Part of the cemetary and the ossuary at Verdun
Today, i visited the memorials to ww1 battles in the fortress area above the city. Travelling by bike makes this quite easy. Although going through all the monuments is quite tiring. Although, not as tiring as it was for the French and German soldiers who, in 1916, fought for 300 days continuously.
The main monument is the 'ossuaire de Douaumont'. It is a spectacular art deco building of 1930's origin. Very grand and a little to fascist in style for me. I imagine that wasn't the intended effect!
The 1916 battle was the idea of a german general Falcon.... who thought it would 'bleed France dry'. The problem is that it bleed both France and Germany dry! How silly can you get.
Had to climb the hill to get there but coming down got up to 50 km/hr which is not bad for the old Mongoose.
I am a bit 'war fatigued' now so am looking forward to a few days on the road and a more natural contest with the wind, sun and rain.
The main monument is the 'ossuaire de Douaumont'. It is a spectacular art deco building of 1930's origin. Very grand and a little to fascist in style for me. I imagine that wasn't the intended effect!
The 1916 battle was the idea of a german general Falcon.... who thought it would 'bleed France dry'. The problem is that it bleed both France and Germany dry! How silly can you get.
Had to climb the hill to get there but coming down got up to 50 km/hr which is not bad for the old Mongoose.
I am a bit 'war fatigued' now so am looking forward to a few days on the road and a more natural contest with the wind, sun and rain.
1 comment:
Bernie
We are glad that we have now got your blog address corrected through some computer wizard in Buller's firm.
Furthermore we are glad that you have reached our continent.
Remember to taste the French wine.
Regards
Anders
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