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Today was the day to drive out to Marouiel to honour my great uncle who was killed in action in 1916, the first day of the Somme offensive. The drive wasn't far however finding the Cemetery proved difficult in itself. It is only quite small and tucked away down a little lane. Eventually we got the right lane and came upon the entrance to a well kept and peaceful small cemetery that has only 550 graves. As we walked in we could see a large cross at front and remembrance stone at the rear. We found my uncles grave easily as he is right up front.
What a feeling to stand there! I planted a Union Jack flag to honour his service and the family back in England, and an Australian flag as a representation of his Australian descendants from his brother (my Poppa). I had managed to also get a small remembrance cross that I wrote on and planted between the flags. Needless to say there were a few tears however I am immensely proud of my heritage and am also very moved to have been able to do this trip as I didn't think I would be able to go all that way after having my stroke 5 years ago, and thought I'd never see this place at all. Another bucket list item ticked!
After spending some time there, we drove back to Arras for some lunch and to do some laundry. We then walked to the town square where I lost Ruth in another patisserie and we had coffee and a pastry! This French life is not all bad!
Tomorrow we head to Paris for a few days and we are both looking forward to that. Hiding the credit card now!!
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Martin J Cowling so glad you found it