Bravery

So, just when I thought we had seen every World War battlefield, we find another one. Quite by chance of course!! It was a coincidence that the hotel we are now in, just north of Reims, is close to the Chemin des Dames (no, me neither). And how amazing that Gordon, after a full day’s travelling (albeit on almost deserted roads - it being Sunday), was quite happy to go out again in search of a ridge, a cavern, several monuments, something to do with the German line and the French line. I have no real idea. I went with him, but it meant not a lot to me. (He may have explained more, but I wouldn't bet on it.)

So, my blip was taken early this morning, just as we were about to set off from Montluçan. Outside our hotel was a monument created in memory of a very brave act by a number of local people. On January 6, 1943 a mob of citizens overran guards supervising a massive deportation of Frenchmen to Germany to fill vacancies in German factories during the war. All the men to be deported managed to escape into the countryside, evading the forced industrial service waiting for them in the Reich. 

We have travelled a fair way today, but it has been no problem as the roads have been almost deserted. Now we are within striking distance of Calais and are sitting in the delightful garden of a charming hotel, enjoying a beer in the sun and perusing a menu, deciding what to eat.