Fromelles, Tyne Cot then onto Lille 18th May 2016

We packed our bags, vacated our lovely 'war museum' accomodation and headed north again, this time into Belguim. First stop was the Fromelles War Cemeteries where Australians experienced their first battle on the Western Front which tured out to be disastrous. Within 24 hours on 20th July 1916, more than 5,500 of the 5th Australian Division became casualties, of the 1,900 died. These men were made up of original ANZAC's from Gallipoli. There is another stirring statue called 'cobbers'depicting the bravery and compassion of a soldier who walked back onto the battle site to carry wounded men back to safety. Near-by is the VC Corner Memorial which names the 1180 Australians 'missing' at the battles of Fromelles.

We travelled further north into Belgium to visit Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth Cemetery in the world. There are more Australians buried here than any other war cemetery in Europe. I have found this cemetery the most stirring of emotions. Such bravery, grief, waste and overwhelming sense of lack of respect for human life. Cannon fodder. So sad. Those poor boys. And why? what for?

We travelled onto Lille where we have returned our trusty van and are staying here overnight to be up early tomorrow to catch our trains to Berlin.

Happy Campers

DH in front of 'Cobber'

VC Corner, head stones, just rose bushes

Stuck behind a semi-trailer full of potatoes

DH at the blockhouse catured by 3rd Australian Div 4/10/17 at Tyne Cot

Rows and Rows of headstones, my heart breaks.