The complex story of four years’ fighting around Ypres, told via the stories of three Tommies: a five-day/four-night tour
Group:
Three generations of an extended family.
Aims:
Follow in footsteps of grandfather at Passchendaele.
Pilgrimage to honour 2nd Lt Cartmell Brown, died during Second Ypres.
Gain a wider understanding of the First World War.
Solution:
Extensive research into 15 Durham Light Infantry using battalion, brigade and divisional war diaries.
Travel via Eurostar, Eurotunnel; private and hire car.
Accommodation: hotel in central Ypres.
Call +44(0) 7733 338659 to speak to your guide
The itinerary below can be customised to your interests.
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Day 1
AM: Cross Channel by Eurostar and Eurotunnel; meet up at Fréthun station, pick up hire car.
PM: Drive to Beselare; Causes of the outbreak of war; the 1914 encounter battles – photo op ‘In the footsteps of 2 Royal Scots Fusiliers’. -
Day 2
AM: Broodseinde: Basic infantry tactics and First Battle of Ypres; Gheluvelt ‘Holding on by our Eyelids’, Black Watch Corner, Haig’s view of the battle.
PM: Mouse Trap Farm: 1915 – Gas attack and Second Battle of Ypres; Museum visit: In Flanders Fields. -
Day 3
AM: Essex Farm: The War Poets; Poperinghe: visit Talbot House; Hazebrouck: Casualty handling, visit grave of 2nd Lt Cartmell Brown.
PM: ‘Plugstreet Wood’: Christmas 1914 truce; Messines: war walk; St Eloi: Mine warfare. -
Day 4
AM: Bellewarde: Third Battle of Ypres introduction; Zonnebeke: visit Passchendaele Museum.
PM: War walk – 15 DLI, 21 Div at Battles of Polygon Wood and Broodseinde; Gheluveld: 7 Div suffers in Salient mud; visit: Tyne Cot – Pte William Hart, killed 9 October 1917 with no known grave.
EVENING: Menin Gate Ceremony. -
DAY 5
AM: Menin gate: Photo opportunity.
PM: Drive to Fréthun, return hire car, cross channel by Eurotunnel.
Costs
I will act as your exclusive guide throughout. I ask that you cover my travel and accommodation costs and I charge a daily fee, regardless of the number of customers (within reason). This fee starts at £150 per day, depending on the complexity of the research involved. In order for you to have as many options as possible, you choose and pay for your own:
- Transport
- Accommodation
- Entrance fees
- Food and drink
I can provide advice on a range of hotels, B&Bs and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. I am also happy to make all bookings and arrangements.
Transport. Driving on the Continent is normally a complete pleasure. You can either travel in your own car(s), or I can arrange for the hire of a minivan and pick you up from the airport, station or port of your choice so you can relax and take in the scenery.
Have any Questions?
PREPARING FOR YOUR JOURNEY
REVIEW YOUR PASSPORT
Your passport needs to be valid for at least six (6) months after your journey ends, and should have enough blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps from each country you visit.
MONEY MATTERS
We recommend travelling with some cash and at least two different major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, so you have back up if your card is not accepted or lost. Contact your bank and credit card companies to let them know where and when you’ll be travelling, as well as confirm any foreign transaction fees. When carrying cash, try to travel only with recently issued currency in smaller denominations; many merchants overseas won’t accept wrinkled or torn bills. Only exchange currency at authorised outlets such as currency exchanges, ATMs or hotels and save receipts as they may be required for exit.
KEEP CONNECTED
While most smartphones work overseas, you might need to turn on international roaming service before you travel. Contact your carrier for information on coverage and voice and data plan options while travelling abroad.
GETTING ONLINE
Many hotels and public places have Wi-Fi and you’ll usually be able to stay connected throughout your journey.
CHARGING YOUR GADGETS
Be sure to bring a global travel adapter set with you to recharge your electronics at your hotel.
PACKING FOR YOUR JOURNEY
Consult the Packing List and Baggage Restrictions specifics provided. Ensure all bags have luggage tags.
STAY HEALTHY ON THE ROAD
Carry your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in their original containers in your carry-on luggage. Pack a simple first-aid kit along with medicines for motion sickness and mild upset stomach.
KEEP VALUABLES SECURE
We strongly recommend leaving valuables such as jewelry at home as Flanders Footsteps cannot be responsible. Replacing a lost or stolen passport is much easier if you have a copy on hand. Pack a photocopy of your passport’s personal information page with your luggage, and keep a photo of it on your smartphone.
PHOTOGRAPHY ETIQUETTE
Photography is not permitted in some locations, which are usually clearly marked. If in doubt, ask your guide.
