The Forgotten Front of Artois. The route:
The Battle of Fromelles: A place where the harshness of war is very evident. The Battle of Aubers Ridge: This battle, which took place in May 1915, was a bloody failure for the British, with thousands of dead and wounded. The Battle of Neuve Chapelle: In March 1915, the British tried to break through the German lines here, with varying degrees of success. The Battle of Loos: One of the largest British offensives of 1915, characterized by the use of chlorine gas and heavy casualties. The Battles of Artois: A series of offensives that took place in 1915, with the aim of breaking through the German lines. The Battlefields of Vimy: An iconic location, known for the Canadian victory in 1917, but also the scene of fierce fighting in 1915. Impressions:
The vastness of the battlefields and the many military cemeteries left a deep impression. The stories of the soldiers, their courage and sacrifice, came to life at the locations themselves. The realization of the enormous losses and the futility of war was reinforced by the visits to the monuments. It was a journey that taught me to view the First World War in a different way. This model journey was a moving and educational experience, giving me a deeper understanding of the history of the First World War and its impact on the landscape and the people of the region.