Guest Book
You excellent web site just gave me goosebumps all over. I was at both the Villers Bretonneux services. I actually met the young piper in the photo just a few days before the service. I was also with the Warfield family whose wreath and photo are featured. There was a fourth brother whose name you have not included. I will contact them and they may wish to pass that information on to you. Congratulations on your excellent photos and text. The Dawn Service was a very moving experience.
Heather Lewis
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia - 24 May 2008
Wonderful and useful maps
Joseph Constantin
Calonne-Ricouart, Pas-de-Calais, France - 18 May 2008
I visited the British cemetary in Vailly sur Aisne in 2001. I was moved by the peace and solitude, also the respectfull care that the cemetary was recieving. Such a peacfull resting place compared to the horrific Hell that caused it! I was touched and moved emotionally. I returned home with the cost of war etched in my mind.
William L Mickey Jr
Ridgeley, West Virginia , USA - 17 May 2008
I am so interested to read about Villers Bretonneux. My uncle, Albert Ryan, was awarded his Military Medal there for gallantry on 25th April 1918. He survived the war, but died in 1924. I imagine partly from the effects of war. His cards home said nothing of the horrors he was experiencing, except when conscription came in and he said not to let his younger brother join up if possible, as he had: seen some terrible accidents with guns. Thankyou for making this site available. I have visited some war cemeteries in France and Belgium where relatives are either buried or commemorated. An overwhelmning experience, but I find it impossible not to go if I am able to travel overseas.
Shirley Powley
Howard, Queensland, Australia - 14 May 2008
Oh thank you so much for this wonderful site, I am a family researcher and heard Karl from todayshow talking about the service on Anzac day 2008. A fellow researcher sent me before he died the army records of 3 brothers who were in France. Two were killed and the other brother Arthur Wm. Ashton returned to his wife and 5 children living in Hay NSW I hope the man from Hay sees this as he may not have those army records. Thank you again I am over 80 and will not able to visit this memorial, don't need to with this magnificent website.
Joan Symons
Kingscliff, NSW, Australia- 09 May 2008
Great site very thrilled to see photo of Anzac Day dawn service at Villers-Bretonneux as I with 6000 others was there. I was lucky enough to have a seat and lay a small floral tribute on the memorial before the 51st Battalion Memorial Cross. Thanks to the efforts of TBS and the St Georges Cathedral community and choir it was a memorable occasion which I hope will become an annual pilgrimage for thousands more, especially the younger generation.
Ken Keesing
Shelley, Western Australia - 08 May 2008
I was really interested ~ fascinated even by your web-site. I can't even imagine how long it took you; what prompted you to undertake such a task and finally set up such an amazing site.
Rose Meldon
Theydon Bois, Essex, England - 02 May 2008
Fantastic account of the service there. It has inspired me to take my family. My great grandfather was killed in the 2nd battle of Bullecourt around the 17th May. He was there for less than 8 weeks which was longer then the average. I believe France is as significant as Gallipolli and we need to spread the word. Well done.
Lance Newbould
Pascoe Vale South, Victoria, Australia - 27 April 2008
It's Anzac Day and I'm sitting here in tears, having only just discovered your website. I recently dicovered that my uncle Vincent Longhurst is buried at Grevillers. I'm 72 and before I die I hope to visit his grave. My Dad was a wonderful Dad and I'd wish to honour him, his brother and his family by visiting here. If I go, it won't be for a year or so, but...thank you so much for all the hard work you've done - the photos are magnificent and I appreciate them so much.
Margaret Brabrook
Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia - 25 April 2008
You should be very proud for what you have done to ensure that these heroic men and women are proudly remmembered. It would be nice if those that persist with there violent ways today would take note of what these men and women went through to give the majority of us today peace and freedom to enjoy a wonderful world. Thank You for your diligence and convictions to keep these memories alive.
Terry J Hull
Taree, NSA, Australia - 24 April 2008
It is good to know what my Grandfather went through, but sad to know so many had to die. Let's not forget.
Steven Toerien
Cape Town, SouthAfrica - 24 April 2008
Thank you for establishing this web site. Australians must never forget the sacrifices made on their behalf by all individuals of their armed forces. Villers-Bretonneux will always not only be a part of Australian history, but part of Australia itself.
