P A U L F O S T E R
Battlefield Tours and Guiding
In Continuing & Grateful Memory
Specialised
Battlefield Tours
Where it all began — the early years of battlefield tours:
Above left: veteran 'Josh' Grover enthrals everyone with his stories of how he attacked High Wood,
speaking from his 1916 objective. It was the first time Josh had been back to the Somme since the end of the war.
Above centre: a group of veterans with John Giles (centre) — 'GB' Jameson, John Hurst, George Sewell and 'Josh' Grover.
Above right: veterans 'GB', 'Josh' and Harry Goodby with my good friends
the Earl and Countess of Haig whilst visiting the Somme.
The last time the veterans had stood on the battlefields of the Somme it was under the command of Earl Haig's father!
speaking from his 1916 objective. It was the first time Josh had been back to the Somme since the end of the war.
Above centre: a group of veterans with John Giles (centre) — 'GB' Jameson, John Hurst, George Sewell and 'Josh' Grover.
Above right: veterans 'GB', 'Josh' and Harry Goodby with my good friends
the Earl and Countess of Haig whilst visiting the Somme.
The last time the veterans had stood on the battlefields of the Somme it was under the command of Earl Haig's father!
General Tours
I began organising battlefield tours to the Western Front in 1981. In the early years I enjoyed taking veterans back to where they had served on the battlefields, from Ypres to the Somme. Many of them had never previously returned to the battlefields they had left at the end of the First World War — sadly those opportunities no longer exist.
The fully-guided specialised tours normally are for four or five days starting in Dover. We stay in high standard hotels (based in central locations), with all meals, museum entrances et al included in the price. (The only additional costs are for additional personal drinks not already provided with meals etc and single room supplements.) The tours welcome everyone and I provide time to accommodate individual requests and visits. I cater for all levels of knowledge — from the expert to the first-time visitor.
The main aim is that you enjoy your trip; also that you will improve your knowledge, visit new places and return feeling you have received good value for money — then come back again on another tour!
The fully-guided specialised tours normally are for four or five days starting in Dover. We stay in high standard hotels (based in central locations), with all meals, museum entrances et al included in the price. (The only additional costs are for additional personal drinks not already provided with meals etc and single room supplements.) The tours welcome everyone and I provide time to accommodate individual requests and visits. I cater for all levels of knowledge — from the expert to the first-time visitor.
The main aim is that you enjoy your trip; also that you will improve your knowledge, visit new places and return feeling you have received good value for money — then come back again on another tour!
We always stay in excellent hotels and enjoy a superb cuisine — be it breakfast, lunch or dinner
My tour each year to Ypres for the 11th November, that has become an institution, includes in addition a tour of the Salient and the ceremonies in the town, a Remembrance Day Reception and Dinner. The tours throughout the rest of the year are based on specific battles, places and personalities, with new tours added each year. A full information pack, with notes and maps, support the tour.
If you would be interested in joining a forthcoming tour or would like further information please contact email me via the Contact page.
The tours can be undertaken in a range of different vehicles, including this 1950s 'old timer'.
Guiding and Individual Tours
Planning Tours With Care!
I am available to guide and take small groups around the battlefields on a daily basis, that are tailored to your individual requirements. They are highly successful and popular so I tend to get booked up quite quickly. If you would like further details, please let me know your requirements and I will provide you with a quote. I can take up to six people in my own vehicle.
I
am also happy to be a guest guide on your own coach or other
vehicle.
Each year I am asked to be a guest speaker to groups who are on tours of the Western Front.
They range from school groups to adults and on a variety of themes and topics and normally in the evening.
They are always enjoyable events that I appreciate as much as the audience are kind enough to say they do.
They range from school groups to adults and on a variety of themes and topics and normally in the evening.
They are always enjoyable events that I appreciate as much as the audience are kind enough to say they do.
If you would be interested in joining a forthcoming tour or would like further information please contact email me at foster030458@gmail.com