We visit France

These pages are a photographic record of our trip to France in 2003, when we travelled to visit the resting place of my great uncle George. Click here for the text that goes with these photos.

Allan Kissack

Down the ramp and onto the train. Then 35 minutes later we're in Calais.

Day 1: The first full day was devoted to the initial impetuous to the visit - Paying our respects at the graveside of George Kissack. Here is me and my Dad at the grave of George in Ecoivres.

Many graves here (2000+) and here is a view from the road down between rows 3a/b (near) and 4a/b (far). George's grave is no. 14 on row 4b.

The great cross in the cemetery

Entrance to the cemetery (just to the right of this photo)

The cross adorned door in the entrance area holds grave details and a visitors book.

A pause for midday refreshments in Mont St Eloi

Abbey from where we had a drink

and from the road towards Vimy.

On to Vimy and it's memorial. This is an impressive memorial on the ridge and the Canadians have kept the area as a reminder of their great victory and sad losses here. There is much to see so our photos from here are on a separate page (here)

Day 2/3 Local area: Arras (above), Bethune, Lille, Cambrai, Douai, Lens

Day 4 On day 4 we decided to visit Belgium. Ypes (or Ieper) was our destination, Here is the cloth hall that was virtually raised to the ground in the war.

This shot looks to the right of Lille Gate, showing the ancient fortifications. To the left of the gate the fortifications are missing and on the grass bank lies a military cemetery.