A Grandson returns to The Western Front

Mike Stokes had previously visited the location in Germany where his grandfather was interned as a Prisoner Of War. But, Mike wanted to visit the area in France where he was taken prisoner plus go on a battlefield tour of The Western Front; with this in mind Mike asked us to put a bespoke battlefield tour together for him. He knew that his Grandfather was in the 2nd Battalion South Wales Borderers and involved in the 1918 Spring Offensive. A postcard sent to the family home stated that he had been taken prisoner near La Bassee, south of Armentieres.

"From the beginning of my battlefield tour to its end, the attention to detail and thoroughness of planning was highly impressive. Matt brings an admirable military orderliness to proceedings - but also demonstrates flexibility in tailoring his tours to suit the customers own requirements. As a non-military man, I had no previous perception of the terrain of the Western Front, but Matt ensured that I got a comprehensive tour of all the meaningful hills, hollows and woods’ said Mike ‘Of greatest importance was his ability to quote actual stories of individuals, of innocent youths, poets and Victoria Cross winners, I now have a greater understanding of the conditions in which World War One was fought, and more important what my Grandfather lived through; as a result I feel only gratitude on behalf of my fortunate generation’

Following a battlefield tour of both the Somme and Ypres Mike added ‘The battlefield tour helped a grandson to satisfy his curiosity and to witness the nightly Menin Gate ceremony was a worthy end to an unforgettable experience. I defy anyone to say they are not moved by their time with Matt as you walk the battlefields’



Photographs: Mike Stokes in Tyne Cot Cemetry, Passendale and a view across the cemetry.

Following this battlefield tour Mike again joined me as we travelled back to France and Belgium, this time accompanied by his daughter, Amber – Click Here to read his second story