Military History Tours Australia          Western Front ANZAC Day at the Somme Memorial 2012

                 

Our Other Anzac Day Tour

As this tour is very popular and successful, we intend to run it each year. Every year, Australians make the journey to the Gallipoli Peninsula to attend the ANZAC DAY Dawn Service at ANZAC Cove. Every year, all around Australia, many of us set our alarms and attend Dawn Services at our local RSL Club memorial.   In WW1, after the 8 months campaign at Gallipoli, Australian Troops entered the trenches of France and Belgium. Three years later over 52,000 were dead. In 1918, on 24/25 April, Australian Troops recaptured the Village of Villers-Bretonneux, and forced a German withdrawal. The significance of this battle was not lost on our Allies. The troops who retook Villers, were part of the 5 Australian Divisions urgently brought by rail from Belgium to prevent a German breakthrough. The German Armies had been reinforced by troops from the Russian Front. Russia had withdrawn from the war. The German High Command had determined that if they could capture Amiens, the major city in The Somme, then drive to the coast, they would split the Allied Forces. They saw this as an opportunity to finish the war in their favour. Australian and British troops halted the German advance, and on 24/25 April, 1918, Australian troops recaptured Villers-Bretonneux and forced a German withdrawal. It is significant that in spite of the fierce fighting that Australians faced at places such as Pozieres, Bullecourt, Mont St Quentin, Le Hamel and countless other sites, the major Australian Memorial is at Villers-Bretonneux. The size and solitude of the Memorial is overwhelming. Etched into the walls below the 32m high tower which dominates the area around for a great distance, are the names of over 11,000 Australian soldiers who have no known grave in France. On 25 April 2012, it is the 94th Anniversary of the Battle of Amiens, as it is known to the locals in The Somme. There are museums in Villers-Bretonneux, Bullecourt and Peronne that are dedicated to the diggers of WW1. The Victoria School in Villers-Bretonneux carries the sign in English "Do Not Forget Australia". Australia has had Dawn Services at Gallipoli every year that we can remember. Of special significance was the 75th in 1990, and the 90th in 2005. However, up until 2008 there had never been an ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux, but following a number of meetings with the Government we, at Military History Tours Australia, were able to convince the Australian Government to conduct the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux for the first time on the 90th Anniversary of that special battle. The Australian public came to the fore and greatly supported this memorable event. There are two tours escorted by Military Historian Colonel Graham Fleeton's team of experienced guides.  Programme 1, of 6 days covers the battlefields and ceremonies in France.  Programme 2, of 13 days extends the battlefield tour and adds sightseeing in Paris and London.  Use the button below to see a short video of the significance of the battle at Villers-Bretonneux to France and Australia (Windows Media player required 1.1 mb .wmv file visit www.microsoft.com to obtain a player if you do not have one installed).   Video Courtesy Channel 9 Australia   Use the button to your left to find out more about Australians on the Western Front in World War 1.

In Flanders' Fields In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scare heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders' Fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders'Fields. Colonel John McRae

For the fallen With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, England mourns for her dead across the sea. Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit, Fallen in the cause of the free. Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres. There is a music in the midst of desolation And a glory that shines upon our tears. They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncountered: They fell with their faces to the foe. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Laurence Binyon, 21 September 1914

Costs Programme 1 (6 Days/5 Nights)

$2,995.00 per person twin share.  $550 single supplement.

Included in this price:

	Accommodation for 5 nights in The Somme (see Booking Terms and Conditions)
	5 full breakfasts
	4 lunches
	5 dinners
	3 days battlefield tours with Military Historian
	All transport by air conditioned coaches
	Hospitality vehicles for special cemetery visits as per the itinerary
	Military Historian with Tour

Not included in this price

Alcohol unless where specified Laundry, dry cleaning phone calls Insurance (see Booking Terms and Conditions) Other items of a personal nature Air travel to/from Australia Transfers to and from airports

Costs Programme 2 (13 Days/12 Nights)

$4,995.00 per person twin share.  $1,300 single supplement.

