travelling 2011: Somme, Vimy Ridge & Ypres

Went to France last week with 3 mates. We had a great time over 4 days, the Cemeteries are as moving as ever and more than a few tears were shed.

We found a fantastic B&B in laBoiselle which was located on what would have been the front line on July 1st 1916 (first day of the Battle of the Somme). For those of you that know the area it is just around the corner from the Lochnagar Crater (Le Grande Mine). Also, for those of you who know the area, Tommy's cafe in Pozieres is well posh these days but they still do a cracking Jambon, Oeuf et Pomme Frites.

We visited Newfoundland Park at Beaumont Hamel (always a good place to start) before working our way slowly South, 36th (Ulster) Div Memorial, Thiepval where, for those that don't know, are inscribed the names of 72000 poor bastards with no known graves. Moving on to the Grande Mine via Pozieres and Ovillers Cemeteries. Further south still to the magnificent South African memorial in Delville (Devils) Wood and the Devonshire Trench (The Devonshires held this trench, they hold it still).

Moving on from the Somme we visited the tunnels of Arras before going to Vimy Ridge. No camera can do justice the the awesome Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge, this was the first time I had been there and it is absolutely awe inspiring. Also at Vimy Ridge are some well preserved trenches that are well worth a visit.

Moving ever onwards to Ypres, visiting Hill 60, Polygon Wood, Tynecot Cemetery (the largest British Military cemetery in the world, containg 12000 graves and the names of 35000 men with no known graves inscribed on its walls. We also visited the grave of the Uncle of Mark, one of my mates, who is buried at Langemark to the NE of Ypres.

The final act of the trip was the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate (another 55000 with no known grave are remembered here), always moving, always a fittng end to the trip, before getting royally pissed in celebration of Birmingham City's well deserved relegation to the Championship.

Thanks to Paul, Derek and Mark for making it so memorable.........

I'm off back in October :-)

Some pics in no particular order: Dont forget you can click on them to enlarge them.