Don Graham
Springwood, NSW, Australia - 22 April 2008
Your website is interesting. I have just returned from the Ypres Salient and Somme battlefield areas - I wanted to visit those places where relatives served and yet survived the awfulness and the sheer waste of young lives in "The Great War". A truly humbling, poignant experience:lest we forget. In particular, the site of the Mur des Fusilles was quite the most chilling place I visited.
Mike O'Hagan
Doncaster, England - 21 April 2008
A fitting tribute in recognition of the amazing sacrifices made. My Father fought here on the western front in 1917/18 among the 'fighting 50th' from South Australia. We have visited many of these sites, and plan to return for the 100 year commemoration in 2018.
Sue Olsen
Australia - 21 April 2008
I think your site is a brilliant memorial to those who gave their lives.
Brian Duncan
Coupar Angus, Perthshire, Scotland - 20 April 2008
Brought back many memories of my 1994 journey through the Somme and Flanders.
Phil Hogan
Bronte, New South Wales, Australia - 20 April 2008
Excellent site. Thank you so much for your contributions.
Michael Kendrigan
Burlington, Ontario, Canada - 18 April 2008
A very good and comprensive job. Has helped me plan my by annual trips to the western front.
Dr Gary D. Waer
Solvang, California, USA - 16 April 2008
Great site. We met you at the cemetery in March 2008.
Mark McVeigh
Waitakere City, Auckland, New Zealand - 15 April 2008
Your site brought the war alive for me. I lost a great Uncle Norman Barrett, who was a stretcher bearer. I have letters he sent from the front and the horrors of the war became real for me for the first time when I visited your site. He is buried at Hooge Crater. You have helped me gain an understanding of his terrible plight. I am determined to visit and draw the breath of peace and tranquility that Norman would not have felt in Belgium. Thank you again for your wonderful effort and passion in collating this material.
Ian Woodward
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia - 14 April 2008
Thank you for running such a good site. I'm still chasing as much information about my Uncle killed at Mouquet Farm. It's been a big help regards.
Kevin Goldfinch
Launceston, Tasmania, Australia - 10 April 2008
Thank you for providing this site in order for us to remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives. My Great Uncle William Collins 23109, 4th Bn 3rd, NZ Rifle Brigade died aged 36yrs on 9th June 1917 and is remembered with honour on the Messines Ridge Memorial.
Mary Stiles
Waipukurau, Central Hawke's Bay, New Zealand - 06 April 2008
Thankyou for a wonderful sight with many interesting photos.
Colin Butcher
Townsville, Queensland, Australia - 05 April 2008
It is much appreciated. I recently visited the WW1 sites with St Paul's Girls' School (husband of a teacher ) and reading all this has helped my recall and understanidng of just a small percentage of what The Great War involved. Thanks for this enterprise , much appreciated, as I say.
Michael King
London, UK - 03 April 2008
My relative Private W Arbuckle was killed by a sniper in 1915 and buiried at becourt thanks to your site I was able to show elderly relatives the peacefull place he lies,thank you.
Derek Smith
Gourock, Inverclyde, Scotland - 01 April 2008
We visited the Belgian battlefields for the fist time last year, and experienced an amzing sense of grief and loss. This site has enabled us to connect in other ways to what we saw and felt during those few days we were there.
Patrick
Australia - 26 March 2008
I think that your website is great. I just came across it while i was looking for information on my great great grandfather (Charles William Kershaw) who died in the push for Messines Ridge at Ypres.
Jenni Cottey
Churchstanton, Taunton, Somerset, England -
I live about 2 miles from Helen's Tower, the model for the Theipval Towner. An excellent web-site - informative, very impressive, clearly laid out and one which I will recommend to any one interested in the Great War. Am planning a trip to the Chemin des Dames area in June of this year and will return to your website for more information.
Helen Telford
Newtownards, Co Down, Northern Ireland - 26 March 2008
I found this website while researching a family member who was killed in WWI. I have learned so much from it, thank you for a wonderful resource for family history.
