When Patty and I visited Ypres...blog

I hope you enjoy it.

http://welshwomantastic.blogspot.com...1_archive.html

Hello Shar,
Ypre never fails to make me realise the futility of war. Another point about the Menin Gate I have been reliably informed that any one visiting the Menin gate can find their family name some where on one of the Walls. Also it has been pointed out to me that during the German occupation the German gauliter in charge of the area told all the German occupying forces to respect the Wall and the dead and all it's implications.But it appears that a German soldier went out on a bender and was caught urinating at the scene. He was arrested and tried the next day and was summarily executed. I cannot be sure of the veracity of this story. Many thanks for your input of your visit.
regards as ever Don

Sharon, thanks for sharing. Seriously you should write a book, I for one would buy it.

Thanks.

Yes, it is a special place, whether you call it Ieper, Ypres, Wipers or even Eeps. I was there a fortnight ago and visited all those places I have visited ten times before and they never fail to impress. Ramparts and Bedford House Cemeteries are my favourites, also - strangely - the German cemetery at Langemark which is in total contrast to the CWGC cemeteries, gloomy, an atmosphere of Götterdämmerung even, where one realises the futility of it all.

Last year my pilgrimage took me to the graves of Frank Richards's friends Stevens, Hand and Stait in Bois-Grenier. This year I visited the graves of Col Cadogan and Capt Vyvyan and left crosses on behalf of their grandsons. Next year I shall probably visit some graves of 4th Bn men.

I shall be back in Ieper in mid-July, meeting with a group of German historians to discuss a Christmas Truce exhibition in 2014.

Another story, Don: in the Second World War the Germans out of respect tended to leave the CWGC gardeners in Belgium and France in peace. I was told that several downed airmen spent a day or so in a CWGC toolshed.

John

Hey John, we're going again this summer. Also taking eldest lad and his g/f, so let us know when you;re there and perhaps we can meet up if the dates work? X

I intend to arrive Wednesday July 13th. My six Germans will turn up the next evening. Off home again on Sunday 17th.

It would be nice if we could arrange something, Sharon, so keep me posted please.

John

sharon thank you.