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World War One Battle Fields

If you have an interest in history, then visiting WW1 battle field sites, memorials, and cemeteries is a very rewarding, moving, and humbling experience. There are many to visit in and around Flanders, Arras France, and the Somme region to name a few. The following are significant to Canadians and those of the British Commonwealth.

1. Ypres (spelled Ieper) - this is a lively town in west Belgium. There is a large British memorial near the centre square. There is also a war museum. Many war cemeteries surround the town. The CWCG website can provide information on these cemeteries and how to find where war dead are buried. Some are off the beaten track. They are free to enter and highly maintained. Don’t forget to sign the guest book located in a small cupboard usually in the front gates.

2. Passendale - located close to Ieper, this area was significant for Canadians as many thousands lost their lives trying to capture the ridge, and area. If you go to the centre square in town, you will see a sign for the Canadian Memorial. The memorial is quite simple, yet the view of the battle fields surrounding can give you a small glimpse at where so many were causalities of this muddy, bloody battle.

3. For Canadians the Vimy Ridge battle site and memorial is perhaps the most celebrated and visited. The Vimy Ridge battle was one of the most highly planned and rehearsed offensive of the First World War. Known as Canada’s coming of age, it was the first time all four Canadian Battalions fought together as one force. Capturing this ridge help to turn the tide during the war against the Germans.

The site is north of Arras France, on a map look for the town of Vimy. There are signs pointing to the memorial. Many say to book ahead for a tour (of the underground passageways). This is the safest way to make sure you get a tour - if you don’t get around to booking, go anyways, the likelihood is you’ll get in as the Canadian government staff make every attempt to accomodate visitors. If you don’t go on a tour, you can still visit the trenches and the memorial site, all are free.

The tours of the underground passageways are fascinating. Even though they are underground and can be a little frightening for claustrophobics, much has been done to make them safe and you feel comfortable. Trenches are still present; some have been reinforced for tourists to climb into. Scarring from artillery fire marks the landscape.

The memorial itself is past the welcome centre. It’s a powerful and fine tribute to those who served our country in the time of battle.