HAW Battlefield Tour 2023

Events

08 September 2023 00:00

The Hindenburg Line Battlefield Tour

For 2023 we have decided to join forces with our good friends, the Hertfordshire Constabulary Great War Society, and run a tour in association with them. Many of us have toured with them before as individuals and their members often attend our talks.

Why not join us as we return to the battlefields of France for a:

Our three-day, two-night tour: Fri 8th – Sun 10th September 2023

We think this will be a great tour and we hope that you can join us. Reservations will be on a first come, first served basis, so and don’t take too long to decide and book ASAP.

If you have not been on a tour before, visit "here" for a short video which features Jim who will be acting as one of our guides.

If you have any questions about the tour or prefer to pay by cheque, contact jontywild@hertsatwar.co.uk.

Brief details appear below, and more details can be seen, and documents downloaded via the following links

Any questions? Email jontywild@hertsatwar.co.uk 

Day One: Friday 8th September
Picking up in Hertfordshire, we travel to France via the Eurotunnel, have a baguette lunch in Arras (included) before visiting the Commonwealth War Graves HQ Exhibition to see how the headstones are made, view the blacksmith’s workshop where the wonderful gates and the lockers for the cemetery registers are made, as well as learning about the work of the Commission. This day, we will also visit Bellicourt Tunnel and stand on the iconic Riqueval Bridge, learning about its capture and the breaching of the Hindenburg Line - seen by many military experts as the greatest battle ever fought by the British Army. We then depart for St Quentin and aim to arrive at the Hotel Ibis at about 18:00. You then have an evening at leisure when you may wish to see St-Quentin and dine in one of the many bars or restaurants.

Day Two: Saturday 9th September
We start with a short walk through the city learning about the German occupation. After boarding the coach, we visit the German Military Cemetery; Savy British Military Cemetery; and Manchester Hill – scene of an incredible VC action, before departing to Ors for a cooked lunch (included). In the afternoon we visit the Forester’s House - now a memorial to Wilfred Owen. We visit the site of his death and hear about the four VCs awarded for incredible bravery on that short length of canal bank where he died. We return for another evening at leisure in St Quentin to eat out as you wish.

Day Three: Sunday 10th September
The final day and we depart for home, but on the way, we will visit Bellicourt British Cemetery learning about the Fighting Vicar; then the stunning Bellicourt American Memorial, to hear about the American involvement in this area; followed by the fascinating American Cemetery at Bony. We then call in at the Mazingarbe British Cemetery to visit the grave of a British private who, following a disagreement, shot dead his Corporal and learn about his arrest, trial and execution. We have a baguette lunch in Bethune (included) then visit Chocques British Cemetery to visit the grave of the man he shot before departing for home.

Tour Details:

  • Leaving Fri 8th, returning Sun 10th Sept 2023
  • Cost: Excluding HAW member discount is £349 each sharing a twin or double room and £425 single room
  • Member discount is £15 *** to join visit Membership.
  • Pick-up/drop-offs Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City.

Included:

  • Travel by luxury coach
  • Crossing by Eurotunnel
  • Experienced guides
  • 2 Nights in the St Quentin Hotel Ibis
  • Bed, breakfast and lunches are all included

*** Existing members (at the time booking or before final payment taken) can claim a £20.00 discount, which for many is the cost of membership! To join visit Membership.