Remembrance Day in Belgium OM2 (images)

[Johnmcd]

On the 11.11.2011 I was privileged to lay a wreath during Remembrance Day ceremonies at the Menin Gate where my Great Grandfather's name is written. He was killed during the Battle of Polygon Wood (3rd Battle of Ypres) during WWI and his body never recovered. The Ypres Fire Brigade has bugled the Last Post at the Gate every evening at 8.00pm since 1928 in remembrance.

Prior to the ceremony we toured the Polygon Wood battle site and several cemetery's.

OM2 50/1.4 and Delta 100.

This was a cemetery for 47,000 German soldiers who lost their lives. Each square tile has 20 names...

Australian Memorial at Polygon Wood

Polygon Wood today.

Cheers - John

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Thanks for sharing these John,

It's been almost two years since I've visited Langemark cemetery and Ypres. (or "Wipers" as the boys used to say).

Did you visit Tyne Cot cemetery as well? There is so much in the area around Ypres to remind you of what happened there during the war.

I'll be back to visit the Passchendaele Museum in April next year for a living history event.

Anyway, nice shots. Thanks!

 

[farlymac]

These are very moving photos, John.

PF

 

[Johnmcd]

Thanks for sharing these John,

It's been almost two years since I've visited Langemark cemetery and Ypres. (or "Wipers" as the boys used to say).

Did you visit Tyne Cot cemetery as well? There is so much in the area around Ypres to remind you of what happened there during the war.

I'll be back to visit the Passchendaele Museum in April next year for a living history event.

Anyway, nice shots. Thanks!

Hi Rick,

I'm glad you liked the shots. I did visit the Passchendaele Museum. As we arrived I could see some 'living history' guys getting ready but did not see where they went.

John

 

[Johnmcd]

These are very moving photos, John.

PF

Hi PF,

It's a remarkable place. It is very difficult to try and get your head around the enormous loss of human life...and for what? When you look at the graves the ages are so young - most in their early 20's.

As an Australian it is very humbling. The Belgians will never forget the sacrifices of all those that died on their soil.

John

John

 

[marcr1230]

Very nice photos

 

[David Hughes]

I'll second that and it's very difficult to photograph as it is all so overwhelming.

If it's any help to others planning a visit the tourist office in Lille was very helpful and organised our trip round. John McCrae's first aid post is also worth a visit.

Regards, David

 

[Red Robin]

So many. .. ...

 

[youngcoby]

Wonderful pictures John.

I was there too, for the 11 am memorial on Rememberance Day. It's a pity I didn't know you were coming.

BTW if my information is correct, the daily memorials are executed by Belgians (fire service), but the organisation is in the hands of the British.

British army also maintains the British cemetaries, which ALWAYS look pristine and very well cared for.

What stroke me in your pictures is the cemetary for the German soldiers. I was in Normandy in July, and it looks about the same as the one you posted (only 5 crosses in a row instead of one).

What a waste of life this war has been, as all wars are ....

Filip

 

[sooner]

Great photos, thanks for sharing. I remember visiting a British and I believe Australian cemetery in Thailand, near the real bridge on the river Kwai, and seeing graves of boys my own age brought tears to my eyes. Monuments are fine, but to me those rows of grave markers tell the story.

 

[Johnmcd]

Wonderful pictures John.

I was there too, for the 11 am memorial on Rememberance Day. It's a pity I didn't know you were coming.

BTW if my information is correct, the daily memorials are executed by Belgians (fire service), but the organisation is in the hands of the British.

British army also maintains the British cemetaries, which ALWAYS look pristine and very well cared for.

What stroke me in your pictures is the cemetary for the German soldiers. I was in Normandy in July, and it looks about the same as the one you posted (only 5 crosses in a row instead of one).

What a waste of life this war has been, as all wars are ....

Filip

Hi Filip,

It would have been nice to meet up for a coffee 🙂 I was actually in Antwerp on an official visit to the relatively new fire station that presides over the port area.

Yes, I would agree that the organisation appeared to be done by the British.

Cheers - John

 

[Johnmcd]

I'll second that and it's very difficult to photograph as it is all so overwhelming.

If it's any help to others planning a visit the tourist office in Lille was very helpful and organised our trip round. John McCrae's first aid post is also worth a visit.

Regards, David

Cheers - John