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New Ypres League

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Ieper
New Ypres League

The New Ypres League is an Ypres based charity dedicated to remembering the fallen of all sides in The Ypres Salient during the Great War of 1914 - 1918.

Remembrance in the Ypres Salient of today presents us with a whole new set of unique challenges. The last veterans of the Great War left us a few years ago but remembering the fallen in the Salient is still as relevant today as it was in the 1920s and 30s. Although the Great War ended over 100 years ago, the Salient still regularly gives up its grisly harvest. The remains of over 135,000 soldiers

of the Great War lay unrecovered in the cold clay of Flanders, these remains are still being recovered every year. Once the remains have gone through the identification process, they are reburied with military honours in one of the many military cemeteries in the area. These ceremonies and the sacrifice made by these soldiers require official recognition in the form of wreath laying and the attendance of a standard bearer. In addition to the burials there are many ceremonies that require official attendance, anniversaries of major battles, special Last Post ceremonies, visits from VIPS all of which require official attendance. However, as time marches on, and age becomes more of a factor, there are fewer and fewer people and organisations available in the Ypres Salient to perform these tasks. It is vital that the sacrifice made by the fallen in the Ypres Salient is not forgotten and that a whole new generation of volunteers are encouraged actively to partake in remembrance activities.

27/08/2026

Recently published in the Flemish press: ‘Flanders invests heavily in the walls of war cemeteries’ (article by Thijs Pattyn, Het Nieuwsblad).
The New Ypres League is pleased that Ben Weyts, Flemish Minister for 'Onroerend Erfgoed' (Immovable Heritage), is making €1.13 million available for the thorough restoration of the walls of the war cemeteries at Railway Dugouts Burial Ground (Zillebeke), Bedford House Cemetery (Ypres), White House Cemetery (Sint-Jan), and Belgian Battery Corner Cemetery (Ypres).
The foundations and damaged brickwork and coping stones will be replaced, and wherever possible the contractor will reuse existing materials. The total cost of the works is estimated at €1.7 million. Through the Flanders heritage agency, Flanders will cover 66% of the costs. The remaining costs will be borne by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).
For the New Ypres League, this is an important step. Pierre Legrand, conflict archaeologist and member of our association, emphasises in the article the significance of this heritage: “By restoring these monuments to their former glory, we hope that this will contribute to the message of ‘Never again war’ for future generations.”
The New Ypres League is currently running a project to restore the demarcation stones, together with its partners the CWGC, the City of Ypres and the Flanders 'Onroerend Erfgoed' agency.

24/08/2026

100 Years of the Irish Memorial in Wijtschate 🇮🇪 🇧🇪

On Sunday, 23 August 2026, Roger Steward, Chairman of the New Ypres League, attended the solemn commemoration marking the 100th anniversary of the Irish Memorial in Wijtschate. During the ceremony, he laid a wreath on behalf of the New Ypres League in memory of the many Irish soldiers who gave their lives (images Eric Compernolle).

The memorial, situated along the Wijtschatestraat, was officially unveiled on 22 August 1926. It commemorates the soldiers of the 16th Irish Division, which suffered heavy losses during the First World War, particularly during the Battle of Messines in 1917.

A century later, this special place remains a powerful symbol of remembrance, respect and friendship. During the centenary commemoration, attended by Irish Ambassador Kevin Francis Conmy and British Military Attaché Colonel Nick Thom, tribute was paid to the Irish fallen.

🎻 The ceremony was given an extra special dimension by Irish violinist Tracy McRory, who composed a new piece of music especially for the occasion.

