Members of The Western Front Association may be keen to get back out onto the battlefields, if so why not join other members on the bespoke tours that are available.

Now that the centenary years have passed we are running two tours in 2022  in conjunction with our partner 'Battle Honours Ltd'. This will enable members to visit scenes of individual heroism, unit actions and lesser known spots.

Clive Harris leading a group in Sunken Lane

For 2022 we have chosen the fascinating cities of Mons (June) and Ypres 1918 (October) as our bases to explore the countryside surrounding them. As in previous years the tours will be led by Jack Sheldon and Clive Harris providing a unique picture from both sides of the wire. 

Jack Sheldon leading a group

Mons to Le Cateau

Tour Dates:  1st - 4th July 2022

Hotel: Cambrai / Mons

1-4 July 2022 - Mons 

Friday 1 July - on route to our hotel we will visit Casteau discovering the opening shots for the BEF in the War, as in previous tours Jack Sheldon will provide some context to the opening phases of the war from a German perspective, Clive Harris will focus on the BEF, French and Belgium participation and movements. There will be a welcome drink on arrival at the hotel.     

Saturday 2 July - A full day studying the Battle of Mons in August 1914, many of the stands will be driven by the requests of the group, often away from the obvious locations and involving lesser known aspects of the battle. It is anticipated we will be including Oborg, Nimy &  St Symphorian CWGC alongside the Mons Military Museum. The day will end with a visit to Elouges and Audregnies to study the actions of 15 Infantry Brigade and 2 & 3 Cavalry Brigades on the 24 August 1914

Sunday 3 July - A full morning studying the retirement from Mons towards Le Cateau including time spent at Mauberge, Bavai , the Forest of Mormal and Landrecies where General Haig's I Corps fought a delaying action as part of their retirement. The afternoon will be spent studying the line at Le Cataeu where General Smith Dorrien's II Corps made their stand between Caudry and Reumont on the 26 August 1914    

Monday 4 July - Our final morning sees us study the Royal Munster Fusiliers Action at Etreux, from their initial stand at La Chapelle Rouge Crossroads to their final stand in an orchard some miles to the South. We then head for Calais and onward crossing to Dover and UK drop offs.  

Ypres 1918                           

Tour Dates: 30th September - 3rd October 2022

Hotel Dixsmuide, Ypres from their website

Hotel: Dixsmuide

Friday 30 September - Onroute to our Dixsmuide hotel we will visit Estaires to study the Portuguese actions here and the German breakthrough in April 1918

Saturday 1 October - A full day studying the April 1918 'Operation Georgette' including the First Australian Divisions defence at Hazebrouck, the joint Anglo-French action in and around Kemmel, and the continued defence to the north around Ploegteert. We will then spend the evening in Ypres with a chance to attend the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate.   

Sunday 2 October - A full day studying the turning of the tide and final advance across he Ypres Salient in the Autumn of 1918, we begin with the US 27th (New York) and 30th (Old Hickory) Divisions action at Veerstraat in early September before focussing on the advance of the 29th Division across the Gheluvelt Chateau, the 9th (Scottish) Division capture of Polygon Wood and Zonnebeke before studying the Belgian Army to the north of the Salient under King Albert   

Monday 3 October - Travel back via a morning at Zeebrugge and a study of the raid that took place 23 April 1918.

Tours are strictly limited to 25 participants

As ever these Itineraries are shaped around individual participants requests and personal visits are encouraged, it's what 'makes' these tours.

In order to make a booking, please download the form on this page. For more information, contact Battle Honours on enquiries@battle-honours.co.uk