Arras
Battle of Arras Dawn Ceremony 2011
To commemorate the Battle of Arras of the 9th April 1917 the town of Arras organises a commemorative ceremony at the Wellington Quarry (Battle of Arras Memorial).
The ceremony begins at 0630 hours (0530 British Time) to coincide with the launching of the battle.
Thousands of soldiers had spent the night in the tunnel systems under the town waiting for Zero.
This year we had a very informative film using personal letters and photos to evoke the atmosphere of that long wait underground.
Following the laying of wreaths we were invited back to the Salle Thompson at the entrance to the Quarry where we were amongst the first to see the new exhibition concerning Arras during the Second World War. Last year concerned the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Arras in May 1940 this year we learn about how the population endured the early years of the occupation.
We were also invited by the Maire of Arras to a splendid breakfast.
Some photos from the morning’s ceremony
Click on the thumbnail for a larger version
