Our town's official Coat of Arms, showing the British Military Cross and the French Croix de Guerre. Both medals were awarded
to the town in 1920.
OUR BRANCH TODAY.
Please see Notice Board for Branch Itinerary & updates.
The Ypres Branch of the Royal British Legion has to be one the most spiritual and symbolic Branches of the Legion today.
If you visit the famous Menin Gate Memorial here in "Wipers" Please remember General Lord Plumer's famous words that he said at the Inauguration ceremony back in 1927
"They are not missing, they are here"
Ypres in its destroyed state immediately after WW1.
In and around the town of "Wipers" during WW1, at least 250,000 British Empire soldiers were killed. Who knows how many more were wounded both physically or mentally and became scarred for life. At least 100,0000 of them are still laying in unmarked graves or still waiting to be brought in from the cold! If you include the Germans, French, Indians, Americans, Belgians etc etc, then no wonder this part of Belgium today, is known as the "Bone Yard of Europe."
The Ypres Branch of the Royal British Legion today, is working very hard assisting the Burgermeester's office, the Belgian Entente, the CWGC, the Last Post Association and the local community to commemorate and remember all of these soldiers of any nationality, whenever they are recovered from the old WW1 Ypres Salient battlefields. It is not just WW1 either! WW2 also raged in and around the town in May 1940 and again in September 1944. Their dead also rest alongside their fathers' generation who fought and fell here so thickly. This is a very special place for allies such as the Polish & the Czechoslovaks, who fought so valiantly alongside their British allies from Dunkirk to Ypres and beyond whilst serving with the British Armed Forces. Combine both World Wars and it ensures we are indeed a very busy Branch today.
Above left;
The Great Square with the famous
Cloth Hall & St Martin's Cathedral.
Above right;
The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing.
Below left;
Last Post Association buglers and the Australian Defence Force pay their respects at a special Ceremony to commemorate the Australian 5. These 5 soldiers were recently recovered from the battlefields. 4 out of the 5 have since been identified and have have received full military honours in The Buttes New British CWGC.
Above right: Harry Patch after receiving his Knighthood of the Order of Leopold. He has already received the French Legion d'Honneur.
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The Tank Memorial Ypres Salient
Inauguration Ceremony
10/October/2009
Above left and right;
The Tank Memorial Ypres Salient enclosure housed the standards of the Royal Tank Regiment Associations, the British Torch of Remembrance Belgium Branch and the standard of the Ypres Branch of the Royal British Legion. There were also at least 20 standards from the Entente surrounding the Memorial itself.
Above;
Mr Edward Hefferman MBE Trustee to the Royal British Legion, places the RBL wreath against the Memorial. He is also a member of the Ypres Branch and represented them likewise along with the Branch President Mr Andre Sante.
To see a full report with photographs of the Inauguration Ceremony, please visit
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Tuesday 22nd September 2009
In Memoriam Ceremony on behalf of
the last fighting Tommy.
Former Lewis Gunner Pte Harry Patch 7th DCLI.
The Harry Patch Memorial, Steenbeek Langemark.
On receipt of the news of Harry's passing, the Branch contacted Harry's family and friends to offer our condolences. We were informed that Harry had made a last will and his last request asked for no pomp, no bands and no major ceremonies on his passing. The Branch honoured Harry's request and arranged a small ceremony that we believe Harry would have been been most happy with. We chose a symbolic date that meant so much to Harry. September 22nd 1917 is when Harry was seriously wounded and when he lost his 3 friends and comrades in arms when the shell detonated above his Machine Gun team.
Harry always said, HIS Remembrance day was Sept 22nd.
So there there were no bands and no major ceremony as per Harry's personal wishes. Just the RBL, the Entente, a few serving soldiers, a hand full of the relevant Standards and Last Post Association buglers. Also standing quietly alongside were his close friends from England and some local Flemish members of the public. It was most pleasing to see them attending. I'm sure Harry would agree!
Afterwards, we all retreated to our Branch HQ in the Cafe t Klein Rijsel for a social gathering. It was likewise, a most enjoyable evening.
Above;
The Last Post buglers and the British, Belgian & French Standards.
Above left;
Mr Alain Wyffels Burgermeester Langemark-Poelkapelle.
The RBL Ypres Branch President Andre Sante and Vice President Mr Jack Squires
President of the British Torch of Remembrance Noel Carlisle.
