THE YPRES TIMES 23 Modesty almost prevented the following eulogy from inclusion in the columns of this journal, but in view of the contributor's expressed wishes it has been decided to accede to the request. 16th November, 1933. My dear Secretary, I recently had great pleasure to make my initial visit to your headquarters since becoming a member of the League some years back, and I am really glad to have done so, and it gave me great pleasure to walk straight into the General Secretary's office without any of the formalities so noticeable with similar organisations which was a very pleasing surprise. I enjoyed a most interesting hour's chat, and had I known one would be so eagerly and charmingly welcomed I am afraid I should have been guilty, hitherto, of encroaching on many hours of your precious time. Such circumstances are distinctly encouraging to members, and knowing as I do now, that so fine a fellowship exists at the League's headquarters, I feel honoured to be one of its members and sincerely hope that our Association will be in a position to continue its splendid work for many years. I am rather ashamed to think that I have done so little to further the good cause, even among my own friends but I assure you this state of things will be speedily rectified. To a great number of people, one is considered old-fashioned now-a-days to talk of the Great War except on Armistice Day. Why? I can never understand, because those years '14-'18 with all their attendant horrors and sacrifices from which sprang so fine a comradeship among men is to me a very cherished memory. Together with so many more youngsters who withstood mankind's greatest test of courage and endurance at such a tender and certainly very impressionable age, it is not to be wondered that so long as we retain our faculty of mind, war-time reminiscences will always remain a part of conversation when ever our type foregather. I am never happier than when I run across an old ex-Tommy. Would not the world to-day be better off for more of that spirit of comradeship which we once knew and enjoyed, and which now forms so prominent a part in the Ypres League's aims and objects? and to belong to an organisation where this spirit is so splendidly inspired is indeed gratifying and encouraging to its members. It is most interesting to me to have found out that yourself and your assistant Secretary have, between you, served on five separate battle fronts during the Great Warrather a unique record, and I should imagine that this acquaintance with actual facts does much to instil confidence in the people who visit you from various parts of the world. I am afraid my little appreciation has become lengthy, but before its closure, may I specially ask that my remarks be brought to the notice of my fellow members, because I feel that others, apart from receiving the regular issue of The Ypres Times may be blissfully ignorant of the wonderful work and spirit behind the League movement. The realisation of such facts will I am sure greatly assist in retaining the complete confidence of members and equally urge them to double their good efforts on the League's behalf. Thanking you for the courtesy so generously extended to me and assuring you of my loyal support at all time. Very sincerely yours, W.P.T. (Mansfield).

HISTORISCHE KRANTEN

The Ypres Times (1921-1936) | 1934 | | pagina 25