90 years on

[Wargrave lass]

I was at the Somme over the entire weekend. Never been before. What a shock. I was amazed at the services at Lochnagar Crater, Thiepval and Menine Gate. The most touching of all though, was when we stopped the coach at a tiny cross near the church in La Boisselle, where I laid a wreath in memory of my Great Grandad Enoch McNally, who died 90 years ago today. We went to the other services first, and, rather than leave my wreath (with the hundreds of others) at Thiepval (where he is remembered) we went back to La Boisselle. All the coaches and cars had gone and there were only us on our coach. It was so sad. There were only two other wreaths there. 26 of us gathered around the cross whilst I laid my wreath there. I was in bits.

Of all the roller coaster of emotions, the most startling things for me were:

1. The number of cemetaries dotted around the countryside (almost every field!)

2. The warmth of the people there.

3. The amount of shrapnel etc. just lying around on the ground. (We were checked getting on the coach in case any of us picked up anything "live".

4. I have seen full grown men sobbing at various places.

I hope to one day go back there.

[ypres1418]

I am very glad you enjoyed your trip, this year was very emotional for me too.

Hope to meet up one day on the battlefields.

Mandy