Featured Touring Ypres

It's a very moving area to visit, don't you think?

 

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.

 

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 a few from my France collection

 

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.

 

Thanks, I've done most of it and plan to do even more in the future roll on August!!

 

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..

 

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