It's that time of year again when we decide where we will head too next time. After being "All First World War out" With the 2006 trip to Ypres and the 2007 trip to the Somme we have decided to go to a Second World War battlefield. The battle of the bulge, centred around the Ardennes area of Belgium/France and Luxenbourg. Although the NMBS visited the area in 2003 it was just a fleeting visit and we did not really do justice to the battle and the memorials.
Sadly, Stuart cannot attend this years jaunt and I am sure he will be missed as well as missing out on the Sights of The Ardennes. The trip will be a special one for Steve, as it starts just a week after his 40th Birthday. The boys leave Manchester on the 14th September and head down to Dover for a ferry. The base campy will be in the Belgium town of Gouvy.
The Ardennes Campaign has become famous for the portrayal in the TV Series "Band of Brothers" - in the episodes "Crossroads", "Bastogne" and "The Breaking Point". We will be visiting the areas where Easy Company fought around Bastogne and Foy, as well as taking in places like St. Vith and Malmedy (scene of the Malmedy Massacre) where the SS murdered US POW's.
Although the Ardennes was decidely an American Campaign British forces had their part to playand some 325 men lie forever in theCWGC site at "Hotton". The Highland and The Welsh Divisions played a major part and we shall be exploring their role as much as the Americans in the Ardennes.
Look out for more details nearer the time we go and obviously the website will be added too after we come back.
