Another early start, and today we really got into the battlefields. We travelled to Messines Ridge Cemetery first, then Hill 60, recently brought to our attention in the movie. The word is that the explosion at Hill 60 was heard in London, more than 200kms away. The crater is overgrown now, but the depression is still visible. Larger than an Olympic-sized swimming pool and 4 times as deep.
We stopped at a museum near Passchendaele for morning tea. The spot is beautiful. The gardens are a popular picnic spot, and the locals fish with long rods in the pond. Next is a visit to Tyne Cot cemetery, the largest cemetery for Commonwealth forces, anywhere in the world. The rows of headstones seem to stretch for ever. The next stop was near Zonnebeke, at the memorial for the Australian 5th Division, which included Uncle Mervyn’s battalion (32nd). Like all the others, it is magnificently presented and maintained. Our historian told us briefly about the “Zonnebeke five” who are buried there, and that our lunch stop at Polygon Wood, nearby, would have a special guest. The story is recounted in full here: http://www.polygonwood.com/Polygon%20Wood%20Zonnebeke%205.htm
We had the privilege of meeting and speaking with Johan, the narrator. He runs the cafe/bar/picnic area and tells a great story. His current project is a memorial to brothers lost in the Great War, which, of course, relates directly to my quest for Mervyn and James. We all donated to the cause.
After lunch, some went into Polygon Wood for a walk. I stayed with another Ross, and had a quiet one as we contemplated.
The last stop for the day was the German Cemetery at Langemark. Although beautifully presented, the headstones are flat on the ground, and the graves contain the remains of more than one soldier....up to twenty in some cases. A central plot holds the remains of more than 25000 men.
We finish the day back in Ypres, and had dinner at one of the many restaurants in the central square. It’s a lovely place.
Hi Ross
ReplyDeleteEnjoying your blog very much. The reinternment at Fromelles was featured on the news here in Brissie. Looked for you in the gallery but didn't spot you. Our trip in Sept has been cancelled and maybe that's a good thing reading your exploits. I'm obviously less patient than you. If that had been me in London the papers would have been reporting an Underground Employee thrown under a train. Police searching for angry gnome with slight Australian accent.
Cheers Jimmy R
A nice collection of pics again, keep up the excellent penmanship Rosco....
ReplyDeleteI read Johan's story. I loved the fact that he cleaned Hunter's boots before his burial. And asked permission to do it in the first place too.
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