Somme Battlefields Forum

Roy · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Posts: 7 Location: England

Hi, I am visiting the somme in May 2006 and staying near Abbeville. This is my second visit to the area and would like to visit villages and towns that my Grandfather visited once again. Can anyone help with any pointers of where I must visit to gain the best atmosphere of this conflict. Thanks Roy

CROONAERT · Joined: 20 Dec 2005 Posts: 85 Location: East Lancs

Hi Roy.

There are many places on the Somme (and elsewhere) in which you can get an atmosphere of the conflict (see Paul's main website for some pointers on this). However, if you let us know your Grandad's unit, we may be able to orientate these sites to "his" war personally.

dave.
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In memory of my Gt.Uncle Jim - 15558 Sgt.J.O'Mara, Z Coy, 11/East Lancs (later QMS, Labour Corps) - went \"over\" at Serre, 1st July 1916 and survived the war practically unscathed. Died 1955.

website - http://pathsofglory.co.uk

Roy · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Posts: 7 Location: England

Thanks Dave, All my info is on my website,

CROONAERT · Joined: 20 Dec 2005 Posts: 85 Location: East Lancs

Roy.

I see you have the advantage of your grandfather's diary that lists all the places where he was stationed. basically, then, all I can recommend is to take a look at Paul's site(s) and pick and choose which you intend to visit.

In a way, the whole area is "atmospheric" in it's own right (even an empty field!). Personally , I find the area of the Sheffield mem. park near Serre and the road from Authuille to the Lonsdale Cemetery most evocative, but that's just for purely personal reasons. Others would suggest elsewhere.

dave.
_________________
In memory of my Gt.Uncle Jim - 15558 Sgt.J.O'Mara, Z Coy, 11/East Lancs (later QMS, Labour Corps) - went \"over\" at Serre, 1st July 1916 and survived the war practically unscathed. Died 1955.

website - http://pathsofglory.co.uk

John Jarman · Joined: 14 Apr 2006 Posts: 10 Location: Staffordshire

I have to agree with Croonaert, Sheffield Park is one of the most emotive sites on the Somme along with Mill Road Cemetery, facing back towards Thiepval memorial and Thiepval wood knowing that at the appointed time so many men followed their destiny, across the open ground between the Schwaben Redoubt and the British front line, some successful, many not so, but all seemingly cheerful to make the effort on behalf of king and Country.
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Remembering them all ........ daily

Roy · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Posts: 7 Location: England

Thankyou for your information, Looking forward to visiting the Somme in May and taking in some of your recomendations.

Roy · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Posts: 7 Location: England

What a wonderful visit I had this year to the Somme area, took in all your recommendations. Just to stop off somewhere and stand looking over the fields of battle with only the birds singing, reflecting on what took place here ninety years ago. There is a special atmosphere, like nowhere else I can think. Going back next year because there is still some areas I must visit. I, at last obtained a photograph of my Grandfather Gunner Arthur Charles Welham and posted it on my website.
I have still many questions from his diary as I read it time and time again
I have even started a collection of books about the Somme during WW1.
Catch up with you later. Have great Christmas and New year. Roy