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War Poets & War Literature
The experience of both World Wars provoked a huge amount of war poetry and literature. On this tour, Head Battlefield Guide Paul Reed is joined by Dr Victoria Humphreys – the author of two novels about WW2 – who will offer a fascinating insight into conflict through the eyes of poets and writers. We’ll hear the stories of Siegfried Sassoon, Robert Graves and Frank Richards, before exploring the complex life and relationships of Edward Thomas. With other highlights including Newfoundland Park, Wilfred Owen’s grave and the Battlefields of Normandy, this is an ideal tour for those looking to learn about the importance of war literature and poetry.
Tour Includes
- 4 nights hotel with continental breakfast
- Two Specialist Battlefield Guides
- Convenient local joining points
5 days from £709pp
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Itinerary
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Local departure by coach, then to our hotel in northern France where we stay for two nights.
We begin on the battlefields of the Great War where we examine the Battle of the Somme. At Mametz and High Wood we bring together the stories of three poets and writers to bring the battle into sharp focus; Siegfried Sassoon who took part in the opening phase of the battle; Robert Graves who was wounded at High Wood; and Frank Richards, a working-class miner who wrote the classic ‘Old Soldiers Never Die’. We then examine some of the lesser-known writers and poets, and how the losses in the war affected the women left behind. In the afternoon we travel to Ors to look at the battlefield where one of the most iconic war poets, Wilfred Owen, fought. We see the canal where he died, walk the battlefield and visit his grave.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
This morning we return to the First World War Battlefields, examining the complex life and relationships of poet and nature writer Edward Thomas, seeing his grave at Agny. We then examine the depiction of trench warfare in the pages of Great War literature via the preserved trenches at the Newfoundland Park on the Somme. After lunch we travel to Normandy, and move on to the subject of writing about the Second World War. At Ranville War Cemetery we visit the grave of John Jarmain – one of the WW2 war poets – and look at how the story of the Normandy campaign was depicted in poetry. We then continue to our hotel in Normandy for two nights.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
In Normandy, we uncover the details of the battles beyond D-Day in the Bocage Hedgerows, following the experiences of war poet Keith Douglas, visiting his grave at Tilly War Cemetery, and seeing the battlefield where he fought. We also examine some of the lesser-known soldier-authors, and how war trauma haunted many writers. Our afternoon is spent looking at the American involvement in Normandy through the writing of American authors who were there, and we’ll also hear more about the depiction of the French Resistance in fiction. Rounding the tour off at Bayeux War Cemetery, we look at how war continues to inspire writers and poets today.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
Return home.
Includes Breakfast
Accommodation
You will stay for two-nights at the Mercure Lille Airport or the Ibis Styles Arras Centre then two-nights at the Ibis Styles Ouistreham, close to the centre of town and Sword Beach.
Ibis Styles Ouistreham
Situated in central Ouistreham, the Ibis Styles Ouistreham is just 6 minutes’ walk from the beach and the fishing harbour. The beaches of Ouistreham were codenamed Sword Beach during the WW2 Normandy Landings.
Hotel Facilities
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General
- 3 Star
- English Speaking Staff
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- Central Location
Room
- TV
- Hairdryer
- Extra Pillows and Blankets
- Safe Box
- Non-Smoking Rooms Available
- Shower or Bath
- Telephone
- Free Wifi
Accessibility
- Fridge Available for Medical Requirements
- Disabled Rooms Available
- Wheelchair Access
- Ground Floor Rooms on Request
Service
- 24 Hour Front Desk
- Iron at Reception
- Dogs Allowed on Request
Transport
- Bus Stop Nearby
Food & Drink
- Vegetarian Meals On Request
- Gluten Free Meals on Request
Hotel
- English Speaking Staff
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- WiFi Available
Holiday Inn Express Arras
The hotel Des Acacias Lille Tourcoing is near to the towns of Halluin, Roncq, Tourcoing, Bondues, Comines, Bousbecque, Linselles and Roubaix in a calm and leafy setting. The hotel offers facilities of guest lounge, a bar and Wi-Fi/Internet Access. The bedroom features desk, telephone, Wi-Fi/Internet access, Tea and Coffee making facilities, TV with major channels, hairdryer and en-suite bathroom.
Hotel Facilities
Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
General
- 3 Star
- English Speaking Staff
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Lift
Room
- TV
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Hairdryer
- Extra Pillows and Blankets
- Air Conditioning
- Non-Smoking Rooms Available
- Shower
- Telephone
- Free Wifi
Service
- Safe Box in Reception
- Bureau de Change
- 24 Hour Front Desk
- Iron at Reception
- Laundry Service
- Gym
Accessibility
- Fridge Available for Medical Requirements
- Disabled Rooms Available
- Wheelchair Access
- Ground Floor Rooms on Request
Food & Drink
- Vegetarian Meals
Transport
- Bus Stop Nearby
- Train / Tram Nearby
Hotel
- English Speaking Staff
- Bureau de Change
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Lift
- WiFi Available
Silver Service Coach
More than simply your method of transport, Silver Service offers a coach with added comfort and facilities, such as deluxe reclining seats with leather headrests, an onboard entertainment system, and a spacious rear lounge so you can socialise with your fellow passengers.
Silver Service Features
- Specially designed reclining seats, with leather headrests, footrests and extra legroom.
- A spacious rear lounge where you can relax, socialise and get to know your fellow passengers.
- Our onboard entertainment and satellite navigation system makes your journey fly by.
- Free personal headphones mean you can tune into the music channel, listen to the radio or watch DVDs being played by your crew.
- Personal tables so you can enjoy your refreshments in comfort as you take in the passing scenery.
Departure Dates
