I have a relative who died on the Somme in 1917 and it being the centenary of his death in Theo weeks, I wanted to visit his grave. I've been there once before and decided then I wanted to return this year. I had made a poppy wreath which encircled his photo and this was to be place on his grave.
We arrived at Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery at about 1030am. It's just off the main road and in the midst of farmland and a few houses. It couldn't be a more peaceful place. As we stood there, paying our respects, I could only hear a cockerel crowing. No traffic noise at all. There are big trees on the site which adds to the feeling of calm and peace, a sharp contrast to how it must have been 100 years ago.
We left, knowing that I won't be visiting here again, so glad I have recorded it for the family history album
It's strange to drive around this area, knowing what had taken place here last century. The land has recovered, whether the people have is another matter.
We continued on our journey to the Tunnel, arriving there early but being lucky enough the be allowed on an earlier train. We had enough time for a coffee and some last minute shopping at the terminal and then we were called for departure.
It was a short journey under the Channel and we were back in Blighty!
In contrast to our journey through Europe, the traffic here was awful! We got stuck on the M25 at Heathrow for quite a while. It it was entertaining watching the planes flying over us so low that we could have shaken hands with the pilot!
We eventually arrived home at 7pm, tired, but glad to be in familiar surroundings. Another trip over and done with!
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