Menin Gate

Planning a visit to the Western Front has been both a daunting and exciting task. World War One has been an area of historical interest for me since I was a teenager and something I shared with Mum. We would often delve into lengthy discussions about the causes of the war, significant battles, issues on the home fronts and historical implications. For me, the Third Battle of Passchendaele holds particular interest, especially the events at Polygon Wood, Menin Road, the Battle of Messines including Hill 60, and Villers-Bretonneux. These places are more than just dots on a map; they are chapters in a story that shaped our world.

So, as I embarked on this process, I knew I wanted to make it as meaningful as possible. The decision boiled down to whether I should navigate the historical sites on my own or join a guided tour that could provide expert insights and a deeper understanding of the areas I wanted to visit.

My research began with a deep dive into the histories and guides from well-known historians specialising in the Western Front. Their books, documentaries, and tours offered a wealth of information, helping me visualise this journey. I considered all the options, weighing the freedom of a self-guided trip against the structured, informative tour experience.

One of my primary concerns was ensuring the tour had a strong Australian focus. Australia’s involvement in World War I, particularly in battles like Fromelles and Villers-Bretonneux, holds great personal and national significance. I wanted a tour that would honour this connection without the constraints of pre-arranged accommodations, allowing me the flexibility to extend my stay in key locations.

After much deliberation, joining a tour would offer the best experience. It would allow me to immerse myself in the history with the guidance of experts who could answer my questions and provide context that I might miss on my own. I discovered Sacred Ground Tours, a company highly recommended for its specialised focus on Australian history on the Western Front.

The reviews for Sacred Ground Tours were outstanding. Many travellers praised the knowledgeable guides, the respectful handling of the sites, and the profound insights provided throughout the tour. This was precisely what I was looking for—a reputable tour that would make my visit memorable and deeply meaningful.

I am thrilled to have booked a three-day tour with Sacred Ground Tours. This will cover key sites on the Western Front, including significant battlefields and memorials. The itinerary promises an in-depth exploration of the areas where Australian soldiers fought and fell, bringing their stories to life in a way I could not achieve alone.

To maximise my experience, I have also planned additional time in Ypres and Villers-Bretonneux. These places hold a special meaning for me, and having extra days to explore them at my own pace will be invaluable. Ypres, with its poignant Menin Gate ceremony, and Villers-Bretonneux, with the Australian National Memorial, are must-see destinations I want to fully absorb.

I am confident that choosing Sacred Ground Tours was the right decision. This guided tour will provide the expertise and focus I need, while my additional time in key locations will allow for personal reflection and exploration. I look forward to this journey with great anticipation, ready to connect with history and honour the memories of those who served.

3 Day Australian Tour – Sacred Ground Tourts

Day 1 – Out in the Somme   (Monday / Thursday)

Itinerary

• Depart Arras around 9.00 am.
• Visit to the Newfoundland Memorial Park and walk through real WWI trenches.
• Visit to the British National Memorial to the Missing, Thiepval.
• Visit to the Wind Mill Site & Tank Memorial, Pozieres.
• Visit to the Australian 1st Division memorial and Gibraltar Bunker, Pozieres.
• View and consider the killing fields of Mouquet (Moo Cow) Farm.
• Visit to the Lachnagar Crater.

• Lunch is near Lachnagar Crater.

• Visit to the Australian 3rd Division Memorial.
• View the Somme River near Sailly-le-Sec.
• Visit to the Australian National Memorial & Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery.
• Visit to the Sir John Monash Centre.
• Visit to the Victoria School & Franco-Australian Museum, Villers-Bretonneux.
• Visit to the Australian Corps Memoria, Le Hamel.
• Return to Arras for the 6.00 pm conclusion of the Tour.

Day 2 – Fromelles-Ypres   (Tuesday / Friday)

Itineray

• Depart from Arras around 9.00 am.
• View the former Mass Grave site, Fromelles.
• Visit to the Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery.
• Visit to the Australian Memorial Park and Cobber’s Statue, Fromelles.
• Visit to the all Australian VC Corner Cemetery.
• Visit the Official 1914 Christmas Truce site, Belgium.
• Visit to Hill 60.

• Lunch is next to Polygon Wood.

• Visit to Polygon Wood and the Australian 5th Division Memorial.
• Visit to the Passchendaele Museum.
• Visit to the Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Cemetery.
• Enter into Ypres via Menin Gate.

• Dinner is in the old town of Ypres.

• Attend Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate.
• Depart for Arras at around 8.30pm.
• Arrival in Arras at around 9.30pm.

Day 3 – Bullecort – 1918 Victories   (Wednesday)

Itinerary

• Depart from Arras at around 9.00 am.
• Visit to the Bullecourt battlefield.
• Visit to the Digger Memorial & Slouch Hat Memorial.
• Visit to the Australian 2nd Division Memorial at Mont-St Quentin.
• Visit to the Historial de la Grande Guerre, Peronne.

• Lunch is in Peronne.

• Visit to the Australian 4th Division Memorial, Bellinglise. (weather permitting)
• Visit to the Riqueval Bridge.
• Visit to the St. Quentin Canal tunnel entrance at Riqueval.
• Visit to the American Cemetery at Bony.
• Return to Arras for the 6.00 pm conclusion of Tour.