WE WILL REMEMBER THEM (Leger Holidays)

Member Name: diane60uk

Product:	Leger Holidays
Date:	07/02/09 (234 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Disadvantages: never enough time to see it all

Our pilgrimage......."All Quiet on the Western Front" with Leger Holidays.

It had long been a quest of ours to visit the Battlefields of World War 1. my partners Grandfather had been killed on the first day of the Somme, July 1st 1916, there was no grave, literally thousands died on this fateful day and due to heavy gunfire, bodies could not be retrieved.

It was to be several months later, when conditons improved the clearing units were able to go in to collect what was left of these poor wretched men, badly decomposed bodies, covered in flies, making a meal for the fattest rats on the Somme.

As identification was nigh on impossible, the Theipval Memoral was erected to commemorate, the fallen, the names of the men catalogued, in alphabetical order were etched into the huge pillars of this magnificent structure. we felt we had to go and pay homage to all these brave men, and looked around the travel agents to see if anyone actually did escourted tours, we were pleased to find Leger Holidays, they offer a comprehensive package of visits to all the major battlefeild in Europe and World wide.

We were picked up locally, and were taken by feeder coach to be transferred to our own travel group, and at this point we were joined by the historian who was to be our tour guide throughout the experience.

After leaving the ferry to travel onwards to Begium which was to be our base for the four days, our guide came to speak to each of us, asking about the purpose of our visit. He had brought along lots of war related momorabillia, which was passed round for closer inspection.

As this was a tour of all the Battlefields, we had an opportunity to see some of the finest kept wargraves, and cemeteries it is humbling to stand and look as far as the eye can see at times, and look upon row after row of white headstones, many with the inscription "known only to God".

Tyne Cott, was awesome, the Visitors Centre, just has to be seen, We entered the building and suddenly became aware of a voice, an almost whisper, it became apparent, as we looked at a screen, and watched photographs appear and fade the soldiers name and rank was being quietly spoken, it was such a spine tingling touch, and it stayed with me for a long time.

Our Guide, tried to fit in as much as he possibly could, some lunches were available, so meal breaks were kept to a minimum, our coach drivers had refreshments on hand if needed.

The days were packed with some very special moments, heartbreaking moments, stories of outstanding bravery, when brave c ommrades lived and died together in some of the bloodiest battles in history.

Leger holidays provided an excellent itinary, which we were more than happy with, the hotel was comfortable, providing bed and breakfast. and our tours started early and finished after 8pm on some days

Ater paying homage to our relative at Thiepval, which was a very surreal experience, and signing the book of rememberance, we left with a lump in our throats, we didnt even know this man, yet the spiritual experience was one we will never forget.

What just cannot go without mention, was our visit to the Menin Gate. its sometihing we should all do at least once in our lives, we gathered together , this tradition is long standing, it occurs every single night of the year including christmas day boxing day and New years eve, at 8pm when the Last Post is sounded and wreaths are laid, I couldn,t believe how many people were there, and its like this every single night. it was a very moving experience. another memory etched forever, I was so glad we were able to be there, UNFORGETTABLE.

Although we had a specific reason for doing this trip, its a great educational journey into our history, well recommended..........

Summary: everyone should do this once,,,,,,,,,,