Holidays

Not a holiday as such, but I'm planning a weekend in northern France in the spring.

I've been researching the fascinating story of my grandfather and his three brothers, who all served in the army during the First World War. Two of the brothers were killed during the conflict and I'm going to visit the cemeteries where they are buried and the locations where they died.

My grandfather and his other brother survived the conflict; although my grandfather died before I was born, I did know his surviving brother, my Great Uncle, who was awarded a medal for bravery during the conflict. I've managed to track down the date and place of the action for which he received the award, so I'll be visiting that site too. My two daughters who, I'm pleased to say, are quite interested in this piece of family history are joining me for the trip.

I've been amazed at just how much information is still available regarding the fighting which took place during WW1. With a bit of research and some hours spent on the internet, I can actually pinpoint the precise location where these events occurred, to the point where I can say "It happened in this field, here".

I'm planning the trip to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the date on which the first of the brothers died. It promises to be a fascinating and very moving journey.

 

@Trunky I found out a while ago that one of my Grandfathers fought in that conflict also. I wonder if they were in the same sector?

 

If that's the Flying Scotsman, are you sure it's visiting West Somerset in September?

I thought it was only due to visit there during the mid week of 22 - 26 May and have accordingly booked a 'Sun bargain £38break' for those days at a site adjacent to the WSR where that steam train will pass.

 

Off to North Cornwall at the end of March. Not decided about summer yet.

 

@Scrungee I am quiet sure that a fast train is going to be visiting West Somerset so you will need to book another holiday then

 

Have you managed to uncover any information as to where he was during the conflict?

The sites of particular interest to me on this visit are the areas around the towns of Arras and Cambrai.

 

Just bagged my sun hol for Cornwall, £40.30. Get in!

 

Is that just for your suitcase?

 

no! 2 adults 2 kids, 3 nights last weekend in Easter hols

 

That is brilliant!!!

 

I'll have to check out what's happening in September when I'm there in May



EDIT/DISCLAIMER: My wife and daughter have requested that I post that neither I, nor they have been silly enough to travel on that 'train'.

 

When in May. I will be in Key West in May. Or shall I say, what part of Florida will you be going.

 

@Trunky The only two things that I have been able to find out so far is that up until sustaining his first wound, he was near Flers Courcelette (Somme). Presumably, he saw the first ever tanks going into battle there.

After returning, he was then near the Railway Wood (Ypres) sector when he sustained his second wound during the 3rd Ypres battle, aka Passchendale. Presumably, he was close enough to see the mines that exploded there. ( Messines Ridge).

 

+ 'service charges'? The cost of those has increased significantly over the years, but considering the £9.50 each for 4 people hasn't increased in over 20 years, they're still good value.

We've always taken own linen and have always opted out of 'entertainment passes' (very often they're still given to you, even though you haven't paid).

 

Our services charges are £4.99 pupn 14.97 in total and we will be rinsing the gas and leccy to get our moneys worth we have got got entertainment passes but we're unsure whether to knock them off at confirmation £7.50 pppb (£30) so
Total Holiday Cost : £85.27 if we add the passes, still, not bad at all though!
We take our own duvets/pillows too, can't stand the ones they have