December 10 and 11

Days 14 & 15- Days off in Bruges and Ypres

On these two days, we had time off from the battlefields and had the option to visit the medieval canal city of Bruges, also known as the ‘Venice of the North’. This beautiful city is famous for its lace, chocolates, beers, canal boat rides and some glorious shopping at the Xmas markets. Some of the group decided to stay in Ypres and catch up on shopping, laundry and generally relaxing.

On Monday in Ypres, the group reconnected and prepared for the 8.00 p..m. Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate. This ceremony has been taking place since 1927 every night at 8.00 to remember those who died in the war focusing on those who were never found. Those ‘Known Unto God’ named on this iconic memorial number over 55,000. These British and Commonwealth names are chiselled on the stone walls, and remembrance is something done on a daily basis. As always members of our group took part in the ceremony by laying a wreath and Reading the Ode.

December 12th