Mandy Palmer
Bromyard, Herefordshire, England - 24 March 2008
Lovely historical record to honour all those men. My paternal grandfather, Daniel Evelyn Gee, is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. Really interesting site - thank you.
Stephanie Taylor
Plymouth, Devon, England - 23 March 2008
You think you have seen, and know it all, "wrong", packed with good solid info - particularly Gen Barbot, which our branch of the WFA [Southend] visited Arras 07. l learnt more from your site than i did on visit, we are off to Ypres in sept so onward info gathering.
John Rogers
Benfleet, Essex, England - 16 March 2008
A fantasic job, I lost an uncle at Hooge on 4 May 1915 I now feel as if i have been to visit him I am to old to travel. Thank You
Wally Ellis
Kings Lynn, Norfolk, England - 15 March 2008
Brilliant. Never thought to try to trace my great uncle's resting place. His name is Robert Johnston. My uncle will be thrilled to have this information.
Christine Baker
Waikerie, South Australia - 12 March 2008
Wonderfully done site. Very informative. My mom is from France and we have many relatives who fought in WW1. Thank you for the pictures, they truly are worth a thousand words.
Christopher R. Chek Sr
United States -
I enjoyed the site and learned from it.I visited the Memorial at Longuenesse,after looking at the site,and found it a very moving experience.I recently revisited Ypres, but this time after reading your site I had a much better understanding of the horrors of the events and the courage of all those involved.
Paul Ryan
Charing, Kent, UK - 10 March 2008
Thank you for avery interesting site. My great uncle Isaac Watts in the Australian army was captured here and spent the rest of the war in prisoner of war camps. He was thought to have died at first and great was the jubilation when the family was notified he was captured not dead.
Philip Squire
Auckland New Zealand - 8 March 2008
My Great-Uncle George F Welland died at Wimille 8.9.1918 and was buried at Terlincthun.Thank you for showing me his resting place.I wish my Grandmother could have seen it.A great site
Margaret Gore
Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom - 7 March 2008
I found out that my grandfather is buried in the German Soldatenfriedhof in Hooglede, Belgium. Your web site has helped me to find out where this place is located and has given me additional information about the cemetery.
Ricardo Grünewald
Buenos Aires, Argentina -
I was pleased to find the picture of Becourt cemetery. This was a location I once new very well. I grew up in Albert and Dernancourt in the late fifties and early sixties after my father joined the War gravess Commission. The woods at Becourt is where we used to go to play in the summer holidays. The trenches and some of the dugouts were still in situe in the early sixties ad this was ripe for exploration by us as local kids. The trees however at the time were all young trees as they were all new growth, post the first world war.
Bob Booker
Week St Mary Holsworthy, Devon, England - 28 February 2008
I think it is superb! Congratulations. We must never forget the heroism and sacrifice of our ancestors in the struggle against evil.
Colonel Rodney Willox AM JP
Mount Lawley, Western Australia - 26 February 2008
I found the site to be one of the best that I have visited and thank you for all the hard work that has been put into getting it all together
Edward McMurtry
Kurunjang, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia - 22 February 2008
I was looking up some information about the WW1 War Graves and I came upon your site. Very well organised and interesting historical reading
Frances McCarthy
Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Scotland - 20 February 2008
Your site is very informative having visited the somme last July 07 I was very moved by the experience and will be visiting every year
Ian Roberts
Liverpool, Merseyside, England - 19 February 2008
Thanks very much for your website - it gave me a chance to look at one of the places that my grandfather may have been during WW1. He survived for six years after the war ended, but eventually succumbed to effects of gassing. It's quite difficult to track down someone who actually survived, despite the national archives digitising a lot of the records. At the moment I'm trying to get a list of 'gassing events' together. It seems a macabre subject, but no-one has done it yet. Anyway - I think what you are doing is great - the bravery of these ordinary men should not be forgotten, neither should the foolishness of those who are the architects of this kind of madness!
Bernadette Hunt Adams
Kirkby in Furness, Cumbria, UK - 19 February 2008
Went into your web site to learn more about my Uncle Herbert LeDrew, was killed in the first world war, was thrilled to look at the cemterary and how neat they keep it. Wonderful site keep up the good work.
