Acknowledged by many historians to be the greatest battle of all time, it was certainly the greatest battle in British history. Let Willie take you on walks in the beautiful Somme countryside highlighting the most prominent actions and courageous acts of gallantry of the British and Commonwealth forces. The walks will take in many of the famous characters who participated in the Battle of the Somme such as Wilfred Owen, Robert Graves, AA Milne, Siegfried Sassoon and JR Tolkein plus such legendary military figures as Carton de Wiart VC and Bert Jacka VC.
Ypres
Said by Churchill to be the "Golgotha" of the British Army, Ypres (or "Wipers" as the Tommies called it) is even today one of the most evocative places to visit. The area surrounding the beautiful market town of Ypres - which was known as the Salient - matched the Somme as one of the most emotive episodes in British History. The Salient contains place names such as Hill 60, Sanctuary Wood, and a name that resounds down through the years - Passendale.
Arnhem
The ancient Dutch town of Arnhem was the scene in September 1944 of the famous attempt by the 1st Airborne Division to capture the bridge over the Rhine depicted in the film "A Bridge Too Far". This trip will include leisurely walks from the drop zones taking in many historical sites following the route of the Red Devils in their attempt to enter Arnhem. Also a visit to Oosterbeek where the 1st Division held out, and finally the fabled Bridge at Arnhem itself where 2 Para stood to the last man.
Normandy
The beauty of Normandy sits awkwardly with its history as one of the most blood stained regions in France from the wars of William the Conqueror to the historical D Day invasions. Here one can visit the beautiful cities of Bayeux and Caen and wonder that within just a short distance of the walls of these cities thousands of young men gave their lives in the final assault to save the world from Nazi domination. You will be able to visit the famous D Day beaches, Pegasus Bridge and Merville Battery, the scenes of two of the most audacious airborne assaults of the Second World War and hear stories of the men who pulled them off. An additional trip to the town of Villiers Bocage to hear the astounding tale of the German tank commander Michael Wittman who single handedly stopped the 7th Armoured Division of "Desert Rats" fame.