Incredible is the word to describe today.

An early start 0500 BST after a very calm and relaxing North Sea crossing and fueled by a very hearty breakfast, it was straight to Messines for a very busy day.

Both companies visited Spanbroekmolen mine crater, one of 21 mines due to be exploded at the start of the Battle of Messines, we learned that on the morning only 19 of the mines were blown and one further exploded during a thunderstorm in the 1950’s one mine is still unaccounted for.

Both companies then visited Messines church where the crypt was used as a casualty clearing station during the war and we heard that Adolph Hitler was treated for his wounds at one point.

Company B visited Black Watch memorial at Polygon Wood.

Lunch at the excellent Hooge Crater Museum was followed by a trip to Hill62 and the Sanctuary Wood trenches which are probably the best preserved trenches in the Ypres salient.

Company A visited Hill 60 while Company B paid their respects to a relation of Rhys Gibb, L/Cpl J McCoubrey of the Royal Irish Rifles who died on the 2nd June 1917 who is buried in Pond Farm Cemetery.