Flanders 25/8/07

The fallen Scots soldiers of the First World War have been honoured with a Celtic cross at a former battlefield. The memorial was unveiled at Passchendaele in Flanders. The area was the site of the Third Battle of Ypres, also known as the Battle of Passchendaele, where as many as 500,000 troops from both sides were killed or wounded.

Local communities led the call for a lasting memorial to the Scots who died, and the unveiling of the granite cross took place as part of a series of events to mark the 90th anniversary of the battle. We have to remember the massive effect that the First World War had and the sacrifices that Scotland made. The amount of people that died and the effect it had on Scotland as a nation was huge and Passchendaele was the single biggest loss of life in the First World War.
There are many memorials there already but there has never been a specifically Scottish one until now.We should remember the fact the campaign for a lasting memorial was led by locals.
In 2004 they realised there was not a monument for Scottish troops and set upon a campaign of building one.

The modern-day village of Passchendaele lies in the municipality of Zonnebeke.

Here's a report from our roving Belgian reporter, Mikey Mayes,

Today the 25th of August, I was at the erection of the first Scottish Monument on Flanders' soil, to commemorate all brave Scots who fought and died at the bloody Flanders Fields. It was a hot day, the sun burning in the back of our necks during a 2 hour ceremony, which was very touching, and some brilliant speeches. Got Goosebumps all the time, really. I was very happy to see so many Saltires, and was proud to stand there with my own flag and Siol shirt.

  

During the ceremony, many Scots, and others, asked me who I was and for whom I had these laid these two wonderful wreaths. I had a lot to explain, and all the reactions I got were superb, very positive. I also noticed here and there that independence really is living amongst many people, that was a good thing to hear!

  

I was thrilled when suddenly the pipe and drum band started playing Flower of Scotland, followed with a huge applause from the crowd. A few minutes later, they played the Belgian hymn, the Flanders hymn, and then...typical, God save blablabla. Not a single person standing there.....believe me..... a big crowd too, gave a single kick after that. Nothing!

  

Some speakers came to forward also "A Man's A Man for A' That" by Robert Burns was performed.

The wreath laying went perfect, and what I felt that moment was indescribable....Niall, it was an honour I could do this for you and your family. Same for Siol.

I hope some of you will  pay a visit to this monument. If you do, please contact me and it would be my pleasure to join you!

  

Alba Gu Brath,
Scotland in my heart forever.

We'd Like To Thank Mikey For This Report & Photos

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