UON France and Belgium Tour 2022

Post 8 - We visited the Glades of Armistice, which is where the suspension of fighting and the surrender of Germany was negotiated and signed. This muesum showed the clear link between the first and second World Wars. This is where we end our trail of the Australian experience during World War I.

In the evening we took a lovely cruise along the River Seine.

Day 7 - Today we visited the Sir John Monash Centre where we engaged in an interactive and self - guided tour exploring the contributions of Australian soldiers to World War 1.

Day 6 - today we explored the Thiepval Museum and Memorial. We had an immersive experience as we viewed the incredible panorama “The First Day” created by Jo Sacco. Afterwards we explored the memorial where we had a guided tour with Kieran from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Despite the unruly weather 🌧 we gained some very insightful information !

Day 5 - Today we explored the city of Amien! Here are some pictures of what we got up to 🫶

Day 4 - Part 3

Lochnager Crater was the last stop of the day, it was jaw dropping. At a diameter of 100m and 30m deep it was a practical reminder of the efforts of the miners of World War I, while also reminding of the devastating effects the war still has over France and Belgium country side.

If you would like to see and/read more follow the link
https://lochnagarcrater.org/history/first-day-of-somme/

Day 4 (Part 2)- this afternoon we visited the Commonwealth Grave Commission. We received a guided tour where we learnt the process of how the gravestones are made but also how soldiers are identified and how their families are able to commemorate them. We all agreed it was very interesting!

If you would like to learn more about the commonwealth grave commission you can access the link below:

https://www.cwgc.org/

Day 4 (Part 1) - Wellington caves and Personal Cemeteries

Starting the day we visited Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery to pay tribute to Hannah’s family member who passed in World War 1.

Then, we were lucky enough to go 70ft underground and enter the Wellington caves in Arras. These cave experiences included a guided tour of the old chalk mines turned military base in World War 1. Our tour guides explained the plan of attack and the work that the New Zealand soldiers put into creating the tunnels system. The tour was extremely informative about what life was like underground.

Following the Wellington Caves tour we visited the Warlencourt British Cemetery to pay tribute to Liam’s family member who passed in World War 1.

Day three part 4

We ended the day by visiting the Langermark German cemetery. This visit was extremely eye opening to visualize the drastic loss of German life in the First World War. This cemetery was the resting place of many young boys and university students conscripted by the Germans to fight for their country.

Day 3 - Today we attended a walking tour of Bruges. We were lucky enough to be guided around the town by 3 amazing guides (Martin, Natalie and Juan) in which enlightened us of the incredible history surrounding Bruges. After the walking tour we were able to explore Bruges further at our own pace, making sure we stocked up on some delicious Belgium chocolate 🍫 😊

Day 2 (part 2)
In the second half of the day we visited two cemeteries Polygon Wood and Tyne Cot in which the somber experience gave us perspective on the mass loss of World War 1. In-Flanders Field museum led us through history with tour guides Walter and Raul. They provided perspectives of both the soldiers and civilians that suffered during The Great War.

Day 2 - Part 3 Menin Gate Last Post Ceremony
A very moving ceremony we had five students lay three different wreaths. Listening to the Reveille created goosebumps, the minute silence was a time for reflecting, the laying of the wreaths was a touching moment, followed by the Last Post which created chills.
Lest We Forget.

Day 2 (Part 1) - A very busy second day!
We started with taking the public bus to the Memorial Museum Passchendael. Walking through the immaculate Poppy garden before having our amazing tour guides Madeline and Marc show us around. We even got to view replicas of the trenches and underground bunkers which was amazing!