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Photograph a Memorial Inscription or Headstone on behalf of a friend or for your own family.
Having successfully researched the location of the inscription or grave site using the available search facilities the next step is to find the locale and mark the location for navigation purposes. Google Earth may be very helpful in providing locations.
May I suggest you have some double-sided tape (mounting tape) in your kit together with some red silk or paper poppies. Check out the significance of the red poppy.
Bring poppies from home or purchase at Villers-Bretonneux or other Somme locations. I have a couple in my kit whenever I visit France: every village has its memorial to the fallen. Victory Day Ceremonies are held on 8th May.
The poppy can be used as a marker for the particular inscription that you wish to photograph. If there is no facility to help affix the poppy to the stone or metal work, judicious use of the backing tape will do the trick.
Updated Sep 24, 2011
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This museum is housed in the Victoria School very close to the centre of Villers-Bretonneux. It houses WW1 memorabilia of particular interest to Australians.
Don't try to visit at the end of the school day as the narrow street is chock full of parked cars as mums pick their kids up.
Parking is available in the centre of town just north of the town hall. Best option what ever time of the day you arrive.
Opening hours are: Tue14h-18h: Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat 10h-1230h & 14h-18h; on the 1st&3rd Sun of the month 14h-18h
Closed Monday and at lunch time 1230-1400 (as is much of rural France)
Closed French Public Holidays except Nov 11. Closed last week Dec/ first week Jan
Entry cost 3,05 euro per adult; 1,55 euro children & students
note: "Exceptional" opening hours for ANZAC Day - 24th 0930 to 1730 - 25th 0700 to 1800
Updated Aug 30, 2010
Address: 9,rue Victoria ,80800, Villers-Bretonneux, France
Phone: 03 22 96 80 79
Website: http://www.museeaustralien.com/en/?Home
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Visit the Australian War Memorial approx 2 kms north of Villers-Bretonneux. Every year there has been a service here on the Saturday before Anzac Day April 25th.
Over 2000 Australian Servicemen are buried or are commemorated here. Prepare yourself to shed a tear or two as you read the inscriptions on the tombstones & read the names on the facade of the building.
note: In 2008 the Dawn Service was conducted on April 25th (rather than the Saturday before the 25th). There was big turn out of visiting Australians. As a result, April 25th has become the date of the Dawn Service. The date is significant. Villers-Bretonneux was liberated by Australian troops in WW1 on the 25th of April, 1918.
note If you intend to visit for the dawn service be aware that because of narrow roads and limited parking, special procedures apply for getting to the memorial site which can only be approached from the north. Courtesy buses are provided from VB and may be a better option than driving a car. Link to arrangements & PDF of map
Basically the road past the Memorial is one way north to south and car parking is available on the side of the road between the Memorial and Villers-Bretonneux. You may have to walk a couple of kms if you arrive late. see photo 3.
If you wish to learn from our experience visiting the Anzac Day Dawn Service in 2010 I have a trip planner here.
Updated Aug 30, 2010
Address: Area around Villers-Bretonneux
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The Route de Hamel leads east & north of Villers-Bretonneux to the most recently constructed memorial to Australian Diggers at a battle site which marked the turning point of WW1. On July 4th 1918, an Australian planned and commanded battle was so successful it established the pattern of future Allied operations.
Office of Australian War Graves memorials site
Updated Jan 24, 2010
Address: East of Le Hamel village
Website: http://www.dva.gov.au/commems_oawg/OAWG/war_memorials/overseas_memorials/france/Pages/le%20hamel.aspx
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At the western edge of Villers-Bretonneux, Adelaide Cemetery has the empty grave of the Unknown Soldier now interred in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Australian War Memorial situated in the National Capital of Australia, Canberra
Updated Jan 24, 2010
Address: Villers-Bretonneux
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Reviews and photos of Villers-Bretonneux attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Villers-Bretonneux sightseeing.
At the western edge of Villers-Bretonneux, Adelaide Cemetery has the empty grave of the Unknown Soldier now interred in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the...
Q: Could someone please advise how I can travel from Paris to Villers-Bretonneux. I can only spend a day in travelling and seeing...
A: http://www.sncf.com/ (use the search windows on the right side of your screen) There is a train from Paris Gare du Nord to Villers-Bretonneux at 7:04 AM and another...
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Villers-Bretonneux - ANZAC DAWN SERVICE
Wishing to plan a road trip to attend the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Villers-Bretonneux ? or to visit at any time ?? Read the following then scroll down to the "Travelogue" below. Check the Stop Press...
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A small town outside Amiens, Villers- Bretonneux was one of the main reasons for our trip to this area of France. My Grandfather served in WW1 in the region and I wanted to visit the Australian War......
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