Verdun
- Thread starter B4ndit
- Start date
Looks like it has gates at the southern end, and the layout etc reminds me of a modern bomb dump.
The area around Verdun still has many no go areas, where access is forbidden. The two main reasons being unexploded ordnance, and the second is that many of the fallen soldiers have not been recovered, making it a war grave site, and that takes no further explaining.
The areas display military signage 'Access Interdit' or words to that effect, and the no go areas are used for training also by the modern forces.
But, do not be put off, the area is amazing to visit, so go. The old forts can be got to reasonably easy but again, there are some restrictions. Forestry areas with picnic sites and some information plagues are dotted around and then there is the main memorial/grave site........ I have never seen anything like it in my life, white headstones for as far as you can see. and, the basement windows of the main memorial is horrific. I'll leave it to you to take a look!
I'm due another visit this year, but my Belgian buddy has just pulled his shoulder so it's been put on ice...... like his shoulder!
The areas display military signage 'Access Interdit' or words to that effect, and the no go areas are used for training also by the modern forces.
But, do not be put off, the area is amazing to visit, so go. The old forts can be got to reasonably easy but again, there are some restrictions. Forestry areas with picnic sites and some information plagues are dotted around and then there is the main memorial/grave site........ I have never seen anything like it in my life, white headstones for as far as you can see. and, the basement windows of the main memorial is horrific. I'll leave it to you to take a look!
I'm due another visit this year, but my Belgian buddy has just pulled his shoulder so it's been put on ice...... like his shoulder!
Aye a visit to Verdun should be imho a compulsory part of every young persons educational experience I found the ossiary deeply moving
WE OWE A LOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pisses me sometimes that probably the majority have no idea what our current freedoms have cost
WE OWE A LOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pisses me sometimes that probably the majority have no idea what our current freedoms have cost
I had a nosey round Verdun last year. Off back this year using Two Wheel Morrings as a base for some good riding into Belgium. And I am hoping there is enough time to go back round Verdun.
Hadn't come across the area I have shown the picture of and can't find a scrap of info on the net. Google earth has no names or pictures so wondered if anyone on here had any info. I am guessing its a modern bomb dump but you never know.
Hadn't come across the area I have shown the picture of and can't find a scrap of info on the net. Google earth has no names or pictures so wondered if anyone on here had any info. I am guessing its a modern bomb dump but you never know.
Aye a visit to Verdun should be imho a compulsory part of every young persons educational experience I found the ossiary deeply moving
WE OWE A LOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pisses me sometimes that probably the majority have no idea what our current freedoms have cost
On a visit to the Somme a few years ago my brother and I bumped into a British school group who had also visited Ypres. I know many schools organise similar trips and it's good that they do.
With Verdun being a French battle I wonder if it would have the same effect on British young people?
Glyno
Registered user
I would like to think they would be taught the reasons for the Somme offensive i.e. the need to relieve the immense pressure on the French at Verdun at that time. Am just back from a week on the Somme and Ypres, looking forward to the next trip in July and next year will include a return to Verdun. Love it up that way. I should move
STUBBS
undead
its worth doing the 4 hour bus tour if you have the time to spare
Stopping at Two Wheel Moorings in a few weeks, 4th year in a row I have stopped here on the way to / from either the Black Forest or Alps.
Loads to see in the region, try the Forts (Duoamont and Vaux) and the Ossuarry (Opposite for Duoamont) which has a big memorial chapel, a short cinema presentation and tiny museum (on stairways up to tower)
This is all a few Miles South East of TWM, slightly to the West of them is the American Cemetery, Vauqois (Scene of mucho fighting, the village was destroyed from charges laid beneath it) where there are some Trenches still in pretty good nick.
The is also a big memorial tower at Montfaucon nearby, plus many other museums, destoyed villages and other memorials / cemetaries dotted around all over the place.
Some pics at the start and end of this report:-
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=249110
And a couple of pics at the start here:-
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279972
Going again in a few weeks so may post up more pics after then
sven
Registered user
I know I was very moved when I stumbled across a British cemetery in the Champagne area of France, especially as half of the casualties were from the Yorkshire regiment in July 1918
There was a also a German cemetery next to it, so I guess a battle had been fought there during the Germans big push in 1918 before they were beaten back and forced to capitulate 
Verdun, Omaha and other French/US/Canadian cemeteries did not affect me as much
its worth doing the 4 hour bus tour if you have the time to spare
Now that's a useful tip.
Thank you
There is a very funny free translation of the tour here:
http://www.france-voyage.com/towns/verdun-20410.htm
Scroll down.
French Munitions Dump
If you use Google Street View you can just about read the road sign on the D903 turn off which says "1 Regiment Du Materiel". These are described like a cross between a British REME Battalion and RLC Log Regt on the French MOD site.
Further investigation shows that this is the site of the 5eme CMU Le Roselier (munitions company). Looks like the Regt is no longer active as it doesn't appear to be listed on the current Mod site (http://www.defense.gouv.fr/terre/presentation/organisation-des-forces/materiel/materiel.
If you use Google Street View you can just about read the road sign on the D903 turn off which says "1 Regiment Du Materiel". These are described like a cross between a British REME Battalion and RLC Log Regt on the French MOD site.
Further investigation shows that this is the site of the 5eme CMU Le Roselier (munitions company). Looks like the Regt is no longer active as it doesn't appear to be listed on the current Mod site (http://www.defense.gouv.fr/terre/presentation/organisation-des-forces/materiel/materiel.
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