THE YPRES TIMES
207
Monday was the occasion for a whole-day char-a-banc tour into France as far as
Arras, and whereas the previous days had been cold, this particular day was more or
less ideal, which added materially to our comfort. The route followed via the Wyts-
chaete-Messines Ridge where a halt was made to observe the huge mine craters, then
on past the London Scottish Memorial, recalling a day of tragic heroism, and thence
to Le Bizet where prior to crossing the border we were subjected to a rather amusing
but very thorough Customs examination. Leaving Armentieres we soon found our
selves close to the chimney at Aubers Ridge which some of the more elderly among
us had observed so often from the British positions in the Fauquissart sector. Our
course was then directed to the Loos battlefield where Colonel Jardine gave us an ex
tremely interesting talk on the battle of September, 1915, in which he himself took
a very active part. In explanation of the action it was necessary to indulge in a miniature
route march over fields, ploughed and otherwise, for some distance, but which never
theless, came as a welcome relief after the lengthy period in the char-a-banc. Vimy
Ridge with its miles of subteranean tunnels was our next objective, and proved as
interesting to the boys as anything we had so far seen, and after viewing the unfinished
Canadian War Memorial on the Ridge, the party re-assembled for the final phase of
our journey to Arras. The short stay in Arras permitted us to see a little of this ancient
French city, notorious for its underground tunnels and shelters. The restoration of the
cathedral is not yet completed, but we were struck by its apparent beauty. The Grande
and Petite Places were other objects of special interest. The return itinerary northward
was slightly to the rear of the old British front line, the outward journey having been
made behind the old German front line. A halt was made at Bethune in order to permit
one of our boys to visit the grave of his father who lay buried in a British Military
Cemetery near-by. Our tour continued subsequently via Estaires, crossing the frontier
at Le Seau and so on past the foot of Kemmel Hill, that dominant feature overlooking
the Salient which figured so prominently in the critical 1918 German offensive, eventually
reaching Ypres in time for the excellent hot meal already prepared for us. Our last
evening in Ypres was spent at leisure, visiting the war museum, exploring the ramparts,
and purchasing souvenirs. The facility with which the return journey to London on
the Tuesday was accomplished bore further tribute to the organisers, and we were
favoured this time by a splendid sea crossing in glorious sunshine. It was certainly a
very happy band of pilgrims that detrained from the 4.27 p.m. at Victoria.
To an old soldier a memorable week-end, but what did it mean to the boys
It told them of the many deeds of heroic devotion and self-sacrifice, it enabled them to
comprehend a little of the magnitude of modern warfare with the hundred and one
intricate problems of battles and last, but by no means least, the terrific and useless
slaughter of young lives. That these youngsters will carry back with them to
their homes indelible impressions of this pilgrimage admits of no doubt, but if, in the
course of their maturity the full significance of it all is fully appreciated then I am sure
such Tours will in every respect be justified.
To the organisers of this English Public Schools O.T.C., Battlefield Tour, we
thank you
G.C.