P A U L F O S T E R
Useful Contacts
Useful Contacts
click on the logo on the left to direct you to take you to their website
click on the logo on the left to direct you to take you to their website
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission
2 Marlow Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 7DX.
The CWGC have 2 excellent APPs, the main one allows you to search for war graves at more than 23,000 locations, in 153 countries and makes it easy to find and visit these places of remembrance. The Thiepval APP gives you excellent information on that important Memorial. Click on the APP logo on the left to go to the links.
2 Marlow Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 7DX.
The CWGC have 2 excellent APPs, the main one allows you to search for war graves at more than 23,000 locations, in 153 countries and makes it easy to find and visit these places of remembrance. The Thiepval APP gives you excellent information on that important Memorial. Click on the APP logo on the left to go to the links.
German War Graves Commission
Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge e. V.
Werner-Hilpert-Str. 2, 34112 Kassel, Germany.
Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge e. V.
Werner-Hilpert-Str. 2, 34112 Kassel, Germany.
War Museums, Places of Remembrance Throughout Europe
A helpful and useful website giving information on a wide range of war musems covering wars throughout the ages.
The main goals of the website are to offer information about war museums in Europe that they have visited and to share their experiences with you. Each museum has its own 'gallery' where some general information about the museum (facilities etc.), a description of the museum (e.g. exhibits, highlights) and a selection of photos taken 'on the spot' are provided.
A helpful and useful website giving information on a wide range of war musems covering wars throughout the ages.
The main goals of the website are to offer information about war museums in Europe that they have visited and to share their experiences with you. Each museum has its own 'gallery' where some general information about the museum (facilities etc.), a description of the museum (e.g. exhibits, highlights) and a selection of photos taken 'on the spot' are provided.
New Zealand War Graves Project
They are photographing all the war graves and primary memorials of New Zealanders who, serving with New Zealand and Allied forces, died in conflicts, from the Anglo-Boer war (1899-1902), to the present day and in peacekeeping operations. Our research has identified 31,758 New Zealand war graves in 79 countries including New Zealanders serving with other Allied forces.
They are photographing all the war graves and primary memorials of New Zealanders who, serving with New Zealand and Allied forces, died in conflicts, from the Anglo-Boer war (1899-1902), to the present day and in peacekeeping operations. Our research has identified 31,758 New Zealand war graves in 79 countries including New Zealanders serving with other Allied forces.
De Gouden Poort, Goudenpoortstraat 1, 8900 Ypres
Tel: 0032 (0)57 209582
An excellent vet in Ypres if you have your pet(s) with you and need to visit a veterinarian prior to returning to the UK. The vets are extremely kind, speak perfect English, and are well-versed in dealing with animals returning to the UK.
Tel: 0032 (0)57 209582
An excellent vet in Ypres if you have your pet(s) with you and need to visit a veterinarian prior to returning to the UK. The vets are extremely kind, speak perfect English, and are well-versed in dealing with animals returning to the UK.
The Animals In War Memorial
This monument is a powerful and moving tribute to all the animals that served, suffered and died alongside the British, Commonwealth and Allied forces in the wars and conflicts of the 20th century.
The trustees of The Animals in War Memorial Fund obtained planning consent from Westminster City Council to erect the memorial at Brook Gate, Park Lane, on the edge of Hyde Park. It was unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal in November 2004, the 90th anniversary of the start of World War I.
This monument is a powerful and moving tribute to all the animals that served, suffered and died alongside the British, Commonwealth and Allied forces in the wars and conflicts of the 20th century.
The trustees of The Animals in War Memorial Fund obtained planning consent from Westminster City Council to erect the memorial at Brook Gate, Park Lane, on the edge of Hyde Park. It was unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal in November 2004, the 90th anniversary of the start of World War I.
The Great War Society
Founded in 1984, we provide an opportunity for practical research into the uniforms, weapons, equipment, training & everyday tasks of the Great War soldier. Our members dress in period uniforms & equipment, learn the drill and undertake the training and everyday activities of the time. We are a living‐history group, not a battle re-enactment group - we feel it is neither possible, nor desirable to attempt to portray actual combat in front of the public. Rather, our actvities are focused on authentic demonstrations of the many & various skills which a soldier would have to acquire to enable him to do his job in the field.
