Genealogy Chat

Thanks Janice, I need NO encouragement regarding chocolate and as for even telling me I can pay in two currencies. Well, have you no sense LOL. Jacquie I am taking loads of tissues, we visited War Graves in Crete last year and I cried then and I didn't even know anyone there. It's strange isn't it how still it is? Almost like time standing still. Am really looking forward to it. Linda

Linda one of the experiences of my life....I dare you not to cry when you read the names on the Mennen (spell) Gate! The people are wonderful....can't do enough for you....they love the UK.... We stayed in a hotel outside Ypres and were sitting in the bar on the first night and the landlord ask us what we would like to drink...we already had drinks so said we would wait but it was a local man who wanted to buy us all a drink....just because we were from England!!! The war graves are incredible....the books are not locked up but there is no graffiti or damage and the stillness of the area is mind shattering. I visited Hill 64 where my Grandad fought and you can just image what it must have been like. Overall an unforgettable time....enjoy!!!! Jacquie xxx

Hi Linda, This is a PS! My friend e-mailed and said 'You didn't tell her about the chocolate shops!' (They take English money as well as euros, as does the museum shop.) Janice

Hi Linda, I've been a few times for the day on school trips. In Ypres itself visit the 'In Flanders fields' museum and the Menin Gate. I haven't seen the ceremony, but at 8pm every evening they stop the traffic at the Menin Gate and play the Last Post in memory of the war dead. Also well worth a visit is Tyne Cot cemetery and Sanctuary Wood - where you can walk in trenches (a torch is useful, also old shoes as it can be a bit muddy in places). It's well worth doing. Have a great trip. Janice

I went a few years ago it was a very moving occasion. Even my children who were 14, 12 and 8 at the time felt the sadness. The graves are immaculately kept it was a very peaceful place. I recommend that you go it was beautiful (if that is the right word).

Thanks Christine, I'll have a look at that. Linda

The British Legion operates a speciales travel service - open to all - but specialising in memorial-linked tours. http://www.remembrancetravel.*com (remove *) I have never used it, but it appears to be a very good arrangement for such a specific tour intention. The easiest way to explain is to paste in their own description from teh website... Pilgrimages to War Graves and Memorials. Our Pilgrimages are designed for those whose priority is to visit a special war grave or memorial overseas. If your booking is accepted, we will take you to your requested Cemetery/Memorial and will provide a Poppy spray for you. We provide the historical background that will help you understand the circumstances in which your relatives or friends lost their lives. The Royal British Legion has been organising Pilgrimages since the 1920s and we seek to make each one both special and relaxing. Often we will include visits to museums as well as interesting historic or cultural sites. Each Pilgrimage includes a Service or Act of Remembrance and wreath laying. A member of the Legion's National Council and a Standard bearer supports many Pilgrimages. A doctor or nurse will normally travel with you. You will be accompanied on your Pilgrimage by an experienced tour manager. 'Remember Them!' Battlefield Tours Bringing the Past to Life - We cater for those who want to know more about the experience of our forbears who fought overseas with our Armed Forces. Each tour is devoted to a campaign or battle and will focus on what Field Marshal Wavell called the 'actualities of war' - how ordinary men met extraordinary challenges in the face of fear, fatigue, bad weather and a determined enemy. See the ground and hear the songs, the stories and the poems of Britain's fighting men. An expert battlefield guide will lead each tour. Some personal grave visits may be possible where time is available and the itinerary permits. Although the programme is only 6 years old, many of our travellers are planning to return for their sixth tour - so book early! Heroes Return - Our 'Heroes Return' tours are designed with veterans in mind but are open to all. They will combine elements of our Pilgrimages and our Battlefield Tours (see above). Depending on the nature of the tour you will be accompanied either by a trained Legion battlefield guide or experienced tour manager. A doctor or nurse will normally travel with each group. Christine

Linda Few years ago mum and dad went to my gt grandads grave in france. Mum never knew him but needed to go, dad is a member of british legion so got a wreath from them to take. Apparently is a site not to be forgotten all the rows of white headstones and they said the ages were so young on a lot as well. They were impressed how clean the whole place was kept. They didn't rush the visit and found the locals very helpful. Hope you have a pleasant time.

Have found my friends Grandads grave in Ypres. We thought we would go there by Euorostar and stay a couple of days. Anyone been and got any tips? Linda