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They Called It Passchendaele
A century ago in Flanders, Belgium, the year 1917 was dominated by two great offensives: the Battle of Messines in June 1917 when nineteen mines were detonated under the Messines Ridge, and the Battle of Passchendaele where men fought in terrible battlefield conditions or mud and rain. Passchendaele has become one of the most iconic battles of the First World War and this new centenary tour allows us to look at the campaign in some depth.
Tour Includes
- 4 nights hotel with continental breakfast
- Specialist Battlefield Guide
- Convenient local joining points
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Itinerary
Please choose your preferred 5 day itinerary
Local departure by coach, then to Ypres for a four-night stay.
Today we look at the Battle of Messines in June 1917 when British and Commonwealth tunnellers exploded nineteen mines under positions along the Messines Ridge. We start at Hill 60 where the two northernmost mines were blown, seeing the impressive Caterpillar Crater. At St. Eloi we visit the crater formed by the largest mine blown in June 1917 and at Wytschaete visit the Tunnellers Memorial. At Spanbroekmolen mine crater we examine the story of the Ulster troops who attacked here, visit the Lone Tree Crater Cemetery. After lunch at Hooge Crater we travel along the Messines Ridge to Messines itself, seeing the visitors centre, and visiting the New Zealand Memorial seeing German front line bunkers. We remember the contribution of Irish soldiers at the Irish Peace Tower and visit the southern area of the battlefield around Ploegsteert ('Plugstreet') including the Ploegsteert Memorial.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
Following Messines, the Third Battle of Ypres began on 31st July 1917 and we start at Buffs Road Cemetery where the battle began just outside Ypres. We then travel to Pilkem Ridge to look at the story of war poets Francis Ledwidge and Hedd Wyn, also seeing the Welsh Memorial. At Langemarck we see the memorial to Harry Patch, the ‘Last Fighting Tommy’ and at Poelcapelle examine the use of tanks during the Third Battle of Ypres, seeing the tank memorial. After lunch we visit the superb Passchendaele Memorial Museum at Zonnebeke, exploring their reconstructed trench system. At Tyne Cot we visit the largest British military cemetery in the world and end on the Frezenberg Ridge to see the memorial to Scottish troops.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
The Third Battle of Ypres ended with the capture of Passchendaele and today we start at the Canadian Memorial at Crest Farm before going into the village itself to see the memorial in the church. We then take time to visit the In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres and after lunch look at life behind the lines at Ypres in 1917, see Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery and its visitors' centre, before going to Talbot House in Poperinghe and its museum. We then look at the story of men ‘Shot at Dawn’ at the Death Cells, and at Brandhoek visit the grave of medical officer Noel Chavasse VC & Bar, also seeing his memorial. We end the day in Ypres for the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
Return home.
Includes Breakfast
Accommodation
You will stay for four nights at the 3-star Novotel Ypres Centrum, in the heart of Ypres. The hotel is located only a couple of minutes' walk from the Menin Gate Memorial where the 'Last Post' is sounded every evening. The hotel has a lift, bar and restaurant.Reviews
4.6 Out of 5 ( 11 Reviews )
Reviews
Quality
4.9 / 5
Value for Money
4.9 / 5
customer, 1 year ago
A wonderful tour with so many different locations included, we done a lot in 3 days.
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SL, 1 year ago
absolutely great experience except for the feeder coach to Folkstone. Excellent guide and very comfortable coach with great hotel.
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Richard Lewis, 1 year ago
My only complaint is having to get from Swansea to Dover. We left at 03.00hrs in a mini bus. Changed to a coach at Sarn Services but on this the seats were so close together I could hardly sit down. I am 6 feet 5 inches tall - but have no problem with your Silver Service or Luxuria. Apart from this it was an excellent trip. Excellent coach crew and first class guide. Hotel good and very convenient in the centre of Ypres. Heve not started editing my photos yet.
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ANDREW RACKHAM, 1 year ago
Very informative and some fantastic museums.
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Julie, 1 year ago
The excursions were really good. The drivers and guide were excellent.
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Trevor Sadler, 1 year ago
Stark reminder of such a Horrific waste of lives Humanity needs reminding Humbling
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