The Lille Tourist office has announced a new WWI remembrance tour beginning April 4, 2010. The tour can be started in at the tourist office in Lille or at the Fournes-en-Weppes Tourist Office (Place de l’Eglise). The information below was compiled from a press release provided by Lille Tourism.
About the Lille War Remembrance Tour
Aurore Rouffelaers, a regional guide and interpreter, leads the tour. The first stop is Fromelles, the site of the discovery of 6 mass graves holding the remains of some 250 Australian and British soldiers who fell during the terrible battle of 19 July 1916. The Commonwealth is currently constructing a new military cemetery there, the first to be built by the War Graves Commission in 50 years! The public, as well as the English and Australian media, are impatiently awaiting the official inauguration that will take place on 19 July in the notable presence of a member of the British Royal Family.
The tour continues with a stop at the Australian memorial, then at the military cemeteries of "Trou aid Post" and "Pétillon Street". The tour also pays homage to the other countries that fought alongside the French and British troops, by stopping at the Portuguese cemetery of Richebourg and the La Couture Indian memorial.
At La Bassée, the tour guide will touch upon the topic of post-war reconstruction. Finally, on the way back to Lille, she will point out the German cemeteries. Throughout the visit, Aurore will combine history and local stories, depicting daily life during the war and revealing a few lesser-known historical facts. For instance, did you know that Hitler fought at Fromelles as a corporal of the Bavarian regiment?
About the Battle of Fromelles
The Battle of Fromelles was the first important battle on the western front involving Australian troops. It is also considered to be the bloodiest 24 hours in Australian military history. In the night of 19 July 1916, 5533 Australians and 1547 English soldiers were killed, injured or left missing. The German losses were estimated at less than 1600 men.
For many, this battle was as tragic as it was useless. It was simply a diversion for the great offensive battle in the Somme that was raging 80 km to the south. The battle provided neither a strategic advantage nor lasting benefit.
Useful Information for Planning a Trip
The coach tour is held every Sunday from 4 April to 26 September 2010 (except 5 September, due to the "Braderie" annual flea market).
Departure at 9.30 am from the Lille Tourist Office (Place Rihour) or at 9.50 am from Fournes-en- Weppes Tourist Office (Place de l’Eglise).
- Languages Available: English and French.
- Lasts 3 1/2 hours Cost: 44€ per person.
- Booking is required at the Lille Tourist Office, on-site or by telephone at 0033 359 579 400.