Included in this price:

	Accommodation for 12 nights as follows; 2 nights Paris, 5 nights The Somme, 3 nights leper, 2 nights London (see Booking Terms and Conditions)
	12 full breakfasts
	6 lunches
	8 dinners
	5 days battlefield tours
	All transport by air conditioned coaches
	Hospitality vehicles for special cemetery visits as per the itinerary
	Half day sightseeing Paris
	Ferry tickets Calais to Dover
	Military Historian with tour

Not included in this price

Alcohol unless where specified Laundry, dry cleaning phone calls Insurance (see Booking Terms and Conditions) Other items of a personal nature Air travel to/from Australia Transfers to and from airports

Programme 1 Land Only

DAY 1: Monday 23 April 2012 THE SOMME

Our tour departs for the Somme from our Paris hotel, at 0900. Tour 1 guests are to be at the hotel by 0830. After settling into our hotel in the Somme we visit Peronne and the Historial Museum followed by a welcoming dinner in Peronne. B/D

DAY 2: Tuesday 24 April 2012 THE SOMME

After breakfast your coach will depart for the first of three days touring the Somme battlefields. Your Military Historian travelling with you will brief you during the day on events and the significance of the places you visit.

During the touring days you will visit many of the battle sites, memorials and cemeteries of the Somme and today we intend to visit Bullecourt, Beaumont Hamel, Pozieres, Thiepval, Dernancourt and the Lochnagar Crater. B/L/D

DAY 3: Wednesday 25 April 2012 (Our Other ANZAC Day) THE SOMME

ANZAC Day. An early wake up call then coffee and tea in your lobby before we board for the Dawn Service. On arrival you will be ushered into the area at the base of the Memorial for the traditional Dawn Service. At the completion of the Service there will be time at the Memorial to inspect the area before our coach arrives to take us into Villers-Bretonneux.

In Villers-Bretonneux we can visit the Museum above the school prior to the ANZAC Day March to the town square, approximately 300 metres. Following the March we will move back to our hotel for a well deserved brunch. The afternoon is free to relax unless there is an opportunity to attend any other Government Service. Dinner is in your hotel. B/D

DAY 4: Thursday 26 April 2012 THE SOMME

With your box lunch for sustenance, you will again be led through the Somme battlefields by your historian. Today it is our intention to visit Delville Wood, Mont St Quentin, the 2nd Division Memorial, Bellenglise, the 4th Division Memorial, Maissemy, the Riqueval Canal and where the Australian Corps under General Monash finished the War, at Montbrehain. B/L/D

DAY 5: Friday 27 April 2012 THE SOMME

After breakfast you will set off again for your 3rd day of touring the Somme with your lunch box in hand. Again, based on requirements, your Military Historian on board will aim to get you to places you need to visit. Our hospitality vehicles will support in this task. This is our Villers-Bretonneux Day when we spend time looking at the area of those important battles, the Victoria School, Musee Australien and the Adelaide Cemetery that was the previous place of rest for the unknown soldier who is now at rest in Canberra. Le Hamel and Sailly le Sec will also be visited today.

The evening dinner is at your hotel. B/L/D

DAY 6: Saturday 28 April 2012 PARIS

Our tour splits, some to Paris and the rest to Ieper. We say farewell to the Tour 1 people as they head back to Paris. The coach has two (2) drop points, Gare de Lyon station, and Charles De Gaulle Airport.. B

Programme 2 Land Only

DAY 1: Saturday 21 April 2012 PARIS

This is the day when Tour 2 guests gather at our Paris hotel located in downtown Paris and are met by their historian. The remainder of the day and evening is free to relax and meet other guests.

DAY 2: Sunday 22 April 2012 PARIS

After breakfast at the hotel, coaches will depart for a half day city sightseeing, including but not limited to Champs Elysee, Opera, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame. Guests may leave the coach at any time and use the rest of the day to explore this beautiful city. The evening is free to enjoy. B 

DAY 3: Monday 23 April 2012 THE SOMME

Our tour departs for the Somme from our Paris hotel, at 0900. After settling into our hotel in the Somme we visit Peronne and the Historial Museum followed by a welcoming dinner in Peronne. B/D

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(You now join tour 1 through until 28 April 2012)
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DAY 8: Saturday 28 April 2012 IEPER

Our tour splits, some to Paris and the rest to Ieper. As our tour 2 group move north we will visit Vimy Ridge, Fromelles, Ploegsteert Wood and Messines before settling into our Ieper hotel. B/L/D

DAY 9: Sunday 29 April 2012 IEPER

After breakfast we have a change of pace today. Just relax or take your coach to Bruges for a sightseeing and shopping excursion where the lace and chocolates are said to be the best in the world. The coach will return to Ieper mid afternoon which will allow further time to explore Ieper. Tonight we will attend the last post ceremony at the Menin Gate B/D

DAY 10: Monday 30 April 2012 IEPER

Our last day on the battlefields will take us to Hill 60, Polygon Wood, Passchendaele and Tyne Cot Cemetery. B/L/D

DAY 11: Tuesday 1 May 2012 LONDON

After breakfast we depart our hotel by bus for Calais and the ferry to Dover. From Dover, we move by bus to our hotel in London. After settling in, you are free to explore London at your leisure. B

DAY 12: Wednesday 2 May 2012 LONDON

Breakfast at your hotel. Today is a free day to take in the sights of London. Evening is yours to enjoy. B

DAY 13: Thursday 3 May 2012 LONDON

Today, after breakfast, your Tour ends. B

Please Note: Due to matters outside our control, there may be times when we will change from our proposed itinerary. It is our intention to conduct a briefing each evening to set in place the following day’s visitation programme.

