The French Branch of the Society has doubled its membership which now amounts to two! Franck Dizambourg our representative on the Somme has recruited his friend (and English speaker) Pascal. It may come as no surprise to know that Franck’s main interest is the Somme battlefields of the First World War.

Society members Roger Negus and David Gray first met Franck about fifteen years ago while they were field-walking part of the Somme battlefield. Franck told them they were not in a good area and took them to a very interesting location where a great deal of fighting had taken place. Here they came across a great number of interesting artifacts and both have returned every year since.

Franck just goes to prove that the ‘Entente Cordiale’ is still alive and kicking!

The French Branch in session, Franck and Roger

The French people we have met have been wonderful. Their hospitality has been second to none. The weather has not always been so obliging, but let’s face it, the weather back in the UK is not the most reliable. The food and the scenery, yes, its not all flat in northern France, has been spectacular. But lets not forget why we go every year, it is to walk the battlefields and visit the memorials and museums. Everyone should visit this area at some point. We all have ancestors lying here. (Right: Franck Dizambourg on the Somme)

French Branch Website

VIDEO

Click the picture on the left to see Roger Negus perform a practice shot in the first ‘Somme Open Golf Championship’ with the new ‘MUD BALL’

Roger and David visited Franck again in April this year and spent part of that time in the town of Amiens. The picture on the right shows Roger and Franck in front of the memorial to the Martyrs of the Resistance who were murdered by the Nazis during the Second World War.

Below is a picture of Amiens prison, the prison was bombed by RAF Mosquito aircraft in Operation Jericho on 18th February, 1944, in an attempt to release Resistance fighters being held there by the Gestapo. The intention was to blow down the wall surrounding the prison so the inmates could make their escape. As can be seen, the wall was breached and the location of the repair is still visible. There is also a memorial on the wall.