FEELINGS

One of the first things to hit you when you visit the memorials and cemeteries in and around Ieper (or anywhere along the Western front) are the huge numbers of men that sacrificed their lives.

Anyone who has studied this period in history will be aware of the arguments that surround the actions taken by the generals at the time. When you see the cemeteries for yourself it is difficult to dispel the idea that these were indeed "lions lead by donkeys". The suffering of these men can only be guessed at, their courage and bravery never in doubt.

Ieper, in particular, is one of the British Military's holiest shrines, to hear the Last Post under the great arch of the Menin Gate will never fail to move you. Neither will the sight of the mass grave within the German cemetery at Langemarck - they were all somebody's son, brother, husband, father.

It is difficult to convey in words the emotions and feelings stirred up by a visit such as this, I can only recommend that you make this pilgrimage for yourself.

On a personal note, my grandfather died the year after we visited Ieper. We often wondered whether he was completing "unfinished business". Whatever, it will certainly be a journey that I will never forget.

I have since taken my own children to Ploegsteert to see the name of their great great grandfather, now another generation remembers..............

If this story has been of interested you may like to visit Hellfire Corner, which has more individual stories and much information about this traumatic period in history.

If you visit Ieper or anywhere on the Western Front I thoroughly recommend Rose Coomb's book "Before Endeavors Fade - A guide to the battlefields of the First World War", published by Battle of Britain Prints International Ltd., ISBN 0 900913 62 2.