All of our uniform, equipment & weaponry is 100% accurate for the 1914-1918 period & our aim is to provide a living link with our Great War heritage - not merely current day people “in costume”, but a living, breathing, authentic portrayal of the soldiers of the time which is as close as one can get to actually seeing & meetng them almost a century ago.
Founded in 1984, we provide an opportunity for practical research into the uniforms, weapons, equipment, training & everyday tasks of the Great War soldier. Our members dress in period uniforms & equipment, learn the drill and undertake the training and everyday activities of the time. We are a living‐history group, not a battle re-enactment group - we feel it is neither possible, nor desirable to attempt to portray actual combat in front of the public. Rather, our actvities are focused on authentic demonstrations of the many & various skills which a soldier would have to acquire to enable him to do his job in the field.
All of our uniform, equipment & weaponry is 100% accurate for the 1914-1918 period & our aim is to provide a living link with our Great War heritage - not merely current day people “in costume”, but a living, breathing, authentic portrayal of the soldiers of the time which is as close as one can get to actually seeing & meetng them almost a century ago.
Last Post Association
The Last Post, played every night at 8.00pm at the Menin Gate, the traditional final salute to the fallen, is played by the buglers in honour of the memory of the soldiers of the former British Empire and its allies, who died in the Ypres Salient during the First World War. It is the intention of the Last Post Association to maintain this daily act of homage in perpetuity.
The Last Post, played every night at 8.00pm at the Menin Gate, the traditional final salute to the fallen, is played by the buglers in honour of the memory of the soldiers of the former British Empire and its allies, who died in the Ypres Salient during the First World War. It is the intention of the Last Post Association to maintain this daily act of homage in perpetuity.
St George’s Church, Ypres
The church was designed by Reginald Blomfield and built in 1929. It contains a large number of memorials on the walls and in the stained glass windows. The Church hold regular services and behind is the Church Hall that used to be a school for the large English community in the area between the wars; most of the families worked for the Imperial (now Commonwealth) War Graves Commission. The Church is open every day and has a number of services that are advertised on the notice board outside the entrance.
The church was designed by Reginald Blomfield and built in 1929. It contains a large number of memorials on the walls and in the stained glass windows. The Church hold regular services and behind is the Church Hall that used to be a school for the large English community in the area between the wars; most of the families worked for the Imperial (now Commonwealth) War Graves Commission. The Church is open every day and has a number of services that are advertised on the notice board outside the entrance.
Great War In Flanders Fields
This interactive site allows you to discover the First World War in Flanders Fields. The central database includes all monuments, sites, locations, cemeteries.
A very useful and helpful site.
This interactive site allows you to discover the First World War in Flanders Fields. The central database includes all monuments, sites, locations, cemeteries.
A very useful and helpful site.
The Western Front Association
It was formed in 1980 by military historian John Giles to maintain interest in the First World War (1914-1918). The 'WFA' works to perpetuate the memory, courage and comradeship of all, from all sides, on all Fronts: on land, at sea, in the air and on the Home Front. The Western Front Association is non-political and does not seek to glorify war.
It was formed in 1980 by military historian John Giles to maintain interest in the First World War (1914-1918). The 'WFA' works to perpetuate the memory, courage and comradeship of all, from all sides, on all Fronts: on land, at sea, in the air and on the Home Front. The Western Front Association is non-political and does not seek to glorify war.
Cross and Cockade — The First World War Aviation Historial Association
They produce four magazines annually:
On average 80 pages each issue (often more), printed on premium specification paper for optimal image quality
Eight pages (often more!) of full colour
Biographies, squadron histories & technical articles by "the" experts
Rare photographs; many never previously published
Accurate scale plans & maps
Regular information on research sources
Book & other media reviews
Reader feedback
They arrange meetings, produce books and much more!
They produce four magazines annually:
On average 80 pages each issue (often more), printed on premium specification paper for optimal image quality
Eight pages (often more!) of full colour
Biographies, squadron histories & technical articles by "the" experts
Rare photographs; many never previously published
Accurate scale plans & maps
Regular information on research sources
Book & other media reviews
Reader feedback
They arrange meetings, produce books and much more!
Tank Memorial Ypres Salient
The Tank Memorial Ypres Salient was funded, designed & created by former Royal Tank Regiment crewman Mr Chris Lock and his wife Milena Kolarikova-Lock.
