Remembrance Day

11-11-11

The Flanders poppy has long been a part of Remembrance Day, the ritual that marks the Armistice of 11 November 1918, and is also increasingly being used as part of ANZAC Day observances. During the First World War, red poppies were among the first plants to spring up in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium. In soldiers' folklore, the vivid red of the poppy came from the blood of their comrades soaking the ground. The sight of poppies on the battlefield at Ypres in 1915 moved Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae to write the poem In Flanders fields . In English literature of the nineteenth century, poppies had symbolised sleep or a state of oblivion; in the literature of the First World War a new, more powerful symbolism was attached to the poppy – the sacrifice of shed blood.

Australian War Graves - Photographic Archive

http://www.australianwargraves.org

The Australian War Graves Photographic Archive is committed to digitally photographing every Australian War Grave and Memorial Commemoration of Australia's Armed Forces. This commitment stems from a labour of respect dedicated to the supreme sacrifice made by all Australian military personnel. It is through this that we are committed to seeing this non-profit project to its completion

The AWGPA is a totally Non-Profit Endeavour, and any funding, contributions or assistance is utilised in a manner befitting the memory of our brave forebears.

MATT SMITH B.Ed
Archive Director

Brothers-in-Arms Panorama

This located on the frontage of ANZAC REST - Cafe De Dreve Polygon Wood

 

The two brothers, Jim and John, are the symbol of eternal fellowship.
The Brothers-in-Arms Memorial would be a memorial to honour all brothers, of all nations, who served in the Great War.
 
The idea to raise a memorial is crucial in representing to people of all ages the essence of eternal fellowship.
 

Our first estimates for the cost show a total figure of 925620 € (including Euro VAT) is needed. The breakdown of this figure can be provided. An appeal will be made to the Flemish authorities and to as many as possible of the different authorities of all the countries involved. The amount of money expected to be raised is comparable to the number of soldiers killed and missing in the Great War, 9721937 men. Giving 0,1 € for each soldier lost in the war would raise
a grand total of 972193 €.
 
 

HILL 60

Johan Vandewalle

Johan  a skilled carpenter (and cafe/bar owner), with his working life began as a professional civil engineer tunneller, and the combined knowledge of these disciplines has created a passion and technical understanding of the underground war that has made him the foremost explorer of the tunnels and dugouts in Flanders. In conjunction with military historians Peter Barton and Peter Doyle, Johan is author of the book "Beneath Flanders Fields - The Tunnellers War, 1914 - 1918." . He has a modest pride this Johan quietly explaining as well, how twice now he has been invited to Buckingham Palace and presented to Queen Elizabeth and honoured for his archaeology work in what has become known as 'The Harvest of Bones.''

So please contact Johan and he will provide you with his insight into the history of HILL 60

johanvandewalle531@hotmail.com

Lt Lee Scott MC 56th Bn AIF Dedication Polygon Wood

During a recent visit to Polygon Wood, Johan Vandewalle, myself and friends have placed a dedication plaque at the NE corner of the wood, this is a dedication to the bravery of LT Lee Scott MC, who took 2 bill boxes near this spot in Sept 1917, he was also the brother of Lt Col Scott DSO, who was KIA Oct 1917 in Polygon Wood. If you are in the area, have a look and then drive down to Cafe de dreve - ANZAC REST and ask Johan to show you the original medals that Lt Scott MC had won, and also an original letter to his mother on his award....

 

Tour Operators Worldwide

ANZAC REST - De Dreve Polygon Wood

 

Cafe - The Tavern Dreve already opened its doors in 1972 and is located at the edge of the Polygon Wood. Given its location,

De Dreve is an excellent base for a big walk in the woods. After doing a proper walk, you can enjoy a good local beer, a homemade pancake,

an ice cream and so much more, When the case arrives you will be immediately immersed in an atmosphere reminiscent of the "great war", the walls are adorned with numerous photos,

not difficult to know that Johan is passionate by the First World War. He is therefore at the root of many excavations and reconstructions of dug-outs and bunkers in the area.

 

If the workload permits or by appointment, Johan always prepares a word to explain this and possibly accompanied by images and sound via projection on large screen.

 

Email me for more info:

johanvandewalle531@hotmail.com

 

Select The Rising Sun Badge below for more Info

 

or visit: http://www.dedreve.com/

 

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