WW1 Battlefield Tour

[Dave-exfairy]

I'm after some info about Battlefield Tours. My Great Uncle is buried in Bethune Town Cemetery and next year my dad and I want to plan a trip to pay my respects, as far as I know none of our family have done this since he was killed in 1916.
Is it better to go with a planned tour or plan a trip yourself?
What else is there in the area to look at?
We'll start off by visiting Capel Le Ferne on the Friday, visit Bethune Cemetery on the Sat and then we need something for Sat PM and Sunday, I did think about Normandy and Pegasus Bridge but it's too far a drive for a weekend.

 

[Spearmint]

Thiepval Memorial? Quite a moving place to visit.

I did a Battlefield Tour visiting that area amongst others a couple of years ago. Quite a bit too see and a good few places off the beaten track as well.

 

[John Lloyd]

I go to Ypres at least once a year. Even though my lot were war dodgers, miners and shipbuilders. I find that the research and planning for the trip is significantly part of the experience. I have seen the guided tours as we have been making our way around. They seem very set managed and on a strict schedule I'm not saying they are bad but I prefer to smooch around with a map and a prearranged schedule. You never know what you may find by taking a wrong turn. Pen & %word publishers do a good range of battle guides. Easy to read with photos and maps to expand out onto a Michelin road map.

You will enjoy it....take a hankie.

If you want an infill on the way back, I can recommend The Cupole at Wizernes and the blockhouse at Eperlecques and Watten. Hitlers monster V2 shelters, good museums at both

 

[flintwich]

I am going on my 4th Beer and Battlefields tour next month.
The tour incorporates the battlefield sites of Flanders and many stops at breweries and cafes with excellent beer menus.
http://www.podgebeer.co.uk/tour-65-beer-battlefields.html

Al