On the occasion of Ypres Day on Saturday, October 31, 2026, the New Ypres League is organizing an extensive commemorative program for members and non-members from Friday, October 30, through Sunday, November 1, 2026. The highlight of the three-day event will be the unveiling of the restored demarcation stone and accompanying information plaque at Hell Fire Corner in Ypres. The ceremony will take place in the presence of Lady Lucy French OBE, honorary president of the New Ypres League and great-granddaughter of Field Marshal Sir John French, commander of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). The restoration was carried out in collaboration with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).
The commemorative organization New Ypres League was established in 2024 on the initiative of Roger Steward and Dominiek Dendooven. The organization is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Ypres Salient in the spirit and according to the mission of the original Ypres League from 1920. The New Ypres League brings together people from Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the rest of the world to support commemorations, protect the heritage of the battlefields, and promote historical understanding.

A special place in his heart



Sir John French was one of the driving forces behind the Ypres League project at the time. He issued a personal appeal for donations. The fundraising effort led to the construction of St. George’s Memorial Church in Ypres, designed by architect Sir Reginald Blomfield, who also designed the Menin Gate. The church was consecrated in 1929 and serves as an important physical link between the New Ypres League and its predecessors.

Regarding the importance of her role as honorary president of the New Ypres League, Lady Lucy French OBE, great-granddaughter of Field Marshal Sir John French, commander of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), says the following: “It is incredibly important to me. I grew up hearing stories about my great-grandfather, the battles near Ypres, and his military career. From a very early age, I knew that Ypres was a very important place to him and held a special place in his heart. I felt so honored and was so happy when Roger invited me to take on this role and, in a sense, follow in my great-grandfather’s footsteps.”

The Importance of Remembrance

“The New Ypres League remains committed to remembering and honoring those who served and gave their lives in Flanders Fields,” says chairman Roger Steward, also guide with Ypres Battlefield Tours and author. “By becoming a member, you help keep their memory alive. Every contribution makes a difference and helps fund our participation in reburials or the restoration of monuments. Every cent raised goes back to the Ypres Salient.”

“The New Ypres League means a great deal to me and my family. It is so important that we honor their memory. He (Sir John French, ed.) would have been so happy that the New Ypres League has gained a foothold, because St Georges Church and the entire city were so important to him and to his need to remember what had happened. Given the escalating geopolitical unrest, it is crucial that we do not forget what happened in the Ypres Salient. The New Ypres League and its work have never been more necessary,” said Lady Lucy French in the podcast Battles of the First World War. (https://www.patreon.com/BattlesoftheFirstWorldWarPodcast)

Wear a Cornflower on Ypres Day



In honor of the third edition of Ypres Day, the symbol of the cornflower is also being revived. Roger Steward: “Cornflowers grew in abundance in the Salient, just like poppies. That is one of the reasons why the New Ypres League decided to adopt this symbol, as it had originally done. Another reason was that it was Sir John French’s favorite flower. One of his favorite colors was cornflower blue. We’re trying to promote the idea of wearing the cornflower, specifically on Ypres Day. That’s why we’ve designed a commemorative pin, a refrigerator magnet, and posters. Through their sale, we’re also raising funds to continue actively commemorating the past through various campaigns and initiatives.”

Practical Information

👉 For more information, email address, and membership: www.newypresleague.com
👉 Follow them on Facebook: NewYpresLeague
👉 The Ypres Day pin is also on sale at Tourism Ypres.

Program

👉 Friday, October 30 2026

• 1:00 p.m. Guided “Demarcation Stone” walk (for members)
• 8:30 p.m. Pub Quiz
  • Mary’s Irish Pub, Seminariestraat 7 in Ypres
  • Teams of up to 5 people
  • 25 euros per team
  • Sign up at the pub

👉 Saturday, October 31

• 10:00 a.m. Guided tour of Hill 60 led by Dominiek Dendooven (for members and guests)
• 2:30 p.m. “Wear a Cornflower on Ypres Day”
  • Nieuwerck on the Market Square, Ypres
  • “New Ypres League” booth: Stop by the Market Square in Ypres today to learn more about the New Ypres League, check out our products, or make a donation. Every contribution makes a difference!
  • Tour led by a “Town Crier”
• 4:00 p.m. Speech and tribute
  • Council Chamber of the “Old Town Hall” (for members and invited guests)
  • Grote Markt in Ypres (entrance to the Ypres Museum)
• 7:15 p.m. Wreath-laying ceremony at the Belgian War Memorial - Jules Coomansstraat in Ypres
• 7:35 p.m. Start of the procession to the Menin Gate
  • Corner of Jules Coomansstraat and Neermarkt in Ypres
  • Musical accompaniment by the Ypres Surrey Pipes & Drums
  • Participation of various flag bearers
• 8:00 p.m. Menin Gate: Attendance at the “Last Post” ceremony

👉 Sunday, November 1

• 10:30 a.m. Church service at St. George’s Memorial Church - 1 Elverdingestraat, Ypres
• 1:00 p.m. Hellfire Corner: unveiling of the renovated demarcation post and the new information sign, roundabout on Meenseweg near No. 303

Below is a photograph of the Hellfire Corner demarcation stone on Meenseweg in Ypres, which was removed on the morning of Thursday 8 October 2026 with a view to its restoration (carried out by the CWGC).