Remembrance Day Ypres 2024

As we gathered in the Church the congregation arrived under a sunny blue sky. David Humbertson and Valérie Jacques led the party of Friends of St George’s Pilgrimage Tour who filled the rear of the Church. The invited guests were welcomed by Chris Sims, churchwarden, who had organised the service extremely well, and by The Chaplain, The Reverend Richard Clement. It was particularly pleasing to see the Church full with hardly an empty chair to be seen.

The service opened with The Dartford Choir singing ‘Mindful Hearts’ before the Chaplain began the service. During the opening hymn, ‘O God, our help in ages past’ the standard of the New Ypres League was presented.

Ms Chloe Louter, Deputy Head of Mission and Consult General, British Embassy, Brussels, gave the first reading, Jeremiah13, 31-34. The Dartford Choir sang the anthem, ‘Special Generation’ before the second reading by Chris Sims, St Matthew 5, 1-12. That was followed by ‘O Valiant Hearts’, with the congregation in good voice.

Sir Edward Crofton, Bt, led us in the Act of Remembrance. The buglers from The Last Post Association sounded The Last Post, and following the silence, played Reveille.

The Chaplain gave an excellent address that was appreciated by all. Following prayers the final hymn was sung, ‘Make me a channel of our peace’. RBL Branch Chairman, Patrick Beurms recited The Kohima. An excellent rendition of God Save The King was sung followed by the Belgian National Anthem played on the organ.

The Chaplain gave the blessing after which the standard of the New Ypres League led the procession out of the Church.

The majority of the congregation met outside St Martin’s Cathedral with our Pilgrims joining the Poppy Parade to the Menin Gate.

Following the Poppy Parade there was laying of wreathes at the Belgian Memorial before marching to the Menin Gate for the Act of Remembrance and laying of wreathes. Our Chaplain officiated and led the clergy at The Menin Gate Act of Remembrance. As usual there were a large number of dignitaries who laid wreathes followed by those of the public as at the Cenotaph.

It was an excellent morning and particularly pleasing that it was such a successful service for our Chaplain, his first Remembrance Day in post, the first of many.