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The Old Contemptibles at War
More than a century after some of the first shots of the Great War were fired, join us as we travel through Belgium and France following the Old Contemptibles – the regular army who fought some of the first battles of the war at Mons, Le Cateau and Ypres. We see battle sites, cemeteries and memorials connected with the soldiers of 1914 who served with the BEF.
Tour Includes
- 4 nights hotel with continental breakfast
- Specialist Battlefield Guide
- Convenient local joining points
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Itinerary
Please choose your preferred 5 day itinerary
Local departure by coach then to Belgium for a four-night stay.
This morning we start with the Battle of Mons and travel to Casteau to see were the first shots were fired in August 1914. We continue on to Nimy Bridge looking at the story of the first Victoria Crosses awarded to British troops. Following lunch in Mons we then travel to St. Symphorien Cemetery where some of the first and last Commonwealth casualties of WWI are buried. We end the day at Audregnies examining the largest use of cavalry; when two regiments of war horses charged the Germans in 1914.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
We start the day at the excellent Mons War Museum and then follow the retreat south from the Belgian border and drive down near the Mormal Forest to the Le Cateau area. We look at the Guards at Landrecies, seeing their memorial, and then see where the Suffolk Regiment fought in August 1914, seeing the battlefield memorial site. Later we visit the Le Cateau Cemetery and follow the positions held on 26th August to the left flank at Esnes where General Snow’s men held these vital positions.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
The remnants of the Old Contemptibles fought their largest battle in 1914 at Ypres. We start just outside the Menin Gate and walk through Ypres Town Cemetery, seeing the 1914 burials. We then visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, one of the most important WWI museums in Europe. Following lunch at Hooge, we travel to Zillebeke Churchyard seeing the Aristocrats Cemetery, where many officers who fell in 1914 are buried. In Messines, we see the Visitor's Centre and visit the church crypt where Adolf Hitler sheltered from British shells in 1914. We end with the story of the Christmas Truce at St. Yvon, seeing the new Christmas Truce Memorial at Prowse Point.
Includes Breakfast
Key Visits
Return home.
Includes Breakfast
Got a question about
this holiday?
Don’t hesitate to get in touch – our friendly team are ready and waiting to help with any further information you need!
Accommodation
You will stay for four nights at the 3-star Novotel Ypres Centrum, in the centre of Ypres.Got a question about
this holiday?
Don’t hesitate to get in touch – our friendly team are ready and waiting to help with any further information you need!
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