Battlefield Tour through Northern France and Belgium
France-bound Memorabilia: A Journey of a Clock Unraveled from War Archives
Last fall, my significant other and I embarked on a tour of the battlefields in northern France and Belgium. Despite the chilly November weather, we managed to dodge the rain, which was a nice change given the gloomy skies overhead.
Instead of opting for a guided tour, we followed a personalized itinerary crafted by our son, inspired by his own exploration of France a few years prior.
The absolute highlight of our trip was visiting the Vimy Ridge Memorial, near Arras, France. This battle was a crucial part of the Battle of Arras, where the Canadian Corps faced off against three German divisions.
This confrontation has come to symbolize incredible Canadian sacrifice and national achievement. As we stood at the memorial, we couldn't help but feel a profound sense of melancholy as we reflected on the dizzying number of lives lost-approximately 3,600 soldiers killed and over 7,000 wounded.
Throughout our journey, we took in many historical sites connected to the Great War, wandering through graveyards filled with the fallen, striving to make sense of the unfathomable horrors of battle.
Perhaps the most affecting stop was the In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres, Belgium. This incredible institution is dedicated to preserving and studying the history of the First World War.
The museum is named after the famous poem by Canadian George MaCrae, written on December 8, 1915.
The exhibit tells the tragic story of the invasion of Belgium, the first months of the mobilization, and the brutal four-year reign of trench warfare. It explores the personal stories of individuals from various nations, their lives forever changed by the conflict, as revealed through the many objects on display.
One such object is a time-only French slate clock. During wartime, soldiers often collected souvenirs as tangible reminders of their experiences, victories, or the places they visited. These items carried emotional, historical, or symbolic meaning and provided a personal connection to their time in service. Soldiers often found helmets, badges, bayonets, or other weapons left on the battlefield, which to them symbolized triumph or survival.
These mementos not only held personal significance but also allowed soldiers to share their experiences with loved ones upon their return.
Corporal G. Driver of England is one example of a soldier who managed to return home with an extraordinary artifact: a French slate clock, which he kept in his possession for the rest of his life. The clock, with its noticeable weight and heft, remains a mystery as to how it was managed to be transported back to England undamaged. Upon closer inspection, the clock reveals its storied journey, bearing scratches, cracks, and remnants of what once appeared to have been a floral design at its base.
This clock was discovered in a local church that had been destroyed during the bombing of Ypres by advancing German forces.
Following the corporal's passing, the clock was passed down through the family for a time but was ultimately returned to Belgium in 2005, where it now takes a prominent place in the display at the In Flanders Fields Museum.
What struck us most were the intensely personal stories of the soldiers who participated in the Great War-their bravery, resilience, and ultimate sacrifice. Their selflessness was instrumental in ensuring that future generations, including us, could live freely. These poignant human stories of courage and heroism left a lasting impact on us.
Turn Back the Hands of Time: Discover ancient secrets in antique clocks
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- The In Flanders Fields Museum, a poignant institution dedicated to preserving and studying the history of the First World War, houses a French slate clock that was found in a local church and remained with a soldier from England, Corporal G. Driver, for the rest of his life.
- A personalized tour of the battlefields in northern France and Belgium unveiled countless relics collected by soldiers during war-and-conflicts, such as the French slate clock, serving as reminders of their experiences and the places they visited.
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