Priorities.

I made a similar pilgramage 2 years ago.

I whole area is so moving. You will not believe.

the rows and rows of graves neatly attended by the

Commonwealth Graves Commission.

Go to the underground exhibition at Arras.

Go to Vimy Ridge.

Don't worry about Palace remember silently the sacrifice

made by your Grandfather and hundreds of thousands

of our forefathers

I understand, especially as my family were from both

parts of Ireland.

You are doing something very worthwile.

Good on you. Vimy Ridge is a 'must visit' if you have time.

Palace since 19 August 1972. Palace 1 (Tony Taylor) Liverpool 1 (Emlyn Hughes)

Never knew him but my dad said he was a Belfast Celtic fan.
He joined the army because there were very few jobs about an he had 3 young kids to support.
Apparently didn't give a s*it about the political landscape at the time, just wanted to make sure his family were safe.

Much respect to your grandfather. I am going there in November to commemorate the centenary of my great-grandfather's death, also in Arras. Interestingly, I can see his gravestone from the hedgerows using Google Earth.

Got nothing for you on the football match, mind you.

Stealing their women and eating their food since 1987.

Did a tour of the battle fields just a few years back, how close together the trenches were and how far back from those brave men the Generals were! Still makes me cringe to think of the carnage.

On the outskirts of Arras is a site with wall plagues listing the executions of French resistance fighters and the post they stood at during their deaths.Very harrowing to visit but a must.

Birdsong by Sebastian Faulkes is worthwhile book to read for a reminder of those times.