Lest we forget. 🌺

21/08/2026

During the 53rd edition of the ‘Vierdaagse van de IJzer’ march, several members of the New Ypres League were present, each in their own capacity.
From Tuesday, 18 August to Friday, 21 August 2026, this official march of the Belgian Defence once again brought together civilians and military personnel in the Westhoek (Oostduinkerke/Nieuwpoort, Diksmuide, Poperinge and Ieper). Over the four days, approximately 15,000 walkers took part in the event.
The ‘Vierdaagse van de IJzer’ is much more than a walking event: it is also an opportunity to respectfully commemorate those who fell in both World Wars, particularly those who lost their lives on the battlefields of the coastal region and the Westhoek during the First World War (for more information see also: https://vierdaagse.be and on Facebook: Vierdaagse van de IJzer).
🪖 Lieutenant Colonel Isabelle Lahaye, Patron in Chief of the New Ypres League, attended the opening ceremony every day. In addition she represented the provincial military command at various ceremonies during these four days.
🎯 Katrien Desomer, Honorary Vice President of the New Ypres League, fired the starting gun on the fourth and final day in her capacity as Mayor of Ypres.
🥾 Tine Heddebauw took part in the march for two days, walking 16 km each day.
🏅 Rafael Rondelez walked 32 km on each of the four days — for the fifth consecutive year! A truly remarkable achievement.

13/08/2026

The In Flanders Fields Museum (IFFM) has launched a special new project: “Mapping WWI Commemorative Events.” Through an interactive world map, the museum wants to collect as many commemorative events as possible — from major ceremonies to small local initiatives, rituals and gatherings.

💙 The New Ypres League supports this initiative and makes a warm appeal to its members and every interested person or organisation in Belgium or anywhere in the world to support the IFFM initiative.

👉 Do you know of a commemorative event? Add it to the map!

Perhaps it is an annual ceremony, the Last Post, a remembrance at a memorial, a local commemoration, or a small but meaningful moment that is important to your community.

Discover the interactive map and find out how you can take part:
https://www.inflandersfields.be/en/commemorative-practices-of-the-first-world-war

Every event tells a story about how we keep the memory of the First World War alive today. Every moment matters. 🌺

08/08/2026

It is with great sadness that the New Ypres League learned of the passing of Mr Guy Gruwez, Honorary Chairman of the Last Post Association, at the age of 97.

For more than seventy years, Guy Gruwez devoted himself with exceptional dedication to the remembrance of those who fell during the First World War. As Chairman of the Last Post Association for no less than forty years, and subsequently as Honorary Chairman, he was an important and tireless driving force behind the daily Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate.

With dignity, conviction and, above all, a profound respect for those who gave their lives during the First World War, he carried forward the message of remembrance, commemoration and gratitude. His dedication helped shape what the Last Post means today, in Ypres and far beyond.

The New Ypres League extends its sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Last Post Association, its Chairman, its members, the buglers and all its staff, and in particular to his wife Marie-Jeanne, his family and all those who were dear to Guy.

We bid farewell to a man who devoted his life to remembrance, but whose commitment and example will live on for many years to come.

Rest in peace, Guy.
We will remember him.

07/08/2026

QUIZ: How much do you know about YPRES DAY – 31 OCTOBER?

📅 31 October… just an ordinary autumn day? Or a date that holds a very special meaning for Ypres?

Test your knowledge with our Ypres Day Quiz! 👇

❓ Question 1
Why is 31 October so important in the history of the Ypres Salient?

❓ Question 2
Why should we wear a Cornflower on 31 October?

❓ Question 3
Why is it important that Ypres Day – 31st October continues to be remembered today?

❓ Question 4
Do you know the New Ypres League?
👉 What is its purpose, and what activities does it organise to preserve the heritage of the Ypres Salient? How can you contribute in achieving the goals of the New Ypres League?

🤔 Curious to know the answers?
🎙️ In the podcast “Ypres Day – 31st October 2026” from the Battles of the First World War Podcast, Lady French and Roger Steward of the New Ypres League answer these questions and provide much more insight into the historical significance of Ypres Day, the New Ypres League, its aims and its activities.