Peter Barton & Jeremy Banning.
Above right;
Ronnie Loof, RBL Branch Standard Bearer.
Above;
RBL Branch Chairman Iain McHenry and Vice Chairman Chris Lock
Above;
Attending Branch Officers, members, Harry's friends, serving soldiers and members of the public pay their respects.
At the going down of the Sun and in the morning, we will remember him.
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NOTICE BOARD
This area will be updated with future Branch events and Salient news.
Please contact the Secretary for further details.
Menin Gate Last Post Ceremony
Thursday 11th February 8pm.
The Ypres & Somme Branch Standards will be accompanying the British and Australian re internment teams from Fromelles for this special Menin Gate Last Post Ceremony. All Branch members are welcome to attend.
The latest press release from the CWGC
The British in Ypres 1919 - 1940
Thursday 25th February 2010 8.15pm
Conference Room Town Hall Ypres.
An illustrated talk by Sue Elliot and James Fox.
Authors of The Children who fought Hitler A British outpost in Europe.
Signed book copies will be available on the night.
Brookwood CWGC/London visit 2-3/May/2010.
The Entente has organised a trip to Brookwood and London over the above dates.
Costs including travel/accommodation for one night has been set at 160 euro pp.
Can all interested Branch members please contact the
Vice Chairman Mr Chris Lock in the first place if interested. Thank you.
* This may be an ideal chance for our London area based Branch members to attend the Brookwood CWGC and meet some of our attending Belgian members!
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Branch Christmas social evening
Cafe t Klein Rijsel
Saturday 7pm Dec 12th.
Well what a night we all had!
Last nights Christmas social gathering was a SUPERB success. Much beer was drank, much gossip was shared and new and old relationships were formed and confirmed. This was the first time that I have witnessed the coming together of representatives from the Entente ( including the RBL ) the Last Post Association and likewise minded invited family and friends here in Wipers. It really was a very special evening for all the right reasons.
The 2009 Ypres Branch Poppy Appeal figures were also produced and we are proud to reveal that the Branch collected 14,500.00 euros this year. If we apply this to last years figure of 16,000.00 plus, we can reveal that the running total since the Branch Management was reformed in 2008 is, wait for it.........
30,500.00 EUROS.
To be added to this figure is our Sterling account figures. As soon as know this we will post here accordingly.
We wish to offer our most sincere thanks to our Poppy Appeal Organiser Milena Kolarikova. Milena has worked extremely hard since she took over this post and collection box stockists quickly got used to her zooming around the town on her poppybike.With paniers and ruck sack stuffed full with poppies, collection boxes, crosses and Poppy Appeal goodies, she produced the goods and the stockists received an excellent service.The Armistice period saw Milena out in the town almost every day and in this troubled finacial year, this years figures confirms this. Well done Milena and thank you!
Also as per last year, Milena is already organising the
Branch "Poppy Appeal Thank You Evening" As soon as a date and venue is confirmed, well, watch this space!
I can also reveal that the Branch has received an invitation to attend a 2 day trip to London, including a special visit to Brookwood Cemetery and it's CWGC in May next year along with the other Entente organisations. We all look forward to this one likewise. Details to follow. Nice one and thank you René.
A few photos from last night, enjoy!
Look Iain, I know my last beer I just can't remember where I
token is under your hand and I put my glasses René and it's
wish to have it back please! really bothering me!
You see Dom, I wore this flying jacket Our Vice President Jack Squire
when I flew solo over the Kemelberg getting on down whilst
on a magic carpet as a space cadet. Jean Luc Picard head bangs
One day, I may let you borrow it! the night away.
Iain and Jacky take their turn in the Oh Peter, it's just not fair.
"who can make the strangest face I really expected a new tumble
competition" dryer for Christmas.
Pierre referees the match and pronounces A new poppy badge is just not
Jacky the winner by a nose. the same!
The crowd spot Eric Remy sneaking up to the bar and shout their orders.
When in reality, the toast to absent friends brings every one to their feet.
Salute!
The final brace of photos just about sums the evening up.
God help us.
At the end of a fantastic evening, Branch member and Somme Branch Chairman Rod Bedford, spots an unoccupied sentry box. Being a former guardsman, he immediately suffers withdrawl symptoms and takes up his Buckingham Palace stance. Iain and Chris immediately rush to his aid to help the silly old duffer out. Unfortunately, this Amigo quickly became the 3 Amigo's and all are sent on their way home.
