The last night of my last tour was spent watching the incredible son et lumiere which, this year is played out every night from mid July to September. Even if you have only one night in Amiens this incredible light and sound show is well worth a watch
Amiens cathedral - enjoying the son et lumiere with my small group of Australians. Personally I think for anyone spending a few nights in Amiens (or even one) this is a must. It takes place this year from 20 July through to September and is spectacular
Village life in Norfolk bliss
Norman Lancaster. A Yorkshireman and not very long married - I wonder if he ever saw his child. He was killed at Best 22.09.44 & is commemorated on the memorial there. @edwinpopken did a massive amount of research (freely) to add all names to memorial. Norman’s was one of them.
They were just lovely to guide. Such fun!
@jojohook.bsky.social Met two friends of yours this morning!
Excellent lovely couple I knew they would have a great time with you Steve 😊
For the past two days @edwinpopken.bsky.social and I have delved into the US experience WW1. We have spent most of our time getting soaking wet but it was all worth it for the tangible evidence which abounds in the Meuse Argonne. More research needed we have only touched the surface
It’s another beautiful day. I don’t think I can honestly remember such a continuous period of sunshine. It was lovely seeing friends last night and my fab friend @flandersbtour.bsky.social After a super 2 days in Ypres today starts with an impromptu stop at Ploegsteert Wood before heading south
US Netherlands Cemetery in Margraten always is a special place to visit on the @wwiimuseum.bsky.social #easycompany tours. This time, we laid our wreath at the grave of William Dukeman who was killed in action on 5 Oct 1944 at the ‘Crossroads’ near Heteren, NL.
Thanks Lucy 😊
This mornings walk and I had a bit of a Mexican stand off with this lovely deer. Off he went into the wheat to hide. Well he would never pass an escape and evasion course as his ears were still sticking out of the wheat crop.
A super day at the Gallipoli conference. Superb speakers. I caught up with some great friends during the breaks and who could ask for a better venue than Great War Huts. An added bonus was the sun shone and cake in the afternoon was delicious
Hello Zell am See. Beautiful weather in the Alps. ⛰️☀️ #goodtimes
This small little memorial is on the building where some of the first French Resistance networks were formed. On 11 November 1940 (note date) a large body of students demonstrated against the Nazis. It is not far from Arc de Triomphe where unknown warrior for France is buried
Thirty one years ago this little book accompanied me to Normandy. It was a Holts special anniversary edition. Back then veterans were in much better health & those I met I asked to sign my book. Silly really, but today it is a treasured possession - I did the same for Arnhem
Yep so I see 😊
Thanks Dave hope you are keeping well 😊
Research today for tour departing end of week. Tragic words from a bereaved mother in a letter to the authorities: “Oh who can tell what these things mean to a broken hearted mother”
Home today & tidying up. Because the house mysteriously gets dirty while you are away. Dunkirk the Last Battle - this newspaper is now nearly 84 yrs old - dated 5 June 1940 it is a brilliant primary source doc covering final days of Dunkirk. As they say from the horses mouth.
Cloud formations at Le Hamel this morning - what a vista
Just at home from a fab tour. On board was grandson of Harry Murray, AIF’s most decorated soldier. Harry’s grandson, Don, added snippets of his grandpa’s stories as told to him all of which made a truly memorable tour. Getting Harry’s grandson to Stormy Trench was icing on cake
An Another sunny morning on the WF. Today a walk to Blauwepoort Farm Cemetery a stunningly beautiful cemetery that I have not been to before. Said hallo to a lone cow on guard by an old British bunker before starting day heading south with 21 passengers - onwards to Bullecourt
Another day started off with low lying mist which always gives the land that ethereal quality. 6kms covered this morning with a return via ramparts. Walls that have withstood the test of time. Today, Major Duck as forward observation officer keeping guard across the moat
All strung out walking Gallipoli with @gallipoliassoc.bsky.social
Walking in Paris this morning another beautiful morning but sadly came across this little memorial in remembrance of Jewish schoolchildren who attended this school and from here were deported to the concentration camps - it took the sun out of my morning a bit
Following a gentleman's great uncle that had been taken out by a shell with one other soldier. Nice to receive feedback so soon after the bespoke pilgrimage...
📣 I’m very pleased to give you all a sneak peak of my new book, Jungle Commandos: The Battle for Arakan, Burma 1945.
Follow me for more info over the coming weeks!
‘Swallows’ (1966)
Artist: Ronald Lampitt
(Birds and how they Live, 1966)
Dawn breaking and an early morning walk before heading into Paris. Spring has to be the best time of year. Just the birds and the odd deer for company