🎧 Listen to the podcast and discover the full story!
🔗 The link to the podcast can be found below: https://www.patreon.com/BattlesoftheFirstWorldWarPodcast/posts/ypres-day-with-166011991?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Would you like to help keep the memory of Ypres and its remarkable history alive?
The New Ypres League warmly welcomes anyone interested in becoming a member or supporting the League with a donation. ❤️

ℹ️ All information about membership and donations can be found at:
🌐 www.newypresleague.com
📘 Facebook: New Ypres League

💬 How many questions did you get right?
Share your score in the comments! 👇

03/08/2026

We are incredibly proud to celebrate two outstanding members of the New Ypres League, Kim Wright and Karen Lim, whose dedication and craftsmanship have left a lasting legacy at St George's Memorial Church, Ypres.

Kim and Karen designed and hand-crafted two beautiful commemorative kneelers—the first new additions to the church's remarkable collection in 25 years. These stunning works of art now form a permanent part of this unique memorial church, visited by people from all over the world.

On Sunday, July 19th, Richard Clement, chaplain of Saint George's Memorial Church, blessed the two new kneeler cushions in the church. “They look lovely!” said Richard.

In recognition of their time, skill, generosity and commitment, New Ypres League Chairman Roger Steward presented Kim and Karen with the League's Silver Organisation Medal—the first ever awarded. A well-deserved honour for two members whose work will inspire and be appreciated by generations to come.

Congratulations, Kim and Karen, and thank you for making such a meaningful contribution to the remembrance of those who served and sacrificed. “Lest We Forget.”

24/06/2026

The months of May and June have been filled with reburials, rededications, and commemorative ceremonies as we continue to honour those who served and sacrificed. One of these meaningful events took place yesterday at the Belgian Cemetery in Houthulst.

Following the recent vandalism in which bronze plaques were removed from the headstones, a special service was held to mark the replacement of the plaques and the restoration of the graves.

Local schoolchildren and remembrance organisations were invited to attend this moving ceremony. The students did a fantastic job, showing great respect and dedication in honouring the memory of those buried there.

The New Ypres League was honoured to attend and to stand alongside the local community in ensuring that the sacrifice and remembrance of those who rest in Houthulst are preserved for future generations.

Thank you Eric and Rafael for the pictures.

10/05/2026

The New Ypres League was honoured to be present at moving rededication services in the Ypres Salient, paying tribute to soldiers whose identities and stories have finally been restored more than a century after the Great War.

On 28 April 2026, services were held for Lance Corporal William Voice MM (8th Battalion, Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment), who died near Zillebeke on 1 August 1917, at CWGC Bedford House Cemetery, and Lance Corporal Lionel Weller Sandell (10th Battalion, Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment), who died near Comines on 29 September 1918, at CWGC Zantvoorde British Cemetery. Their graves were identified thanks to the dedicated work of researchers who submitted evidence to the CWGC and JCCC, with the ceremonies supported by serving soldiers of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment.

A day later, on 29 April 2026, further rededication services took place for Captain Gordon Cuthbert and Lieutenant Leslie Harvey of the 1/8 Battalion Duke of Cambridge’s Own Middlesex Regiment, both of whom died near Ypres on 25 April 1915. Captain Cuthbert was commemorated at CWGC Tyne Cot Cemetery and Lieutenant Harvey at CWGC Sanctuary Wood Cemetery. Their final resting places were also confirmed through historical research submitted to the CWGC and JCCC.

The New Ypres League remains committed to remembrance and honouring those who served and sacrificed in Flanders Fields.

Remember to help us remember them.

Thanks to Eric Compernolle for the pictures.

03/05/2026

This Anzac Day, members of the New Ypres League gathered in solemn remembrance to honour those who served and sacrificed, attending a number of commemorative ceremonies across Ypres.

Among these were the Dawn Service at Buttes New British Cemetery, where we stood together at first light in quiet reflection, surrounded by history and the resting place of so many.

We also attended the moving ceremony at the Menin Gate, reminding us that their names—and their stories—will never be forgotten.

Lest we forget.

Remember to help us remember them.

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Ieper
8900

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https://www.newypresleague.com/

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