Setting sail on my 17th trip to the First World War battlefields of France and Belgium, and the 13th trip with people from our various churches.
It was of course from my first visit to this area in 1985 that I felt God speaking to me in Paschendale cemetery which eventually led me to offer myself for ordination to the priesthood, for the second time, having been "turned down" on my first quest.
So these next few postings will be a narrative along with some reflections on this latest trip/pilgrimage.
We arrived at Hardcore-aux-bois which is near Albert on the Somme region of France, after an excellent journey - although the ferry was very tatty - nothing the the cruise ships of the past 2 years.
As usual we are having our meals each night at "le Poppy" which is a traditional French cafe which serves a five course meal plus either wine or beer for less than €15 – what a bargain!
A great evening followed by a wonderful night's sleep.
Woke up the following morning, that is Tuesday, to a lovely French breakfast, along with some excellent company and discussion, Diane and Vic who own this wonderful BB are now real friends, and welcome us as such.
This was followed by a visit to Delville Wood – a memorial park and centre for the South Africans who fought in the war.
This time I stayed in the car, as I was in considerable pain - the result of the long journey yesterday, I think.
All around us here, are the preparations for next year being the centenary of the start of the First World War.
Wedneaday today, and glorious sunshine and 18degrees. Driven for an hour and three quarters taking the scenic route, to Ors, a village near Le Cateau, but much more importantly where the grave of who I consider to be the Greatest War Poet, Wilfred Owen is the be found.
I am sitting in the said sunshine, beside the said grave, as I write, and it is wonderful. Many of our group have not been here before because Wilfred Owen was killed within the last week of the war when the Allied Forces were advancing at speed, and action here in those last days of the war is some considerable distance from where the "usual" sites and cemeteries are to be found.
I can't believe the weather - now 23 degrees!
Moving off now to a museum nearby, where Wilfred Owen wrote his final letter home to his mother before he was killed.
this will be followed by a trip to one of the largest German Military cemeteries on the Western Front.
Then back to BB for a brief rest, and then "le Poppy" - Diane and Vic are eating with us tonight.
A great week, with great people, and plenty of new stuff to experience, even after 16 previous visits.
I will post now. Written this on my iPhone so please forgive the typos, and possibly different style and size of writing.
No comments:
Post a Comment