ARRAS

 Arras, another big battlefield with many casualties, not much ground gained and then all lost again later in the war. A common theme on the Western front. The Vimy Ridge memorial is very striking with different types of sculptures. Also interesting that it's next to the pyramids. Vimy was a great Canadian Army success in contrast to the rest of the campaign. Used all 4 Canadian Divisions.

We visited the Commonwealth Graves Commission site where they make all the headstones. They still make thousands a year for existing replacements and new ones, as they are always discovering remains as the excavate for new buildings and during farming. Everything is automated to a standard design, including the fence, gates, doors, digns & other parts.

Arras, itself is a very nice picturesque town, that's the town hall. Most of these towns were destroyed in WW1, so they have mainly been rebuilt in the original styles.

This is the Arras Memorial which contains the only memorial dedicated to the war in the air.

Mouscron town hall, the town where we were staying.