My Journey to the Western Front

[DavoT]

Firstly, happy new year to all. During October & November 13, I was travelling Europe for 6 weeks. While in Belgium and France I only tipped the iceberg on seeing the Western Front. In Belgium I based myself in Ieper (Ypres) and visited only a portion - Zonnebeke, Tyne Cot, Passchendaele, Langemark, Hill 62, Menin Road, Polygon Wood, Hill 60, Messines, one of the sites of the Christmas Truce in 1914, Hooge Crater as well as a few of the many cemeteries. I also went to the last post at Menin Gate every night I was there. Later on the Somme I visited Villers-Brettoneux, Pozieres (incl Windmill site), Albert, Newfoundland Park, Thiepval, Lochnagar Crater at La Boiselle and the German cemetery at Proyart. But one of the highlights was visiting Herleville/Herleville Wood where in August 1918 my great uncle Lt E Thewlis, 22nd Bn performed an act which was to earn him the award of the MC. It was even more humbling when I read his recommendation to the others in our small group. I'm not ashamed to admit I had a lump in my throat too. But to just be in the areas where my relatives (and indeed all) fought and died was an experience that will be with me forever. The closeness of everything too was just incredible considering the vast expanses we have here in Australia. Just though I would share my little bit.

Cheers,

David

[Dave Phillips]

Thanks for sharing David.

A long journey for you in more than one sense!

Even though I have visited the site of my Great Uncles death at Reutal, Belgium many times, that lump is always in my throat.

Dave

[DavoT]

Hi Dave,

many thanks for your response and kind words. Indeed, the emotions do get to you even after almost a century now. Also seeing a relatives headstone at Tyne Cot and family names at Thiepval, many more to see too. My first visit but hopefully not my last.

Cheers,

David

[pooter]

Yes when I visit I always seem to get something in my eye as well.

Have a great trip and a Happy New Year.

[Yorke Scarlett]

David,

Thanks for sharing your visits and your thoughts with us.

Yours and all Australians who make the pilgrimage to the Western Front are recognized in the CWGC registers.

It's a pity we did not meet up in De Dreve at Polygon Wood for a chat - hope you got there?

All the very best for the new year.

Wayne

[Roger H]

David

How about posting some photos of your trip?

Roger

[Sly]

Hi David,

happy that you've enjoyed your visit to the Western Front, I remember you and also when you have read the citation of your Great Uncle.

All the best and happy new year.

Sly (Sylvestre)

[DavoT]

Thanks guys for the comments, and yes it was a very humbling experience. And hello Sylvestre. Again many thanks for allowing me to fulfil one of my wishes on my European 'adventure'. Roger, I'll try to get some pictures

Cheers,

David

[ANDY72]

Hi David. Youre trip sounded amazing. Ive been to a few of those places and aim to do more soon. We stayed in a great B&B on the Menin Road with views over fields towards Sanctuary Wood at the front and over fields towards Railway Wood at the back. The main reason for our trip was to visit my Great Uncles grave. He was killed at Railway Wood, in October 1915, aged 18. He is buried in Birr Crossroads Cemetery so the location of our B&B couldnt have been better. The Last Post at the Menin Gate was a must for us every night we were there, and no matter how many times you experience it the feelings are just as powerful.

[DavoT]

Hi Andy,

apologies for not responding to your post earlier but have been rather busy and not had much time to frequent the site. Your great uncle was so young - may he rest in eternal peace I hope to return and do more too. Like you also mentioned, I did the last post every night (5) I was there and each time was just an amazing experience. I met some wonderful people attending, including the buglers. I am a firefighter also and that was a great experience. Giving each a patch from my Fire Service was just a small gesture of thanks for their commitment.

Cheers,

David