 Accompanied by ex-army personnel or Battlefield Guides with postgraduate qualifications, you will gain a fascinating insight into the Western Battlefields of Belgium on this small group tour from Lille at a reasonable price. "The Salient" struck fear into the Great War Tommy for being the hottest spot on the 70 mile front held by Imperial and Empire troops. Over a quarter of a million men gave their lives to hold this last bit of Belgium from the Germans. Although history records three great battles fought at Ypres, it was in fact a constant battle against shell, bullet, bomb, gas, water and rats. On your day touring the Salient you'll see, in the company of a first class guide, some of the most important sites that remain; the German cemetery in Langemark, the area of the first gas attack by Vancouver Corner, where flame throwers were introduced into modern warfare, John McRae's Essex Farm site, Hooge crater and museum, the Passendaele area and Tyne Cot cemetery. You'll walk the moonscape of the Hill 60 battlefield and see literally dozens of memorials to British, Australian and Canadian regiments. You'll also spend time in Ypres itself with the opportunity to visit St George's Chapel, the Menen (Menin) Gate Memorial.
With a maximum group size of 16 and a university educated guide/driver, you are sure to have a memorable and personal experience. |