Messines Centenary June 2017

[SeveH]

Hi all,

 

Does anyone have any information regarding the British and Irish event to commemorate the Battle of Messines at the Island of Ireland Peace Park on 7th June 2017?

 

Does anyone know where I would apply for attendance tickets?

 

Many thanks,

Steve

[Gareth Davies]

http://www.visitflanders.com/en/things-to-do/events/top/great-war-centenary/international-rememberance-ceremony-centerary-of-the-battle-of-messines .jsp

[SeveH]

Many thanks Gareth. Much appreciated.

 

Steve

[SeveH]

Hi all,

 

I have been successful in my bid for tickets and I will be attending the event at the Island of Ireland Peace Park on the 7th June.

I will be commemorating all those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and in particular my great uncle Samuel Hoy of 10 Royal Irish Rifles who was killed on the first day of the battle, and who appears on Panel 40 of the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing.

I will also be laying a wreath at the Last Post Ceremony that evening.

A busy day, but it will be a privilege to be in attendance - and a moving and proud moment.

 

Regards to all,

Steve.

[Hedley Malloch]

See below:

 

 

Information Note for Guests.pdf

[inishowen]

Does anyone have info on some related commemorations on June 7th in Whytschaete?

[Gareth Davies]

The Kiwis are holding an event at Messines Ridge Cemetery at 8am and the Australians have an event at Strand Military Cemetery at 11am.  The former has a number of road closures associated with it that mean driving from the NZ Messines event to Ploegsteert in time to get to the Australian event won't be possible as the road will be closed until 11am.

[Gareth Davies]

Anyone else planning to be on the ground at zero hour?  (3.10am)

[(nzef)]

Hi All,

 

It's been ages since I was on the forum. Life such as it is!

 

However I'm going to be in Ieper all next week and will of course be attending as many of the commemorations as possible. I'd love to meet up with anyone in Ieper for a drink any of the nights. PM me and I will drop you my cellphone number. I spent 3 glorious years in Belgium where I was able to complete the first of my commemorative books. I'm hoping to be able to redo some of the photographs next week!

 

Cheers

Grant

[jvkpaulsutton]

For those interested to commemorate the centenary of the battle I have written an article entitled 'Casualty Evacuation Scheme, Battle of Messines, 7-12 June 1917' which is available for free download from my personal website: http://www.pshistory.com/articles/casualty-evacuation-scheme-battle-of-messines-7-june-1917/

 

There are also lots of photos on my Messines100 Facebook page as well: https://www.facebook.com/Messines100/

 

Thanks

Paul

[brianoleary82]

Was anyone at the commemoration at the Messines Peace Park? How was it?

[Hedley Malloch]

Yes, I went.  Having read accounts of what happened for 3rd Ypres commemorations, and talked to people who were there, it appears that there is a standard procedure for managing the tight security.  All invitees had to check in at Ypres FC ground, where bracelets were issued, before being admitted to the bus which ran between Ypres and the Peace Park.  The security did not stop there: the fields surrounding the Peace Park were patrolled by uniformed and armed police.  

The ceremonies were slightly marred by high winds which meant that it was quite cold, despite the blazing sunshine.  Everyone had a seat, unlike the Tyne Cot commemoration, where I understand that some quite elderly people were left standing for 4 hours.

The Heads of State laid their wreaths and made their speeches and that was all very dignified.  Music was played, national anthems and hymns were sung, poetry recited and extracts from old letters were read aloud. This was well-managed, if a little formulaic. But once they had done their business, the regimental associations, other groups and individuals were left to make their own arrangements.  In other words, it was a bit of rugby scrum as people laid their own tributes and then posed to have photos and selfies taken, or stood for a few seconds reflection, whilst others pushed in behind and front of them.  This part of the proceedings could and should have been organised in a more decorous manner.

Lunch bags were issued and then some Heads of State returned to mingle and talk.  That was good.  Mrs. Malloch talked to, and shook the hand of, HRH Prince William, and it is fair to say that she has not washed it since then.  Arlene and Enda were there.  Arlene socialised, Enda did not, but I understand that he was working his notice.

All the Irish regimental associations were represented.  Everyone got on well together, there were no issues or tensions, a sign of how far things have progressed in the last twenty-five years.  The main concern appeared to be whether or not there was future for them after 2018, but I suspect that they are not alone with that worry.

As ever on these occasions, it is the chance encounter which make for the most enduring memories.  Like most others there, I was not prepared for the very cold weather.  As I was sheltering in the tower from the freezing wind, I met the mason who had built it.  He treated me to a highly informed personal talk about its construction, and what its various features signified.  For example, did you know that the stones for the tower came from the old Mullingar Workhouse?  Not a lot of people know that.