Australian Battlefields

Jon says,
“The Australian battlefields of the Great War hold a special fascination for me. Some years ago I managed to get hold of the complete ‘Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18’ by Charles Bean (thanks to Tom Donovan) and have since read every volume. It reads easily, like a novel, although somewhat harrowing at times. It is far more interesting a read than the British official history. There are so many personal stories of the common bravery of ordinary men. The main Australian battlefields in France and Belgium are within easy distances of each other and can be done in two days: Pozieres (Somme), Bullecourt (Arras), Fromelles, Villers-Bretonneux Australian National Memorial (Amiens), Hamel, Messines Ridge and the Menin Road Ridge (Ypres). I have made several journeys to the battlefields in recent years with friends from Australia. The valiant contribution made by Australia in the Great War should never be underestimated or forgotten and I undertake each pilgrimage with Australian friends to that sacred ground in the remembrance of great-hearted men.”