Betty Hawman
Emsdale, Ontario, Canada - 17 February 2008
Just excellent- what more can I say
Susan Hartnett
Westerham, Kent, England - 17 February 2008
A very fine, informative and useful website. Good for preparing a battlefield tour. My respect.
Dr Paul Schneiders
Bussum, Netherlands - 16 February 2008
We visited Vimy Ridge 2006, went to Villers Station Cemetery where one of my father's cousins lie, (he was in the Canadian Army) his name Lieut. Lancelot Ashcroft who died April 9th 1917. What the Colonials achieved during WW 1 was truly remarkable, more so when one considers the absolute ineptness of the British and French Miltary leadership. The Colonies and America won that war (WW 1). Your website is great.
Michael Norris
New Zealand - 16 February 2008
Thank you for developing this respectful site. In 1992 I had the honor of joining a British military tour for the entire Battle of the Somme area, and visited again in 1993. Your site has brought back rather strong feelings that I felt when I first came to Thiepval.
Jan Diamond
USA - 14 February 2008
If I ever want information to help in my little visits over the channel I get straight to your website. Thanks, you do us all a great service!
Les Croft
Manchester, England - 9 February 2008
Your site was very helpful in trying to locate my uncle, George Barnes, who fought in WWI and died from wounds in Oct 1918. He was with the Canadian forces
Robert Barnes
Rochester, New York, USA - 8 February 2008
Thank you for your web site. The photographs are excellent. I have been to the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. In 2005 I travelled to France to visit friends who were living in Paris at the time. My father reminded me that one of his uncles died in WWI and he believed was buried in France, "somewhere". I looked in the family Bible and there it was, buried in Meuse-Argonne Cemetery. I did visit the cemetery and was escorted to his grave. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life. I can see why you find such fulfillment in visiting and researching these cemeteries and monuments.
Patricia Snyder
USA - 7 February 2008
Hi well done for your site excellent very helpful thanks.
Martyn Baker
Stafford, Staffordshirem England - 7 February 2008
Thank you for keeping the memory of these men alive. Their shortened lives and sacrefice should not be forgotten.
Terry K. Carle
Johnson City, Tennessee, USA - 6 February 2008
A very intresting site I have not had time to look at everything on the site but I will over the next couple of weeks
Paul Willmer
Ilkeston, Derbyshire, England - 5 February 2008
Great web site. I am trying to find out about my uncle who was wounded on July 4th in northern France in 1918 during World War One. He layed on the battlefield for three days before they found out he was alive. He was with the 131st infitry divison. Thanks again for the great web site.
Michael Gentz
Longwood, Florida, USA - 4 February 2008
I have just found your site very informative. My mums uncle was killed age 25 at Longueval.
Hazel J Garton
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England - 29 January 2008
A very informative web site. Having been to Villers Bretonneux cemetery to visit grave of my Great_Grandfather I found the information extremely interesting. I notice that in a note on your website that the tower is closed to public access. In August 2007 I climbed the stairs to the very top to gain an idea of the layout of the area. Perhaps this information could be corrected on the website. Thankyou for the research necessary to put this site together to make it one of the most informative on the Somme in particular.
John Leckie
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia - 27 January 2008
What anice web site. My son and I have been over to the war graves last year 07, how thankful and proud of these men I feel. This year we are going to the second world war graves its something we all should do.
Martin Young
Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset, England - 24 January 2008
Great site, so enjoyable and informative.
Alan Harvey
Belfast, Northern Ireland - 23 January 2008
The colorful maps and small towns or villages have triggered an idea to visit Cambrai some day.
Thomas Daniells
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada - 20 January 2008
Your pictures are excellent and the comments well thought out and expressed beautifully.
Kathleen Fancey
Storrington, West Sussex, England - 20 January 2008
Well done on a great site, my great grandfather was in the 2nd Bn Royal Fusiliers and died on the 1st July 1916, he is remembered at the Hawthorn Ridge Cemetery no 2 and its been wonderful to get more information of what happened that day, well done and keep up the good work.
