sneakyimp Posted 20 May , 2014 Share Posted 20 May , 2014 I've heard mention of a place near Ypres called the Red Heart Estaminet. Can anyone help me locate this place, ideally with latitude/longitude. It is referred to in A Tommy at Ypres (p 52.) by Walter Williamson as he describes his journey to 'the reserve line on the Yser Canal in front of Ypres' : We were halted at the ruins of a building that was known as "The Red Heart Estaminet." It was difficult to imagine it as a convivial spot. Plenty of orders were being given, but not for drinks. In the chapter entitled "An Ypres Christmas" in Undertones of War, Edmund Blunden says: At Poperinghe a draft of perhaps sixty soldiers was put in my charge, and I was told to make my way to the Red Heart Estaminet on the canal bank near Ypres. It did not strike me at first that an estaminet with a name like that would be a foolish ruin, not dealing in malaga, thin beer or grenadine. I believe I've read of this place elsewhere too but don't recall where. It sounds like a significant landmark for troops deployed to the salient. Can anyone tell me more about this place? Would it be serving as corps/divisional HQ or something? What might it look like? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERITAGE PLUS Posted 20 May , 2014 Share Posted 20 May , 2014 I believe the name of the estaminet was the Red Hart, rather than Heart. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sneakyimp Posted 21 May , 2014 Author Share Posted 21 May , 2014 I believe the name of the estaminet was the Red Hart, rather than Heart. Dave Thanks for that! Still can't find hide nor hair of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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