Memorial to the Earl of Ypres
4
THE YPRES TIMES
chrysanthemums on the National Shrine. The wreath bearers were Sergeant O. Brooks,
V.C., late Coldstream Guards, and Ex Sgt. A. Marhoff, 4th Dragoon Guards, Chairman of
the Old Contemptibles' Association, Finchley Branch.
Despite the passing of years since the Armistice it was amazing to observe the
fine bearing on parade of the 120 Old Contemptibles under the command of Brig.-
General E. Segrave, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., and the smartness in which these old warriors
of the Salient responded to the stentorian commands of one of their number, an ex-
sergeant major. They moved with the precision of young serving soldiers and elicited
the admiration of all present, and it was a very fitting conclusion when Lieut.-General
Sir W. P. Pulteney took the salute for their march past prior to dismissal on the return
to the Horse Guards' Parade.
At 1 p.m. a deputation of the Ypres League headed by Major E. Montague Jones,
O.B.E., T.D., was received at Westminster Abbey by the Ven. Archdeacon Storr, M.A.,
and a wreath was placed on the grave of the Unknown Warrior. During a short service
of touching simplicity the Archdeacon addressed the assembly as follows -
Let me begin by saying on behalf of the Dean and Chapter how very glad
we are to welcome representatives of the Ypres League year by year. I suppose
we all know something of the admirable work the League has done. We receive the
wreath which is being placed on the Unknown Warrior's grave, and it will be duly
noted in the records of the Abbey.
It is inevitable on these annual celebrations that their character should
tend to sameness, but we shall never forget the heroism and self-sacrifice of those
men who gave their all for God and liberty and justice and to their country. As
the years go by, that immemorial association unplants more and more upon us
the idea of Peace which we want and for which they fought. Though even now
the clouds hang very low in this respect, we must work for the cause of fellowship,
brotherhood, peace and justice.
Standing here by this hallowed grave in close proximity of the grave of one
of the greatest commanders in the war, Lord Plumer, I would ask you to be silent
in prayer for a moment."
After observing a two minutes' silence, prayers followed, and then a visit to the
private chapel wherein lies Lord Plumer's remains.
T"
Tablet in Canterbury Cathedral.
Tribute from Personal Friends.
A MOVEMENT started by Sir Charles Warde, Bart., nearly two years ago, for
the provision of some permanent" memorial in a suitable place to Field-Marshal
the Earl of Ypres has come to fruition. Last Armistice Day, a mural tablet in
marble, adjoining the Warriors' Chapel of Canterbury Cathedral, was dedicated with
simple, yet solemn, ceremony. This, appropriately enough, followed the annual Armistice
Day service in the Cathedral.
This little country churchyard in which Lord Ypres is buried is that of the
parish in which he was born, Ripple, near Dover. It was here at Ripple Vale —that
his father lived till the future Field-Marshal was four years old. In a simple little grave
his bones rest with those of other'members of his family.
The execution of the memorial was entrusted to the late Sir Walter Tapper,
R.A., F.S.A. whose design, as will be judged from the accompanying photographic
reproduction, shows both dignity and refinement. Surmounted by Lord Ypres' coat of