What a fantastic night guys! To all our members and special guests who attended and made the special night it was. Thank you.
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On behalf of the Ypres Branch
Poppy Appeal Collection Box stockists;
The Ypres Branch Poppy Appeal Thank you evening
Branch HQ Cafe t Klein Rijsel
Friday 29th January 2010.
This is the second of such events held by the Branch since 2008.
Since 2008, over 30,000 euros has been collected in the town, compared to the previous highest figure ever, of just 4000 euros previously to 2008.
This current figure is simply staggering here in Ypres and here are some of the reasons why!
Remember, some UK Branches with their wonderful conveyor belt of dedicated collectors collecting donations inside a nation renowned for it's charity generosity and willingness to help the needy.
As with many overseas branches, the Ypres Branch does not have any mobile or static collectors as such. Our numerical membership is world wide and the vast majority do not live in Ypres so because of the very few available physical members actually on the ground in town, we have to simply rely on static boxes set up for 12 months of the year at selected venues.
These venues are chosen for the simple reason that they are visited by tourists from the UK and the Commonwealth countries. It is a sad fact, that here in Belgium the offering of donations to charities, especially British charities by the local population is simply a non starter. They also have very different legislation over here which affects the collecting of monies for whatever reason in the streets or in/at public places. How many of you are aware that is illegal to collect monies for charity, including the RBL Poppy Appeal underneath the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing.
We recently received a local request to borrow poppies and then to bring them back at a later date in good condition!!
Sometimes we even get asked for free poppies to wear!
I never realised this was how it is here in Wipers but please don't knock the Belgium population as it is simply an innocent cultural issue. It is not that they don't approve or cannot be bothered, it is just not done here in this part of Belgium.
The vast majority of our donations come from the constant supply of British school coaches, dropping their spare euro cents into the chocolate shop collection boxes or from the tour/restaurant and tourist office venues visited by the Brits visiting Ypres.
If it wasn't for a goodly supply of Brits, the sad fact of the matter is there would simply not be a Poppy Appeal collection over here.
There are a few who do donate however and some who just wish to assist.
To those we are truly grateful.
These wonderful Flemish supporters and members assist us when possible and we salute them and as a special treat, we offer all of our box stockists, a special evening to thank them all on behalf of the Branch and the RBL Poppy Appeal.
Below are a few photos of the Poppy Appeal Thank You evening;
Above left;
Branch Chairman Iain and PAO Milena prepare the
Thank You Certificates to present
to the attending stockists.
Above right;
Iain presents Fabienne with her certificate
with obvious approval from gathered Branch members & guests.
Above left;
Patrick from the Shell Hole bookshop looking
incredibly pleased with his certificate, honest!
Above right;
Steve Douglas of the British Grenadier bookshop and Salient Tours &
Annette of Camalou B&B, discussing the virtues of their wonderful Certificates, whils't chatting about
the latest battlefield tourist issues no doubt.
And last but not least;
Above left;
Branch Poppy Appeal Organiser, Milena Kolarikova representing her beloved Czechoslovak Legionaires Association ( CsOL ) presents a friendship plaque to the Ypres Branch Chairman Mr Iain McHenry. Although Milena lives in Ypres, her office is in Prague. She regulary commutes betweeen both home and CsOL HQ to carry out her nations veterans commemorative and remembrance work.
Last year the Branch presented a friendship plaque to the CsOL and so we are truly honored to be connected with them, both spiritualy and physically.
Her Legionaires Association members are soon to visit Ypres on culmination of their forthcoming Great War and WW2 battlefields tour. "Nazdar Milena"
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CEREMONIES.
Plugsteert Memorial to the Missing
Last Post Ceremony to commemorate the battles of Fromelles.
Friday 7pm 5th February 2010.
To commemorate amongst others and the re internment of nearly 250 British and Australian soldiers recovered from mass graves alongside Pheasant Wood in Fromelles.
The Ypres Branch Treasurer Mr Dirk Vinck attended the monthly Last Post Ceremony held at the above Memorial.
Dirk presented the necessary poppy tribute and signed the attendance book on behalf of the Branch.
Branch members will certainly appreciate this dedication.
Thank you Dirk.
