Just had 5 cracking day's in Belgium.Went mainly to see the WW1 stuff. Stayed at a B&B in the town just down the road from the main square. Saw the last post ceremony twice.Tyne Cott,the largest commonwealth war cemetery in the world,Passendale,Sanctuary Wood and Hill 60 were all on the agenda. Saturday we moved up to Bruges,after a quick stop at Poperinge, for some good food and beer. It was the first time we'd used the tunnel and was surprised how easy it was,we'll use it again. I'll put some photo's on as soon as I get them sorted.
Did exactly the same Ypres trip inc all yer mentioned last year, not a dry eye when that last post sounded I'm proud to say. A chap came on the mike and told anyone sat down to stand up , no clapping, it's not a show, it's a rememberence service. Beautiful city, they were having a European beachball championship inc sand in the town square! (I kid you not). Like you first time in chunnel on bike and impressed.
I agree with above, it's a lovely city. I have been there a couple of times, and visited the battlefield , cemeteries etc. However its always been by coach, so it would be great to go on the bike though. Will need to look into the tunnel route.
I agree with all of the above. Very moving place and a beautiful city,hard to believe it was reduced to ruble. During the last post someone was playing loud music down the street,the head policeman just pointed to one of the other coppers who shot off down the street and within seconds the music was off.
Yes it is, ive done most of he conflict areas of northern France and its a fantastic even more so on a motorcycle
Been to Ypres and Tyne Cott a couple of years ago and the Somme and Bastogne last year. Sadly only Bastogne on the bike. Can recomend the tunnel though - lots of bikes use it. (Mainly BMW's!)
Went to Kachanaburi, where the bridge over river Kwai was/is and visited the war graves there. Went 35 years ago and in that time even though the town has grown around them the site has not been tampered with, they are meticulously looked after by the Thais too, also visited part of the line called death railway where the POWs hacked out solid rock to a depth of 10 meters by hand. Will try and get some photos up soon
Just looking at a sneaky weekend away in April,stretch it to 4 days. Tunnel and stick to the North,hoping to get to Thiepval as we missed it last time.
We did vimy ridge last year,will go again though. I found out last weekend that I've got a great uncles name on Thiepval. I can manage a bit of war history each trip but my wife will only take so much so I have to spend it out a bit.
Thiepval in 2014 and Beaumont Hamel. The Caribou memorial to the Royal Newfoundlanders of the 29th Division who chose to fight under the British rather than their native Canadian flag. Poor planning and communications led to them suffering 80% casualties whilst they were forming up for the attack. The trench line can still be seen along with the original barbed wire stanchions.
Great pictures there guys - brought back lots of memories for me. I particularly remember one with great pleasure - 6th June 2009 at Arromanches, all the world leader there including Prime Minister Gordon Brown who was booo'd off stage. The Veterans (all in their 80's and 90's!) were asked to form up and march along the main road - stiff backed and as precise as a Swiss watch, whilst all who watched applauded - not a dry eye in the house. And once 'off stage' they were real buggers with the ladeez and the drink !!!! Fantastic opportunity for me to see, greet and say 'thank you' to them.
Stopped overnight in Peronne on that trip and bumped into these re-enactment guys in the town square. The Yanks were all English and the Germans were mainly Belgians and Dutch!
Only just found this thread about Ypres.. I was there with my Wife last April and I had the honour & privilege to Parade my RBL Branch Standard for the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate..
I'm going to see if we can booked in for 11/11/2018 would love to stood at the Menin Gate 100 years to the day the guns fell silent.
Done it several times, it is 'must do' for anyone yet to go, and the town is great to visit, big market square to sit with a beer and watch the world go by. Teejay