Mrs D and I spent the last weekend at Ypres, where we have been many times over the years. Despite a dodgy weather forecast Ypres met us with glorious weather. We made our usual pilgrimage to the Menin Gate and had a pleasant walk along the ramparts to one of the most beautiful CWGC cemeteries "Ramparts Cemetery" located next to the Lille Gate.
We attended the Last Post Ceremony once more. Hearing the bugles playing "The Last Post" , followed by a choir singing "Keep the Home Fires Burning" was certainly an emotional moment.
If you visit Ypres I can recommend the Ariane Hotel. Comfortable rooms, an excellent bar and restaurant, parking and a 5 minute walk to main square.
Sobering to think they ran out of spaces on the construction for soldiers without a know grave around the salient, there are 55,000 recorded on it.. The rest from 1917 on are recorded at Tyne Cot cemetery.
The Cloth Hall building. Rebuilt between the wars
An enjoyable weekend.
Enjoyed Ypres very much when the Rejects visited many years ago!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good time had then
DeleteI really must make the pilgrimage myself one day.
ReplyDeleteYou must!
DeleteI visited in 2002 and went to most of the main ANZAC locations. The evening service at Menin Gate in "Wipers" (as it was called by the Diggers at the time) was definitely a moment that is hard to forget. The list of names is simply incomprehensible.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed incomprehensible .
DeleteI have done the Anzac sites on the Western front a few years ago, still got Gallipoli todo though
Been to Belgium a few times, but never to any WWI related sires. Must do it though. Wonder how we'd go on today with that scale of warfare? Hope we never have to find out.
ReplyDeleteWell worth it Gary , lots to see and explore.
DeleteIf we had seen footage as we see it now , I doubt it would have continued in that way myself.
Must get back there again. I too enjoy the walk along the ramparts. Last there a year ago on our centenary pilgrimage to the Menin Gate to remember Rifleman Mathews. Need to get me walking boots on and walk more of the salient.
ReplyDeleteMust get back there again. I too enjoy the walk along the ramparts. Last there a year ago on our centenary pilgrimage to the Menin Gate to remember Rifleman Mathews. Need to get me walking boots on and walk more of the salient.
ReplyDeleteYeah, every time I go I wonder why we don't go more often. Yep get yer walking boots on Mark
DeleteMany thanks for your ongoing report, Dave.
ReplyDeleteYpres is without on my list of places to visit. So many thanks for your hotel recommendation. Maybe Mrs Monty and me will target Ypres on our annual weekend without kids next year...
Cheers
Stefan