Mandy Manning
Enniskeane, Co Cork, Ireland - 20 January 2008
Very interesting. Can't get enough thank you
Ron Smart
Trefor Caernarfon, Gwynedd, North Wales - 15 January 2008
I think that my great Uncle William James Killip is mentioned on the CAMBRAI Memorial Louverval. It is very interesting to see photos of the site but upsetting to realise that perhaps my Great Uncle was one of those whose body was never found. I had not thought of this previously as this has never been mentioned. In fact he was never really spoken about.
Pamela Ford
Douglas, Isle of Man - 12 January 2008
Very good and helpful in my family research.
Jackie Shubert
Exeter, Devon, England - 09 January 2008
Sufficiently and helpfully detailed and reflecting the respect, admiration and sorrow felt by all of us who have visited the Western Front and grown to be familiar with it. Thank you for this, your tribute to those who fell.
Allen Dawes
Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England - 05 January 2008
A wonderful web site that as a military historian and battle field tour guide to the Western Front will us the information contained in the site to good effect. Thank you!
Mick Ford
Chelmsford, Essex, England - 04 January 2008
Well done. particularly well done photos of the monuments for the Soissons area. Toured there to back up my book - Soissons, 1918 - and enjoy your account. Glad to see something more on the 15th Scottish Div that relieved the American 1st. Not much on it on this side of the pond.
Dr Douglas V Johnson II
Carlisle, PA, USA - 04 January 2008
Je ne parle très bien le français, mais je suis très content de connais le votre web site, parce que en 2002 je étais chez vous en France et je fut le complet promenade dans tous les places historiques de la WW1 et WW2 que tu montre dans tes web site. Pour un avocat bresilien que aime l´histoire ces informations sons très important, pour le maintenir la memoire et n´oublier pas les mêmes. Je vous salue et vous remercier de tout coeur. Merci.
Jose Geraldo Vieira
Osasco, São Paulo, Brasil - 03 January 2008
A fine tribute to history and all the brave ones who perished due to man's inhumanity.
Ross Carr
Belle River, Canada - 23 December 2007
Very interesting resource. Thank you. (grandson of Delville Wood survivor, Alan Sinclair of 2nd South African Infantry).
Richard Portsmouth
Upminster, Essex, UK - 18 December 2007
Outstanding and very moving, have just returned from a visit to most of the places in the Somme which you mention on this site.
Peter Richards
Hedon, East Yorkshire, UK - 13 December 2007
Thank you for keeping this memory alive. I have lost four members of my grandfather's generation in 3 different armies, ie: Australian, New Zealand and United Kingdom, in World War One. It certainly took its toll on our family and is a stark and sobering reminder of the cost of war for subsequent generations. This site makes it all accessible, to bring the message home. I am indebted, thanks.
John Highman
Ashfield, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia - 13 December 2007
Just discovered about my Gt Uncle H Worsley. One of Three brothers who faught in the 1st world war. Harold was the only one who didn't survive and died on 12.4.1918 aged approx. 20. I was surprised to find out about him as he had previously been just a black and white photograph of a man in uniform. This site is very pleasing to the eye, easy to negotiate and has been most helpful in my quest to find information. Thank you
Lindey Genty
Greenfield, Saddleworth, West Yorkshire, England - 08 December 2007
I am pleased by the clarity of your maps, and the repairs to the Vimy Ridge Memorial and others.
Dennis Cleaton
Llandrindod Wells, Powys, Wales - 08 December 2007
As an ex- RTR soldier, I have found the site very informative and interesting. I was in Cambrai on 24th Nov 2007 to take part in the 90th anni. celebrations of the battle. I have a good photo of D51 'Deborah' which fought in the battle and is now in a barn as part of an exhibition.
Pete Dobson
Southampton, Hampshire, England - 06 December 2007
Informative and poignant; wish information like this had been available to the survivors like my Great Uncle Peter Cavanagh who lost his chums and always wanted to know they were respectfully accounted for.
Barbara Debenham
Bromborough, Cheshire, UK - 05 December 2007
Best site ever. Greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work
Jack Mckeown
Bangor, Co Down, Northern Ireland- 02 December 2007
Good site well done
Neil Fawcett
Sheffield, United Kingdom - 27 November 2007
This is a wonderful site. Congratulations!
