My most sobering day

[xcvator]

Just did a tour of the Somme battle fields of  1916/18. I  couldn't work out whether to cry, or throw up . The tour guide said she  knew where hell is, we are looking  it http://www.ww1westernfront.gov.au/battlefields/mouquet-farm-1916.html] [url]http://www.ww1westernfront.gov.au/battlefields/mouquet-farm-1916.html [/url]  This place is "mouquet farm" , the authorities know there are several thousand unaccounted for bodies on this site but untill the farmer actually digs up a bone nobody can touch the area without his permission
The French are truly wonderfull with all of the war graves , imaculately neat and tidy ,there are referances every where to the diggers
  No pics at the moment they will come later
cheers keith

[Fridge Magnet]

You're not alone Keith,

I'd love the chance to see the ANZAC battlefields in France. I went to Gallipoli a few years ago (not on ANZAC day) and was just about a blubbering mess at the end seeing where all the the thousands of young blokes that died on both sides. Look forward to seeing your photos.

While you're over there make sure you try a pastry called a 'religieuse' (translates as 'Nun'), really good!

FM     

[brickiematt]

Must have been a very humbling experience Keith. I am determined one day to visit this area.
My Great Great Uncle, Eric Harding Chinner, was a Lieutenant in the 32 Battalion AIF. He was mortally wounded by an enemy shell at Fromelles, and reportedly died in German hands on 20 July 1916.
When the mass graves were found at Fromelles several years ago, my mum was asked to give some DNA to try and determine if any of the remains were those of her Great Uncle. The match turned out to be positive.
He was officially re-interred at the Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery in 2010. I remember watching this on TV and openly weeping.
Our family is very proud of this piece of our history, and are eternally grateful to Eric and the countless other Australians who have given the ultimate sacrifice for this great country. Sitting here in my warm loungeroom, I simply cannot comprehend what these men went through. Your guide was probably right when she said she knew where hell was.....
I really look forward to hearing more of your trip and seeing some pics Keith. Thanks for sharing mate.

Cheers
Matt

[JB]

Brickiematt,

My Great Great Uncle, Private Edward Nason Burney was also amongst those identified in the mass grave at Fromelle and reburied in Pheasant Wood in 2010.  He was also in the 32nd.   They were probably together.

.

I also visited the Somme about 10 years ago, and had the same reaction as Keith.  I won't ever forget the experience.

Tearing up as I write.

Cheers

JB(urney)

[brickiematt]

Brickiematt,

My Great Great Uncle, Private Edward Nason Burney was also amongst those identified in the mass grave at Fromelle and reburied in Pheasant Wood in 2010.  He was also in the 32nd.   They were probably together.

.

I also visited the Somme about 10 years ago, and had the same reaction as Keith.  I won't ever forget the experience.

Tearing up as I write.

Cheers

JB(urney)

Good chance they fought side by side JB, you just never know. Small world isn't it?!
My parents visited my GG Uncle's grave last year and said it was a very emotional experience. I am determined to get there one day.

Matt