Ieper, Belgium - Celtic Cross Ceremony

The Irish Cross is a war memorial in the Belgian city of Ypres. The cross was erected in 1924, in memory of the soldiers from Munster (Ireland) who fell in the Ypres Salient during the First World War. The cross stands on a rectangular base on an elevation of four steps and it is located behind St. Martin's Cathedral. Makers were J.A. O'Connell (Cork) and Alb. Cremer (Ypres).  The monument is a Celtic cross with a gable roof. Furthermore, the cross is covered on three sides with wickerwork motifs in relief. A three-crowned coat of arms is depicted on the upper base. The whole is 5.43 meters high; 3.41 meters wide and 2.65 meters deep.

 

During commemorative ceremonies on behalf of the Third Battle of Ypres, wreaths are laid annually at this cross.

 

On the front in English: 

In memory of those men of Munster who died fighting for freedom. A tribute erected by the people of the province and Cork its capital city.

 

The Irish text on the left side: 

I Zcuimne na muimneac a ruz a n-aname sa cozad mór ar son na saoirso cúise muman asus catair corcaize do rózan cros was so.

 

The French text on the right side: 

A la mémoire des soldats Irlandais de la province de Munster 1914-1918.