Booking Terms and Conditions

1. GENERAL This tour has been prepared in conjunction with the "Somme Remembrance Association", The Somme Tourist Information Office, the Mayors of the Towns and Villages.

2. Military History Tours Australia Pty Ltd (MHT), urges you to read the booking terms and conditions and contact us or your travel agent if you need any clarification. At the time of publishing this on the internet, the arrangements outlined in it, the price and the inclusions were all confirmed. However, MHT reserves the right to make amendments to the program and the price, should conditions beyond the control of MHT change.

3. DEPOSITS A deposit of AUD $500.00 per person is required to secure a booking on tour 1 or tour 2. Acceptable accommodation in The Somme is very limited, and the availability of it will determine how many can finally attend the ANZAC day ceremony. The nearest major location where significant accommodation is readily available is Paris, over 200 kilometres away.

4. BOOKINGS Bookings can be made direct with MHT, or through your local travel agent. If your travel agent is not aware of this program, have them contact us and we will provide them with the details they require. The registration form must reach MHT, together with the deposit, to secure a reservation.

5. FINAL PAYMENT & CANCELLATIONS Final payment will be required by 30 November 2011 (except in the case of a late booking - bookings will usually be taken up to one month before tour commences). Any cancellations prior to this date will be entitled to a full refund. After 30 November 2011, cancellation will attract a 50% cancellation fee, and after 28 February, 2012, no refund will be applicable. You should consider insurance if you believe you may have to cancel arrangements close to these dates.

6. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS If you are travelling on an Australian passport, you will not need visas to any countries the tours visit. However, we recommend that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity at the time of your departure from Australia. If you are travelling on other than an Australian passport you should check with your travel agent or MHT on the requirements.

7. ACCOMMODATION All hotels have private facilities, heating and are within 50 - 60 kilometres of the Australian Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux. Should the number of bookings result in filling our accommodation, then any further people booking will be provided with alternatives for their consideration.

8. CHILDREN & INFANTS No deposits are required for children under 12 years of age. However, they should be detailed on the registration form so that appropriate accommodation is provided. The cost for children and infants, under 3, will be provided on request.

9. SPECIAL REQUESTS Should you have special food requirements, a disability that will require special handling, or any other need, please detail it on the registration form. Most accommodation in France has a lot of smoking rooms, but we will allocate rooms with non smokers together when designated non smoking rooms are not available.

10. INSURANCE It is not acceptable for MHT to accept people on its tours who are not holding appropriate travel insurance. You should discuss the best for you with your travel agent or MHT prior to departure.

11. INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS Each tour lists the inclusions and exclusions detailed above. If you are not certain of anything, clarify with your travel agent or MHT.

12. TOUR CANCELLATION MHT reserves the right to cancel this tour at any time prior to commencement should booking numbers be insufficient to cover costs.  Should the tour be cancelled subject to this clause, all payments made to MHT will be refunded.

13. SUMMARY MHT has run battlefield tours for 20 years. If you join one of these tours, MHT guarantee that should you have a specific Australian grave site to visit for family or other reasons, providing it is registered with Australian war graves and near to the tour route, we will make sure you visit the site and have time to lay a wreath or poppy. During the dawn service, MHT guests will have the opportunity to lay a wreath on behalf of their club or association or for other personal reasons. Medals and uniforms should be worn to all services.

14. LAW OF CONTRACT The contract for "Our Other ANZAC Day" tours are governed in all aspects by the law in the state of NSW and any legal action arising under the contract shall be litigated only in the appropriate court having jurisdiction in that state.

15. TRAVELLING WITH MEDALS

For those who wish to display their own or a relative's medals at the ANZAC Day Service, the airline security situation must be recognised.  Due to the pin at the rear of all medal displays, it is no longer possible to carry them as hand luggage and they must be deposited in your main luggage (cargo hold bag).  Valuable original medals in your cargo hold bag could be lost.  Insurance can cover the cost to replace your clothing, not your great grandfather's original World War 1 medals.  It is recommended that you purchase a duplicate set, and put it in your cargo hold bag.

Leave your valuable original medals at home.