Sunday 28th May AM.
We were awoken at 0500 by what sounded workers outside, on a Sunday too. Well I suppose we were right next to the station. Another simple, but nice, breakfast later and we were heading for Belgium. First stop Ploegsteert (or as the british soldiers called it plugstreet) and the Berks Cemetery Extension.
All official Commonwealth war cemeteries containing 40 graves or more have the same design of cross, the cross of sacrifice. Designed by Sir Reginald Bloomfield, it contains a bronze longsword, blade down, usually mounted on an octagonal base.
Driving up the road we saw a sign for a few cemeteries etc. and decided to take an early detour. We were delighted to find the site of the unofficial Christmas truce in 1914 where we played a football match against the Germans (lost on penalties- joke) the Germans actually won three goals to two. FIFA have erected a memorial in honour which was dedicated by Michel Platini. They have also recreated a couple of trenches beside a nearby cemetery.
Onward to the famous Messines Ridge. First a quick stop at the Island of Ireland Peace Park with its tower commemorating the sacrifices of those men from all political and religious traditions who fought and died in the war. It also serves as a symbol of modern-day reconciliation. Thanks Wiki, well we saw loads, I can't remember it all at my age.
The tactical objective of the attack at Messines was to capture the German defenses on the ridge, which ran from Plugstreet Wood in the south to Messines and beyond to deprive the Germans of the high ground south of Ypres. The battle began with the detonation of 19 mines beneath the German front position followed by a creeping barrage which protected the British troops as they secured the ridge with support from tanks, cavalry patrols and aircraft. The memorial is to the New Zealand Division who took part in the battle. in the grounds are two existing German fortifications.
Back in the car and a short drive to hill 60. Not much of a hill! It was created in the 1850s by spoil dumped from the cutting for the adjacent railway line. The hill had good views for the Germans across the British lines and into Ypres and was of great tactical significance. Hill 60 was also the only place in the area not waterlogged. tunnelling companies of the Royal Engineers helped by experienced miners from Northumberland and Wales laid mines which allowed the hill to be taken. The photos show the memorial on the hill and the Crater formed by the Caterpillar hill mine.
All official Commonwealth war cemeteries containing 40 graves or more have the same design of cross, the cross of sacrifice. Designed by Sir Reginald Bloomfield, it contains a bronze longsword, blade down, usually mounted on an octagonal base.
Driving up the road we saw a sign for a few cemeteries etc. and decided to take an early detour. We were delighted to find the site of the unofficial Christmas truce in 1914 where we played a football match against the Germans (lost on penalties- joke) the Germans actually won three goals to two. FIFA have erected a memorial in honour which was dedicated by Michel Platini. They have also recreated a couple of trenches beside a nearby cemetery.
Onward to the famous Messines Ridge. First a quick stop at the Island of Ireland Peace Park with its tower commemorating the sacrifices of those men from all political and religious traditions who fought and died in the war. It also serves as a symbol of modern-day reconciliation. Thanks Wiki, well we saw loads, I can't remember it all at my age.
The tactical objective of the attack at Messines was to capture the German defenses on the ridge, which ran from Plugstreet Wood in the south to Messines and beyond to deprive the Germans of the high ground south of Ypres. The battle began with the detonation of 19 mines beneath the German front position followed by a creeping barrage which protected the British troops as they secured the ridge with support from tanks, cavalry patrols and aircraft. The memorial is to the New Zealand Division who took part in the battle. in the grounds are two existing German fortifications.
Moving on to Sanctuary Wood, named as the dense wood provided sanctuary from enemy fire for the troops. Another well kept cemetery, a museum with some very well preserved trenches and a Canadian memorial.
The morning was topped of with a cheese and ham toastie at a local cafe.
The morning was topped of with a cheese and ham toastie at a local cafe.
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