World War sights trip

[Bob The Skutter]

It's my dad's 60th birthday early next year and he's always been interested in the World Wars so I've decided it'd be nice to take him on a trip to Belgium, with maybe a quick hop over the border to Dunkirk and see some of the war related sites.

We can get an overnight ferry from right here to Bruges. I've got maybr 4 or 5 nights in mind (including the 2 on the ferry), with a trip to Dunkirk and In Flanders Fields museum in Ypres or Trench of Death in Diksmuide.

I just wondered if there was any one who's done a similar trip, any sights they'd recommend as must sees or ones to avoid? We'll likely be using public transport so ones that are easy to get to would be appreciated.

 

[Canadave]

All I can tell you is that when I get around to visiting France, I want to see the memorial at Vimy Ridge.

 

[Bob The Skutter]

^We may be able to do that if we were taking the car, but I don't think we will be, it's a bit too far away to be able to get there without a longer trip.

 

[MANT!]

Too bad a Normandy trip appears to be out of range..the bunkers and the battlefields were still awe inspiring even after 40+ years when I saw them..

 

[Goliath]

I've never taken such a trip, but if you're going to be in Ypres, you may want to visit the Menin Gate and hear the Last Post played.

 

[Omnius]

I visited Ypres with the Air Force cadets in january this year as part of some history classes. At that time we had just finished basic military training. So being there, seeing what those boys and men had gone through really put everything in perspective for us. It was hard realising how many lives were lost in those battles.

I can recommend:
- Hooge Crater Museum
- Canadian War Memorial
- Langemark German War Cemetary
- Tyne Cot
- Menin Gate in Ypres