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Armistice Day in Ypres
Visiting key battle sites, and joining special remembrance ceremonies, this tour is a true emotional journey. Paul Ratcliffe travelled with his cousin, Peter Greenhough, on Leger’s Armistice Day in Ypres tour in November 2009 and told us about their experience.
From the very start we were made to feel comfortable and welcome on the coach, which was clean, comfortable and inviting. The staff on the coach went out of their way to ensure our comfort, and stressed that hot and cold drinks were available for the asking. The standard of driving was first rate, and very relaxing, it really is so pleasant to have someone drive you about.
A Wonderful Welcome
On arrival at our hotel, the Des Acacias in Neuville En Ferrain, we were made welcome, and were able to have an evening meal there. This was most appreciated, as we had by this time had quite a long, but happy day of travelling. The hotel was really comfortable, and we enjoyed a good nights sleep.
Visiting the Sights
The next day, after a hearty breakfast we were off to some of the key battle sites around Ypres. In Sanctuary Wood, with the preserved trenches and museum, you obtained an idea of just how much these men went through. It made you realise just lucky we have been.
In the afternoon, the visit to Tyne Cot Cemetery was haunting, humbling, and unforgettable. Just the sheer size of it really brings home the sacrifice of our forbears. Very humbling and emotional.
In the evening we travelled into Ypres for the Last Post Ceremony, which is still performed nightly, and has been since the end of the first war. A wonderful memorial from the citizens of Ypres, and well worth a trip to see. The town of Ypres itself is incredible. When you think of how it was devastated during the First World War, each building has been lovingly recreated, and you really cannot tell now how it must have looked.
A Day of Remembrance
Our last day in Belgium was to attend the veterans’ parade in Ypres on the 11th of November. This takes place at the Menin Gate at 11am, the official hour and date of the end of hostilities during the First World War. The crowds of people who were there enjoyed a special and moving ceremony, which included marching bands of all types.
After the ceremony we were free to explore Ypres, which has some excellent shops and, of course, the magnificent rebuilt Cloth Hall, which contains the Flanders Field Museum – well worth a visit. We were very impressed by the cleanliness of everything, and by the friendliness of the local people. It was very pleasant to stroll through the town, and listen to all the activities which were happening there for everyone to enjoy.
Later in the afternoon there was a concert, arranged by the Last Post Association, in St. Nicholas Church in Ypres. This was most enjoyable, and formed a wonderful tribute to all the servicemen who fought in the First World War. In the evening, we again attended the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate – a fitting end to an emotional and unforgettable day.
Dedicated and Skillful Drivers
Throughout our journeys, we were all impressed by the skill and dedication of the drivers to make our holiday easy and happy. The driver handled the coach with consummate ease on the narrow tracks around the battlefield sites. We marvelled at his skills, very impressive, and our Battlefields Guide, Tony, was an absolute master of the subject, and kept us all enthralled with his knowledge and personal anecdotes.
We were so sad to be leaving the next day, and if there is one criticism that we can make, this would be that the holiday passed far too quickly. The homeward journey was equally pleasant, and totally relaxing. Altogether a wonderful experience, and one which we will certainly repeat, thank you.
