Ypres 1915
The Hundredth Anniversary
22nd April 2015
A number of ceremonies took place throughout the day commemorating the first major gas attack. It was impossible to attend all of them and with the presence of HM Filip King of the Belgians, traffic controls were in place which further reduced mobility.
The major Belgian-French Commemoration took place at Steenstraat in the afternoon. A parade takes place here every year in honour of those who died and the survivors who then held the line.
Following the commemorations at the Carabineers’ Plaque and Grenadiers’ monument the parade continued to the Cross of Reconciliation where it was joined by King Filip and other dignitaries. Sadly, we, the great unwashed were placed aside, behind sound equipment and the press. We got to hear but not see very much and taking photographs was nigh on pointless.
A short time later it was the turn of the Canadians to welcome the King, at their Brooding Soldier monument at Vancouver Corner. I was surprised to see so few Canadians amongst the onlookers. Perhaps because for Canadians the gas attack took place on the 24th April 1915.
Some photos from the ceremonies at Zuidschote
Click on the thumbnail for a larger version
Some photos from the ceremony at Vancouver Corner
Click on the thumbnail for a larger version
In September 1915 it would be the turn of the British to unleash their first gas attack.