I see any
attempt to profit unduly from
the pilgrims' visits to their town.
The memorials scattered over
the old battlefields are excellent
examples of British architec
ture, from the small regimental column to the immense Menin Gate, which should
stand for all time as a tribute to British arms.
During our stay several bodies of ex-service men arrived in Ypres and deposited
wreaths at the Menin Gate, and I noticed particularly that the Burgomaster was
present on each occasion and said a few words. Among the visitors were a party
of limbless ex-service men under the auspices of St. Martin Association; 1,300
students from Scottish schools and universities who travelled from Bruges accom
panied by the Kilmarnock Cadet Pipers Banda large party of South-West area
British Legion and a contingent of Irish Free State British Legion.
My only regret was that the trip was not longer, because one could spend at
least a week exploring and nosing around old haunts. On Tuesday morning we
entrained for home and eventually reached Victoria at about 9.30 p.m., full of praise
for the efficient arrangements made by the Ypres League. In conclusion I personally
thank Captain de Trafford for all he did to make the trip so very enjoyable, and this
I am sure is seconded by members of the whole party.
W.S.H., Corresponding Member, Ypres League, Bristol.
