France WW1 sites

[heateallthebuns]

Thinking of bringing family to visit my great uncles grave in France from WW1. I have three sons. They are a bit young yet, only 6 and 4. But I'd like to go to commemorate 100 years since his death which was October 1918. Has anyone visited war sites in France? Any advice? Do you think it'll be too busy next year? I've found a contact for the cemetery who I could email about any events they have planned.

We have taken our children (starting at 4 years of age) to visit a few war grave sites both in France and Belgium and have found it to be a very moving and thought provoking experience for all. Some of the larger ones have interesting displays that the children really engaged with while the smaller ones were very tranquil and provided space for reflection. I wouldn't hesitate to take your young sons...they won't understand what they really mean but they will definitely soak up that they are places that mean something important and that will stick with them.

The Somme and Arras in France - go to Beaumont Hamel and Serre. Vimy Ridge has preserved trenches and a huge memorial to Canadian troops. Wellington tunnels at Arras are fascinating. In Belgium go to Ypres and the last post at the Menin Gate. Loch agar crater is worth a look . sanctuary wood has very muddy preserved trenches. Cemeteries - Tyne Cot and Essex farm are the big ones - good to contrast with the German cemetery at Langemarck. Ypres has the 'in Flanders field museum' and there's a lot going on as it's the centenary of Passchendaele. Poperinge has the old soldier's meeting hall and the execution wall where the British shot their own men 'at dawn'. There are smaller cemeteries everywhere and each has a guide book at the entrance listing all who are buried or remembered there.

www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead.aspx
Info on cemeteries and memorials