The memorial represents 243 fallen WW1 Tank Corps commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in Belgium. Also commemorated is a single WWII Royal Tank Regiment soldier buried nearby. The memorial is located in the village of Poelkapelle, Belgium. It stands on the site of one of several so called tank cemeteries which existed in the salient by the end of the war. A British tank D29 Damon II stood here for many years before being broken up for scrap by the occupying German forces during WW2.
Tel: +32 (0) 476 202 721
Email: chrislock1958@gmail.com
The Tank Memorial Ypres Salient was funded, designed & created by former Royal Tank Regiment crewman Mr Chris Lock and his wife Milena Kolarikova-Lock.
The memorial represents 243 fallen WW1 Tank Corps commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in Belgium. Also commemorated is a single WWII Royal Tank Regiment soldier buried nearby. The memorial is located in the village of Poelkapelle, Belgium. It stands on the site of one of several so called tank cemeteries which existed in the salient by the end of the war. A British tank D29 Damon II stood here for many years before being broken up for scrap by the occupying German forces during WW2.
Tel: +32 (0) 476 202 721
Email: chrislock1958@gmail.com
Digger History
A fascinating website, an unofficial history of the Australian & New Zealand Armed Services.
A fascinating website, an unofficial history of the Australian & New Zealand Armed Services.
Brothers In Arms Memorial Project
In September 2006 an exceptional discovery was made in Zonnebeke: the remains of 5 Australian soldiers were recovered after having been buried for 89 years. The excavation - an emotional and overwhelming experience for Johan Vandewalle and his team - and the subsequent identification process reveiled the extraordinary story of two brothers: John and Jim Hunter.
In September 2006 an exceptional discovery was made in Zonnebeke: the remains of 5 Australian soldiers were recovered after having been buried for 89 years. The excavation - an emotional and overwhelming experience for Johan Vandewalle and his team - and the subsequent identification process reveiled the extraordinary story of two brothers: John and Jim Hunter.
Families and Friends of the First AIF
Australian military historian and author John Laffin, proposed the creation of the Families and Friends of the First AIF (FFFAIF) which is Dedicated to Digger Heritage, at the opening of the Australian Corps Memorial Park at Le Hamel on 4th July 1998.
A group of dedicated supporters met in early 2000 to implement his concept. The FFFAIF was formed in mid 2002 with the late John Laffin’s son Craig becoming the association’s Founding President, who after four years of valued service, retired from the position in 2006.
The FFFAIF honours the memory of three great Australians as its Patrons-in-Memoriam. John Laffin is honoured for his lifelong endeavours to commemorate the Diggers of WW1 and for founding the FFFAIF. Generals Sir John Monash GCMG KCB VD and Sir Harry Chauvel GCMG KCB are honoured for their commanding and inspirational leadership during WW1.
Email: secretary@fffaif.org.au
Australian military historian and author John Laffin, proposed the creation of the Families and Friends of the First AIF (FFFAIF) which is Dedicated to Digger Heritage, at the opening of the Australian Corps Memorial Park at Le Hamel on 4th July 1998.
A group of dedicated supporters met in early 2000 to implement his concept. The FFFAIF was formed in mid 2002 with the late John Laffin’s son Craig becoming the association’s Founding President, who after four years of valued service, retired from the position in 2006.
The FFFAIF honours the memory of three great Australians as its Patrons-in-Memoriam. John Laffin is honoured for his lifelong endeavours to commemorate the Diggers of WW1 and for founding the FFFAIF. Generals Sir John Monash GCMG KCB VD and Sir Harry Chauvel GCMG KCB are honoured for their commanding and inspirational leadership during WW1.
Email: secretary@fffaif.org.au
Royal British Legion, Ypres Branch
The Ypres Branch of The Royal British Legion has a diverse membership and includes members from both Belgium and the United Kingdom. We are actively seeking new members who are interested in supporting and helping our Branch to grow.
Anyone can join the Royal British Legion and you do not need to have served in the armed forces to join.
Anyone who shares our common values of Remembrance, Welfare & Comradeship will be made very welcome.
Membership can be paid annually or by direct debit.
Email: chairmanrblypres@gmail.com
The Ypres Branch of The Royal British Legion has a diverse membership and includes members from both Belgium and the United Kingdom. We are actively seeking new members who are interested in supporting and helping our Branch to grow.