Gordon MacKinnon
Toronto, Canada - 27 November 2007
Good site. I have visited a lot of the places and the pictures brought back some memories.
Stephen Mcardle
New Brighton Wallasey, Merseyside, United Kingdom- 22 November 2007
After visiting in late October 2006, we will again be retracing in the footsteps of our fallen heroes, from walking along the sunken road onto and through Theipval Wood to walking the gravel path that leads to the Ulster Tower, then later on paying tribute to our ain folk the 51st Highland Division the whole trip and experience made a group of young lads very humble indeed, in a day and age where the young supposedly know no respect I stood there with my friends and the reality was not lost and it never shall be,
Kai
Scotland - 22 November 2007
I have thouroughly enjoyed browsing your web-site,I am very interested in the history of the 36th Ulster Division as I believe one of my family ancestors fell during the attack on 1st of July, I am currently trying to trace this brave man who fell with his fellow Ulstermen and was humbled at the sacrifice these young men made, brilliant site, very informative.
Robert McGough
Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland - 19 November 2007
My grandfather, Cpl Richard Coyle was serving in the 9th Bn The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment and was killed here on 7th June 1917. He had also served in the Boer War in the same unit. I want to come and visit his grave. Thank you for your informative site.
Bob Rowland
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, USA - 19 November 2007
Very informative I visited the cemetery at Cabaret Rouge last week I was just passing but stopped I just wanted to find out more on my return especially as they seemed to be a lot of regiments from the North of England involved.
David Dixon
South Shields, Tyne and Wear, UK - 17 November 2007
I found your site most interesting. My grandfather was killed on 12 September 1914 at Vailly whilst serving with the Northumberland Fusiliers. Unfortunately, he has no known grave but perhaps he may be one of those at Vailly Cemetary with an unmarked grave. I hope to visit Vailly next year and your website information will be very useful
Alan Jones
Brighton, UK - 16 November 2007
I am a member of the Metropolitan Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Band. On remembrance weekend we went over to Ypres to play at the Menin Gate ceremony and visit war graves. As we are an Irish band we thought it would be fitting to go to the Peace Park on Remembrance Sunday. We have an ex Royal Marines bugler in the band who played the last post at the Peace Park along with our pipe major, Dominic Murphy, playing a lament. One of the founders of the band was formerly with the Irish Guards and handed Her Majesty the wreath to lay at the opening of the park 9 years ago. The sad thing is that if we hadn't been there no one would have been there to remember the dead Irish Soldiers. We are looking at making that an annual event it seems poor Paddy could get forgotten. Excellent site, we will remember them
Brian Devereux
Wendover, Buckinghamshire, UK - 16 November 2007
Many thanks for your well presented web site. I lost 4 great uncles in WW1, all brothers. One of them is buried at this cemetary. His name is Private Donald Sloan Blackwatch ( Royal Highlanders 8th Battalion ). He died on New Years Day 1917. Many thanks for keeping alive the memories of all these valiant soldiers.
Robert Sloan
Dalrymple, Ayrshire, Scotland - 13 November 2007
Well laid out site. I found it very intersting and informative. My grandfather was Sub-Lt Robert Sly of Hawke battalion who was badly wounded in the battle of the Ancre 13 Nov 1916.
Jeremiah Sly
Bath, Somerset, England - 13 November 2007
Am planning a trip to the Holland, Belgium and France to visit Canadian battle sites from WW I and WW II. This site has been most helpful
Allan Gorham
Lake Country, B.C., Canada - 13 November 2007
Very interesting site my grandfather was killed at Arras in 1916 I visited the cemetary there, as he was blown to pieces he has no grave only his name on the wall. Very sad as you drive through France with small graveyards all along the roadsides
David McHarg
Dreghorn, Ayrshire, Scotland - 12 November 2007
Very informative. Keep up the good work, and I will remember them. I visited Tyne Cot recently and it broke my heart, and me a hardnosed 46 year old punk rocker tattooed and pierced. Since that day I have read everything about WW1
Dave Thorpe
Manchester, Lancashire, England - 11 November 2007
An excellent website. It is very important that these web sites remain, so as to ensure all those soldiers who gave their lives for their country will always be remembered. My cousin William Rose died at Loos in 1915 at the age of 18.
