World War I Trip, February 2014

Exploring Northern France and Belgium: 2014 marked the centennial of World War I, making it a significant year for historical reflection. My journey began in Ypres, Belgium, where I encountered a daily memorial service that has been observed since the conclusion of the war. This tradition continued even during World War II, during the German occupation, highlighting the community's commitment to honoring those who lost their lives in the conflict.

Ypres, Belgium WWI

"In Flanders Fields"

Flanders Fields (Ypres) is where John McCrae wrote the well-known poem. It is the first place poison gas was used in war and a miserable place to fight.  

Somme Battlefield, Northern France

The Somme Battlefield is renowned for its historical significance as one of the deadliest days in British military history, with over 20,000 soldiers killed from the British Empire—comprising England, Scotland, Newfoundland, Canada, and Australia. Pozieres, where these images were captured, is historically notable as the first battlefield where tanks were deployed in combat. In the vicinity of the Windmill site, I collected an extensive number of shrapnel fragments (ball bearings), from an area of merely 100 square meters. Even today, remnants of the conflict persist, with unexploded ordnance, human remains, weapon components, and ammunition still found on site. The experience for the soldiers who fought here was nothing short of hellish.

From the Somme Battlefield near Pozieres, France

WWI Museum: Albert, France

Images from the World War I Museum in Albert, France, showcasing artifacts related to the conflict, and photographs of a crater formed by a British Army tunneling explosion under a German Trench Line.

Albert and other areas of Northern France

Meuse-Argonne Forest, France

Locationt of the American Expeditionary Forces During World War I: The Meuse-Argonne Cemetery, with over 14,000 graves, is the largest US military cemetery located outside the United States.

From the Meuse-Argonne Forest Area

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