On the road to France - Belgium 2023

Well the time has come to officially begin my journey overseas!

Destination, Albert France is in the heart of the WW1 Somme Battlefields on the Western Front. This area of Northern France has some of the rarest beauty tucked away amidst the many Great War graveyards which seem to be scattered very densely throughout the landscape. The appreciation and hospitable nature that can be felt towards Canadian’s from the locals is amazing even though it’s been over 100 years since the end of hostilities that were felt by all during the war.

My first stop as always before departing Canada will be the Lieutenant - Colonel John McCrae’s birth home in Guelph, Ontario Canada. On each of my expeditions overseas I have always purchased a hand made First Nation’s Poppy to be worn.

This year will also be extra special to me as I will be taking back an original Goerz - Anschutz - Ango plate camera that was used by a prominent WW1 British photographer during his time in the battlefields and I will be re-creating pictures that were done over 100 years ago at the very same locations, as best as I can.

I will also be doing paper rubbings of the 23 Canadian’s gravestones that were Shot at Dawn along with a rubbing of Lieutenant - Colonel John McCrae’s stone. These paper stone rubbings will be returned to Canada for a special display in the future.

My research will always be an ongoing journey and who knows were my feet will take me once I have boots on the ground in France.

Anticipation is building, McCrae House here I come.

Regards,