Ian Rose
Tamworth, Staffordshire, Great Britain - 09 November 2007
Love your Web site. I often travel to Germany, staying in the town of Landstuhl. This is only a hours drive from Verdun and I have only seen a minor part. Your web site now has me thinking of doing more sites. Thanks!
Rick Sorenson
New Market, Maryland, USA - 09 November 2007
I went to visit the grave of a great uncle of mine at Maissemy, and when leaving the village by a different route came across this cemetery [The German]- my husband walked it and concluded about 18,000 graves , how wrong he was, your website brings it all back and the loss of life of so many young men. We have said never again , but I now have a son-in-law in Afganistan and his wife my daughter expected to go to Iraq - and so it goes on.
Susan Hartnett
Biggin Hill, Westerham, Kent, England - 09 November 2007
It is essential that we do not forget the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for us. Having found the Sheffield City Memorial some years ago on a visit to France it brought it home to me and my family the tremendous scale of loss that my city, our country and the whole of europe must have felt just after the great war.That great waste of lives in that war only to be repeated in the same area 24 years later. Thank you for your interesting site.
Philip Travis
Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England - 04 November 2007
I really enjoyed your web site as I am pasionate about the history of the First World War on the Western Front. Three of my great uncles fought there and only one came back. One is buried in the Australian cemetery at Villers Bretoneux and the other in a beautiful cemetery called Hem Farm cemetery near Peronne. I hve been to these cemeteries twice and am hoping to return next year for the 90th anniversary of the battle for Villers Bretaneux. In 2006 our family was lucky to be at the Anzac Commemorations at Villers B and Bullecourt as our Chn were with the musicians from Wesley College and my daughter, Samantha, played the Last Post at both ceremonies. It was the proudest day of our lives and I can only imagine what her great, great uncles would have made of that and also the old boys of Wesley College who are buried in France and Belgium because it was a boys school until quite recently. I really enjoyed your photographs of the commemorations. Thank you.
Wendy Farthing
Melbourne , Victoria, Australia - 04 November 2007
I went to Tyne Cot as well as the German Cemetery at Langemark, Essex Farm and The Notre Dame De Lorette on a school trip and we had services at several of these. This was the second history trip i have been on and both times we have been to cemetaries. I always find the experience very moving and i shall never forget. I shall also be takling part in the rememberance parade as part of St John Ambulance.
Georgia
Batford, Herts, England - 01 November 2007
A very informative site. Noticed I was in a couple of your pictures from Ypres 2002. I am one of the drummer/buglers in The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Ceremonial Unit. I will once again be making the trip to Ypres next week, to pay my respects and take part in the parades. Every time I am near The Gate the hairs on my neck stand on end.
Lee Mullenger
Devon, Great Britain - 01 November 2007
Very interesting site. My father was in the Essex Reg.t and was captured at La Boisselle in Feb 1916 (just before the Somme campaign); he spent the rest of the war in Hameln, Germany as a POW.
Dennis French
UK - 18 October 2007
I have just returned from Arras and have been assigned a project for school to write uup a report about the battle of Arras...and how this battle was significant to me as a new Zealander. You site was very interesting and factual!! 2 thumbs up! thank you!!
Tiffany Tapa
Wellington, New Zealand - 18 October 2007
I was just looking through various web sites and came upon this one by chance.My uncle is buried in Vlamertinghe new military cemetery ,His mame was George Cocksedge he was killed in August 1917.It's good to know soldiers like him are not forgotten.
Patricia Miles
Dudleston Heath, Shropshire, England - 17 October 2007
A very moving site. I have been searching for information about the 1/2 London Regt for some years and this site has proved to be most helpful. Many thanks.
Cecil Ballantine
Gloucester, Glos UK- 14 October 2007
I have been looking around your website and shaking my head in dismay at the destruction we have wrought. Thanks for providing a very clear and concise look at these battlefields, and at the end result of these battles. My grandfather was a Delville Wood survivor and I know he never spoke about what he saw, and I can see why. Keep up the good work.
Derek Walker
South Africa - 14 October 2007