246
THE YPRES TIMES
no reply could be given. We now passed the La Bassee Canal, the Indian Memorial and
Portuguese Cemetery at the Neuve Chapelle Cross Roads, then La Targette en route to
Arras where a halt was made for a couple of hours, during which time some of the party
were able to visit a cemetery near Bapaume.
Our homeward journey commenced with a visit to the Vimy Ridge, where we
explored the Grange Tunnels and the 5.9 shell which had pierced the roof of a dug
out and failed to explode interested many who saw it, also the Canadian and German
trenches and various machine guns, trench mortars, etc., were closely examined. Our
journey continued through Lens, Hulloch and back to Armentieres, crossing the frontier,
this time, without delay. The Belgian officer was still on duty and greeted us as follows
Of course you have nothing to declare Oh no and lifted the barrier. Just on 8 p.m.
the Lille Gate loomed into sight, and not long after we were seated to a thoroughly
enjoyable meal.
Great tribute is due to the British gardeners and officials of the cemeteries for the
splendid manner in which the hallowed spots, which are forever England, are kept.
Tuesday morning found us assembled at Ypres Station bound for Ostend, where
the party split into two, one portion embarking on the 11 a.m. boat for Dover, and
the rest remaining until the afternoon service. The writer, who has made a number of
battlefield tours with other organisations, would like to pay the highest possible praise
to Captain de Trafford for the manner in which he conducted the party. He was untiring
in his efforts to be of service to everyone and his constant care and attention for the
comfort of all and sundry was wonderful.
F.W.S.
THIS year, the Ypres League Annual Commemoration will be held on Sunday
Morning, October 27th, and the following programme has been arranged:
11.00 a.m. Assemble on the Horse Guards' Parade.
11.30 a.m. Address by the Revd. A. T. A. Naylor, o.b.e., m.a., (Guards' Chaplain) who
will conduct a short service, followed by the Lament" by Pipers of the
2nd Battalion, Scots Guards.
11.45 a.m. March to the Cenotaph.
12.00 noon Laying of the Ypres League wreath on the Cenotaph.
12.15 p.m. March back to the Horse Guards' Parade.
12.30 p.m. Dismiss on the Horse Guards' Parade, and at 1.0 p.m. a deputation
of the Ypres League will proceed to the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior
in Westminster Abbey and place a wreath.
H.R.H. Princess Beatrice has graciously consented to attend the service and lay the
League wreath on the Cenotaph.
Plain clothes and medals to be worn (uniform optional).
We hope that members of the Ypres League will make every effort to attend this
Commemoration.
