Today we drove towards Belgium…….

Villers Bretonneux testifies to how Australia and France are united by firm bonds created by mutual gratitude and recognition. Like other countries, Australia came to the support of the “mother country” at the outbreak of war in August 1914. Together with New Zealand, they created the ANZAC. Their first action on the Somme took place on the 23rd July 1916 at Pozieres and later in April 1918 at Villers Bretonneux. This was a very significant battle for the Australian troops who stopped the German push at Villers Bretonneux over the 24th, 25th and 26th April, preventing Amiens from capture. 46,000 Australians died during this war in France with 11,000 with no known grave. I really do not need to say…war is such a terrible thing.

The ANZAC dawn service is held every 25th April at the Australian National Memorial at Villers Bretonneux where we visited today. A very moving place.