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Battlefield
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Today, ANZAC Day was a day of commemorations. We left the hotel at 0230 to be there in time for the Dawn Service at the Australian National Memorial, Fouilloy, Villers Bretonneux. It was a little cold but being there to witness such a spectacle over-rode the feelings generated by the occasional shiver.
A short rest at our hotel, then on to Bullecourt where, after our box brunch we were part of the centenary commemoration of the first and second battles fought around the town where more of our countrymen died than in any other World War 1 engagement. It was very moving, involving local school children who gave an excellent rendition of Advance Australia Fair in English. Two commemorations for the effort of getting to one here, in the town, and at the Australian Digger Memorial in the centre of the battlefield, both were well organised and equally moving.
After the commemorations concluded, we were able to visit the recently completed Bullecourt Museum, a great building housing an amazing collection.
After this Merle and Donald were able to attach a plaque for their relative Lance Corporal William Madden, killed in Second Bullecourt at a private memorial near the Bullecourt Digger Memorial.
An early night to get over the long day for tomorrow we discuss the Battle of Le Hamel (amongst others).
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© Battlefield History Tours ABN 74107857705, PO Box 201, Northmead NSW 2152, AUSTRALIA, Phone: 1300 450 436 or +61 412 399 693
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