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It was an honour staying in the town that Australians had a major role in recovering during World War I. So many died.... Not all were found and buried either. The locals are great. Especially when they find out you are 'Australie'. Visit the Ecole (school) that Victorian children in Australia helped fund the rebuilding of after the war ended. The Museum has a window onto the playground that show the sign the kids see every day : DO NOT FORGET AUSTRALIA The Commonwealth War Graves Commission need to be congratulated for their dedicated care and maintenance of the war cemeteries around the world. Visit in sequence from Albert to Villers-Bretonneux : Pozières Memorial to the Missing, 1st Australian Division Memorial (Pozières), Gibraltar Bunker (Pozières), Tank Corps Memorial (Pozières), WWI Animal War Memorial, Australian Memorial (Pozières Mill), 3rd Australian Division Memorial (Morlancourt Ridge), Australian Corps Memorial Park (Le Hamel), Rue Melbourne, Rue Victoria, Ecole Victoria, Victoria School (Villers-Bretonneux), Musée Franco-Australien, Adelaide Cemetery (Villers-Bretonneux), Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, Australian National Memorial (Villers-Bretonneux), Amiens. Google Maps will find all these but be careful of being directed onto a farm track near Australian National Memorial (that was fun going along deeply rutted tractor track in a BMW!)

Villers-Bretonneux is a must see for Australians. We were fortunate to be there for ANZAC Day. Visited the primary school and museum in the days prior. On the day attended the Dawn service at the Australian War Memorial then also attended the service in V-B to honour the fallen French soldiers and villagers. Very moving. Given two lapel pins by an elderly French woman at the service.

As an Australian, it provides a wonderful opportunity to learn of the important role played by the Australians in the liberation of VB during the first world war and of the relationship that exists between France and Australia. It is a perfect location to be able to visit the Australian War Memorial and to visit the John Monash centre. It is accessible by train from Amiens and is easy to walk around. It is also close to many other small villages which are easily reached by car and which can also be reached on bikes.