24
THE YPRES TIMES
THE month of October stands out in the memory of everyone associated with
Ypres more than any other month of the year, for was it not really the most
momentous month in each of the years of the War? Nineteen years ago, on the
3rd October, 1914, the Germans occupied Ypres. It is true they were not permitted
to remain for long, but it was not until October four years later that they were
forced from its immediate vicinities. October thus saw the beginning and end of
the mighty Teutonic endeavours to force the Salient. What of the intervening years?
In October 1917 began both the First and Second Battles of Passchendaele. Three
years earlier in October 1914 the battles of Messines, Langemarck, and Gheluvelt
began. This historical summary may seem somewhat irrelevant appearing under
the heading above, but it is necessary to emphasize the importance the month of
October holds for every member of the Ypres League. It is therefore obviously
appropriate that the Annual Reunion of Members and their friends should be held
in October; in fact, as near as ever possible to the most important day of allYpres
Daythe 31st October.
Last October was the occasion of the Eleventh Annual Reunion and Smoking
Concert which was held on Saturday, the 28th, at the Caxton Hall, Westminster,
and a really most enjoyable evening was spent by everyone. The function was an
immense success and very well attended, despite the inclemency of the weather. A
wet evening is now accepted as a permanent feature of these Reunions, but once
inside Caxton Hall, good cheer waitsThe Chair was taken by Major E. Montague
Jones, O.B.E., the Chairman of the London County Committee, and the following
distinguished guests were present
His Excellency The Belgian Ambassador; Général-Major A. Nyssens (Military
Attaché Belgian Embassy); Général de Brigade R. Voruz (Military Attaché French
Embassy); Colonel Cortlandt Parker (Military Attaché American Embassy);
Lieut.-Gen. Sir W. P. Pulteney, G.C.V.O., K.C.B., K.C.M.G., D.S.O.The Rev. G. H.
Woolley, V.C., M.C., and Major W. H. Brooke, M.C.
During the evening the following messages were received by the Chairman
"The King as Patron-in-Chief of the Ypres League has received with much pleasure
the loyal message sent from the Annual Reunion of the London Branch, and will be glad
if you will convey to all who are present the expression of His Majesty's sincere thanks."
Private Secretary.
"This fs an evening of remembrance and reunion, and since to my regret, I am unable
to be with you, will you express to the members of the Ypres League the friendly sentiments
of comradeship and admiration that the American people have for the comrades in arms.
Robert W. Bingham,
American Ambassador."
Major Montague Jones, in a short speech, referred to the activities and progress
of the League during the past year, and warmly thanked Captain G. E. de Trafford,
M.C., the worthy League Secretary, for all his hard work and continued enthusiasm,
and also Mr. John Boughey for his never-ending activities as the Hon. Secretary
of the London County Committee. Lieut.-Gen. Sir W. P. Pulteney followed by telling
the company about the British School at Ypres, and explaining what a valuable
institution it had now become.
A splendid entertainment was provided by a number of well known artistes
under the direction of Mr. A. E. Nickolds, who, himself, held the audience under
the spell of his banjo. The other artistes were Miss Pearl Joyce, Contralto, Mr.
Wilfred Lewe, Humorous, Miss Suzette Tarri in Comedy Impressions, Mr. David
Jenkins, Bass, Mr. Paul Freeman, the King of Cards, Miss Helena Millais in "Frag
ments from Life." Earlier in the evening, and during the Interval, a number of