Anyone can join the Royal British Legion and you do not need to have served in the armed forces to join.
Anyone who shares our common values of Remembrance, Welfare & Comradeship will be made very welcome.
Membership can be paid annually or by direct debit.
Email: chairmanrblypres@gmail.com
Association For World War Archaeology
Recently, and as a result of their professional activities, a number of archaeologists came across remains from WW I and WW II. They are determined to devote themselves to this World War Heritage. In years gone by it became clear that there is great interest in this heritage, but at the same time many questions remain unanswered. The Association strives, amongst other things, to distribute the results of the scientific research.
To see some photographs of the St Jan dig on this site in the 'Photo Gallery', click on the photograph on the left.
Recently, and as a result of their professional activities, a number of archaeologists came across remains from WW I and WW II. They are determined to devote themselves to this World War Heritage. In years gone by it became clear that there is great interest in this heritage, but at the same time many questions remain unanswered. The Association strives, amongst other things, to distribute the results of the scientific research.
To see some photographs of the St Jan dig on this site in the 'Photo Gallery', click on the photograph on the left.
World War I Art and Poems In Flanders
An interesting site, although the text may be in Dutch, the collection of paintings shown on the website are very good and worth a look.
An interesting site, although the text may be in Dutch, the collection of paintings shown on the website are very good and worth a look.
Cycle Routes
A series of cycle routes prepared by the Rotary Club take you from Nieuport on the coast to around the Ypres Salient are prepared and listed on this site.
When visiting West Flanders each Tourist Information Office has a selection of cycle routes with maps and directions.
A series of cycle routes prepared by the Rotary Club take you from Nieuport on the coast to around the Ypres Salient are prepared and listed on this site.
When visiting West Flanders each Tourist Information Office has a selection of cycle routes with maps and directions.
Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History
Today the Royal Military Museum occupies no less than five large exhibition galleries covering more or less 40,000 m2. The architecture and the atmosphere are unique. From the Historic Gallery with its displays recalling times long gone to the Bordiau Gallery with its modern museology: in his wanderings through the Museum the visitor not only discovers evolving collections, but also new presentations.
Open every day, except Mondays, from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Royal Army and Military History Museum
Parc du Cinquantenaire 3
1000 Brussels
Tel: +32 (0)2 737 78 33
Email: infocom@klm-mra.be
Today the Royal Military Museum occupies no less than five large exhibition galleries covering more or less 40,000 m2. The architecture and the atmosphere are unique. From the Historic Gallery with its displays recalling times long gone to the Bordiau Gallery with its modern museology: in his wanderings through the Museum the visitor not only discovers evolving collections, but also new presentations.
Open every day, except Mondays, from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Royal Army and Military History Museum
Parc du Cinquantenaire 3
1000 Brussels
Tel: +32 (0)2 737 78 33
Email: infocom@klm-mra.be
Europeana 1914-1918
Untold stories & official histories of WW1. Explore stories, films and historical material about the First World War and contribute your own family history. Europeana 1914-1918 mixes resources from libraries and archives across the globe with memories and memorabilia from families throughout Europe. Discover. Learn. Research. Use. Share.
Untold stories & official histories of WW1. Explore stories, films and historical material about the First World War and contribute your own family history. Europeana 1914-1918 mixes resources from libraries and archives across the globe with memories and memorabilia from families throughout Europe. Discover. Learn. Research. Use. Share.
Museum Pass — World War I in Belgium and Northern France
A site where you can purchase a pass for reduced rates at 11 museums. Except for the mining museum, the rest are covered in on either the Belgian or French Museum page, part of this section.
In Flanders Fields Museum
Plugstreet 14-18 Experience
Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917
Centre Historique Minier
Bullecourt 1917
Musée Lens’ 14-18
Carrière Wellington
Musée Somme 1916
Musée de site à Thiepval
Historial de la Grande Guerre
Caverne du Dragon
A site where you can purchase a pass for reduced rates at 11 museums. Except for the mining museum, the rest are covered in on either the Belgian or French Museum page, part of this section.
In Flanders Fields Museum
Plugstreet 14-18 Experience
Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917
Centre Historique Minier
Bullecourt 1917
Musée Lens’ 14-18
Carrière Wellington
Musée Somme 1916
Musée de site à Thiepval
Historial de la Grande Guerre
Caverne du Dragon
Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. The Memorial's purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war. Its mission is to assist Australians to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society.