Above left and right;
The Ceremony participants on the steps of the Plugsteert Memorial to the Missing.
The torches of remembrance burn bright..
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Czechoslovakian Independent Armoured Division
Siege of Dunkerque 1945 Ceremony.
ADINKERKE CWGC 23/MAY/09.
Branch Committee member Milena Kolarikova is also the Czechoslovak Legionaires Association ( CsOL ) Representative to Belgium. This Ceremony was organised by the CsOL, the Czech Military & the Czech Government.
The Ceremony itself, was to commemorate the late 1944 & 45 battles that were fought in and around Dunkerque. The Czech Independent Armoured Division boxed in the German Army and prevented them from breaking out whilst the main Allied forces swept forwards into Germany & Victory. Many Czechs & Slovaks fell during this period around Dunkerque. Amongst the Czechs & Slovaks were also Russian's & Ukranian's. History is amazing! We all know about the withdrawal from France in May 1940 by mostly British troops, but how many of us are aware of the Czech input here in 44 & 45? Not many I would wager. All apart from the British were represented at this Ceremony. The Czech Military Band was superb and the floral wreaths were stunning. I'm not used to seeing the classic goose step march. That was very different indeed! I have to say, the Eastern European Veterans and their soldiers of today are very proud of their Veterans achievements during these battles. It was a very different Ceremony to what I am used to seeing around the old Ypres Salient battlefields or at the Menin Gate Memorial. The pride is the same but the ceremonial details and movements can be very different. Long may I see more! Unfortunately, there was not a single official British representative attendance. No British tribute was placed at all! Milena spoke to the Czech Consulate and he said they invite the British every year, but no one ever turns up. So sad! I immediately offered our Branch details and said that we would be honoured to be officially invited and attend with our Branch Standard and wreath. They said they would be delighted for a British Representation. We will see! I attach some pics of the day.
Not an RBL initiated Ceremony and not even a British Ceremony but Remembrance & Commemoration from our WW2 Allies at it's finest!
I hope you enjoy the photo's and report.
As far as British Ceremonies go, we seem to be in a quiet period at the moment.
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LANGEMARK GERMAN MILITARY CEMETERY.
FRIDAY 22/MAY/09.
"ICH HATT EINEN KAMERADEN"
YPRES SURREY PIPES & DRUMS
Tribute for fallen German Great War soldiers on behalf of the German Army.
This Ceremony was very special for many reasons and you will soon hear why!
It was an Ypres Surrey Pipes and Drums/German Military arranged Ceremony. The German Military detachment were to place floral tributes and Oak leaf wreaths in their cemetery to commemorate their fallen Great War comrades. British Army, Navy & Army Cadet personnel were also in attendance with German, Belgian & British members of the public. 2 Last Post Association buglers played the Last Post & Reveille. I attended this ceremony along with Milena on behalf of our Branch and we will remember this one for a long long time. I personally have never heard "Ich hatt einen Kameraden" played with bag pipes and I didn't know how it would sound. To hear this haunting tune played by horn and snare drum is so special to say the least. I had nothing to worry about! The band played and the tears flowed. First German, then Flemish and then British. To see these German soldiers, Airmen and Sailors with tears streaming down their faces was a sight to behold. Words didn't have to be exchanged, the hugs, back slaps and the party that broke out afterwards in the Cafe t Klein Rijsel was absolutely fantastic and it doesn't end there! During this party, at least 4 German soldiers approached me in the bar, all still dressed in their combat kit and without warning, whipped out their YPRES BRANCH RBL membership cards and toasted the Branch. I felt humbled and I was most happy. Ypres Surrey Pipes and Drums WELL DONE! Our German comrades of today, will never forget what you did for them and their Kameraden! German Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors we want you to return and next time, the drinks and hospitality will be on us and perhaps these wonderful pipers and drummers will play their magic for all again! Thank you all.
At the going down of the Sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
" ICH HATT EINEN KAMERADEN"
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FROMELLES
93rd Anniversary
Ceremony held at the Australian Memorial Park.
19/July/2009
The Ypres Branch and the Somme Branch of the Royal British Legion, both represented the British input amongst others at this most worthy ceremony to commemorate the joint British/Australian attack in 1916.
Above left;
Branch members Liz Milward and Rod Bedford place Branch wreaths alongside the other official British and Australian wreaths.
Above;
The RBL Standard is lowered in salute.
