France 2006

In 2006 seven members of the Association had the privilage of travelling to Belgium and France to tour the Great War Battlefields. This tour also coincided with the 90th anniversery of the Battle of the Somme. The UK/Europe side of this trip was coordinated by Taff Gillingham and our friends in the Khaki Chums. Their knowledge of France/Belgium proved invaluble. Many thanks to all the Chums for making the trip so successful. Even the bully stews they cooked tasted good!!!!

During the tour we also had the privilage of laying two wreaths. The first of these was at the Menin Gate in Iper (Ypres) during the dusk Last Post ceremony. The second came very unexpectedly. While visiting the museam at Fromelle we were asked to participate in the wreath laying ceremony at the Diggers Memorial near VC corner. This commemeration involved the ADF, the French Army and pollies from both countries.

 Below are some of the many pictures taken by our members during the tour. ENJOY!

The participants. This is taken out the back of TocH in Popperage near Iper

On this trip you were only allowed what a soldier had in the field during the conflict

The Diggers Memorial Fromelle

The Diggers Memorial Fromelle. Cpl Bell laying the wreath at the memorial base

General Salute! Present Arms!

After the ceremony with Australian Army representatives

An excellent French LH group also participated in the ceremony. None spoke a word of English but we got by.

Iper (Ypres) and the Menin Gate

The lads just before the ceremony. No firearms allowed

Marching to the Menin Gate

On parade and waiting for our turn to lay the wreath

WAGWLHA's Sgt Wise lays the wreath on our behalf

Poziers & Surrounds

Dead Mans Road on the approaches to Pozier and Gibralter Bunker

The Lads at the Windmill

Extended line and advance toward Pozieres. In the footsteps of the 1st DIV.

Le Tommy's bar in Pozieres. Enjoying a cold one with Federal Minister of Vet Affairs