Email: info@awm.gov.au
The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. The Memorial's purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war. Its mission is to assist Australians to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society.
Email: info@awm.gov.au
The Somme Association
The Somme Association was created to ensure that the sacrifices of all those from Ireland who served in the War - and those of their families - would continue to be honoured and remembered.
Our first President was Her Royal Highness Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester. Following her death in October 2004 at the age of 102, her son, His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, agreed in July 2005 to become the Association’s current President.
The Somme Association has responsibility for the Somme Museum, formerly the Somme Heritage Centre at Conlig in County Down, the Ulster Memorial Tower on the site of the Battle of the Somme near Thiepval in France, and Thiepval Wood, from where the 36th (Ulster) Division launched the attack on the German lines at 7:30 am on 1st July 1916.
The Somme Association has an established support group, The Friends of the Somme. This organisation supports the work that the Somme Association undertakes. The group has a membership of around 800 with a number from as far afield as Canada, South Africa, Hong Kong and Australia.
Email: sommeassociation@btconnect.com
The Somme Association was created to ensure that the sacrifices of all those from Ireland who served in the War - and those of their families - would continue to be honoured and remembered.
Our first President was Her Royal Highness Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester. Following her death in October 2004 at the age of 102, her son, His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, agreed in July 2005 to become the Association’s current President.
The Somme Association has responsibility for the Somme Museum, formerly the Somme Heritage Centre at Conlig in County Down, the Ulster Memorial Tower on the site of the Battle of the Somme near Thiepval in France, and Thiepval Wood, from where the 36th (Ulster) Division launched the attack on the German lines at 7:30 am on 1st July 1916.
The Somme Association has an established support group, The Friends of the Somme. This organisation supports the work that the Somme Association undertakes. The group has a membership of around 800 with a number from as far afield as Canada, South Africa, Hong Kong and Australia.
Email: sommeassociation@btconnect.com
The American Battle Monuments Commission
In performing its functions, ABMC administers, operates and maintains on foreign soil 25 permanent American burial grounds, and 27 separate memorials, monuments and markers, including three memorials in the United States. Presently there are 124,905 American war dead interred in these cemeteries, of which 30,922 are from World War I, 93,233 are from World War II and 750 are from the Mexican-American War. Additionally 14,907 American veterans and others are interred in the Mexico City National Cemetery, Corozal American Cemetery and Clark Veterans Cemetery. Commemorated individually by name on stone tablets are more than 94,000 American servicemen and women who were missing in action, or lost or buried at sea in their regions during World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Tel: +33 (0) 1 47 01 19 76
Email: Form available on the website.
In performing its functions, ABMC administers, operates and maintains on foreign soil 25 permanent American burial grounds, and 27 separate memorials, monuments and markers, including three memorials in the United States. Presently there are 124,905 American war dead interred in these cemeteries, of which 30,922 are from World War I, 93,233 are from World War II and 750 are from the Mexican-American War. Additionally 14,907 American veterans and others are interred in the Mexico City National Cemetery, Corozal American Cemetery and Clark Veterans Cemetery. Commemorated individually by name on stone tablets are more than 94,000 American servicemen and women who were missing in action, or lost or buried at sea in their regions during World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Tel: +33 (0) 1 47 01 19 76
Email: Form available on the website.
Putting Sikhs on the Map
We want to build the biggest database on the Sikh experience during the First World War and we need your help to do it. To achieve this we have created an exciting interactive Soldier Map that displays the records of approximately 8,000 Sikh soldiers.
We want to enrich the records that already exist and add as many more as possible to preserve vital information that is at risk of being lost forever.
By combining family memories and memorabilia with archival records, we have the opportunity to collectively create the definitive database of the Sikh experience of the Great War so that their sacrifices and suffering will never be forgotten again.
We want to build the biggest database on the Sikh experience during the First World War and we need your help to do it. To achieve this we have created an exciting interactive Soldier Map that displays the records of approximately 8,000 Sikh soldiers.
We want to enrich the records that already exist and add as many more as possible to preserve vital information that is at risk of being lost forever.
By combining family memories and memorabilia with archival records, we have the opportunity to collectively create the definitive database of the Sikh experience of the Great War so that their sacrifices and suffering will never be forgotten again.