“Immortal Defence of Ypres”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 106, 26 July 1927, Page 1

“Immortal Defence of Ypres”

Honouring the Dead

The Pilgrimage to the Menin Gate

I CONSIDER it my duty to render homage to the incomparable defenders of Ypres,” replied King Albert of Belgium, to a message from the King of England, who said: “My people’s hearts are touched that you should attend this ceremony in person and honour the British Empire’s missing men who made the supreme sacrifice in their immortal defence of the Ypres salient.”

By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Reed. 9.55 a.m. LONDON, Monday.

THE Australian names are in a conspicuous position on the Menin Gate. The whole panel catches the eye of all entering the main arch from Ypres. Another panel flanks the stairs leading to the rampart.

The official wreath laid by Sir Granville Ryrie, Australia’s High Comniis sioner, was inscribed, “From the people of Australia.” One of the most outstanding .wreaths is a perfect reproduction of an A.I.F. badge, carded “From a widowed mother, in memory of her only son.—M. B. Carter.” Major Phillips, Captain Coleman, Captain Murphy, and Captain Forrest represented the Australian ex-service men. Sir Fabian Ware laid a wreath on behalf of New Zealand. It was inscribed: “From the Government, High Commissioner and pepole of New Zealand.” All the Australian visitors were delighted with the perfect condition of the graves of their countrymen. It is estimated that 15,000 people attended the unveiling of the Ypres Memorial. Many had spent the previous night in the open air owing to the limited accommodation. A special enclosure had been reserved for the 700 pilgrims from Britain, as well as for hundreds of exservicemen who saw fighting in this salient. The surrounding buildings were ablaze with British and Belgian flags. —A. and N.Z. BROADCAST OF SPEECHES By Cable.-—Press Association.—Copyright LONDON, Sunday. Listeners in every part of the British Isles heard a surprisingly good broadcast by wireless of the speeches at the unveiling of the imposing Menin Gate memorial. The King of the Belgians, in acknowledging Britain’s aid in the war, thoughtfully mentioned the long distances travelled by Australian and New Zealand soldiers. There was a good representation of New Zealanders. Others who took part in the ceremony included Sir L. Worthington-Evans, Secretary of State for War, and Anglican and Roman Catholic Bishops. The ceremony closed with the sound ing of the “Last Post,” the “Highland Lament,” the “Reveille,” and the singing of the Belgian and British National Anthems. One minute’s silence was then observed. —A. and N.Z.-Sun.