Possible WW1 Battlefield Tour (Reunion 2028)

Message from our Chair.

At this year’s reunion, I had a brief conversation with ‘H’ Harradine, during which the possibility of organising a guided WW1 Battlefield Tour based in Ypres, Belgium, was discussed. As H would be guiding the tour himself, it was suggested that we might take this opportunity to arrange the visit before his retirement.

It was subsequently proposed that the tour could be combined with our Annual Reunion in 2028, providing an opportunity to explore the historic battlefields while enjoying our usual reunion activities.

The proposed itinerary would include:

– Return coach travel from Portsmouth to Ypres, with the coach and driver remaining with the group throughout the trip.

– A five-night hotel stay, including breakfast.

– Guided visits to significant WW1 battlefield sites.

– A visit to the Somme, subject to the final duration of the trip.

– Attendance at the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate.

– A formal dinner, including a wine reception.

– A social evening with buffet.

– Our Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The estimated cost is currently around £1,500 per couple, although this is indicative only and will depend on the final arrangements.

You may wonder why we are giving such early notice. Accommodation in Ypres is in high demand, particularly during September, and we have already discovered that some hotels are fully booked for September 2028. We therefore need to establish the level of interest among members at an early stage if we are to take this proposal forward.

At this stage, we are simply seeking expressions of interest. No commitment is being requested, and the itinerary and arrangements remain provisional.

If you would be interested in taking part, please let the Hon Secretary know no later than 20 December 2026. Should sufficient interest be received, we will explore the proposal further and provide more details in due course.

Many thanks for your consideration. We hope this will be an appealing opportunity to combine our Annual Reunion with a memorable visit to some of the most significant sites of the First World War.

Paul

Chairman RNCCA