Last year's tour

Chaperones and Department of Education staff facilitated the tour briefing with some icebreaker activities, project activity explanations and exciting information about the tour. 2024 Prize recipients also visited the Anzac Square Memorial Galleries.

Inside Anzac Square Memorial Galleries—an interactive journey from the First World War to today.

Inside Anzac Square Memorial Galleries—an interactive journey from the First World War to today.

Students and chaperones had the opportunity at the State Library of Queensland to discover more stories about Australia's service persons. Students went behind the scenes at the State Library of Queensland and learnt research strategies from the librarians that will assist them in researching their selected service persons.

On day 2 of the workshop, the students met with Ms Di Farmer MP, Minister for Education and Minister for Youth Justice, Mr James Sullivan MP, Assistant Minister for Justice and Veterans' Affairs, Major General (MAJGEN) Stephen Day DSC AM, RSL Queensland State President, and Vicki McDonald, State Librarian and CEO of State Library of Queensland. Together they engaged in the white gloves experience, viewing World War I and World War II artefacts including journals, trench art and letters.

2024 prize recipients in the white gloves room with Ms Di Farmer MP, Mr James Sullivan MP, Major General Stephen Day DSC AM, Vicki McDonald and Ms Simone Fuller, Executive Director, Department of Education International.

Mr James Sullivan MP, 2024 prize recipients and Ms Di Farmer MP.

Librarian and school engagement mentor from State Library of Queensland with 2024 prize recipients.

2024 Prize recipients examine treasured items from the State Library collection.

Diary entry by Elann and Bronte.

Our journey started with the farewell event hosted by Global Engagement, Education Department in Brisbane. We listened to meaningful and emotional speeches wishing us well and safe travels for the adventure to come. Guest speakers also provided insight into the meaning of the prize to the Australian Defence Force, RSL, Education Queensland and all Australians, all making the significant point of us being ambassadors for this Anzac commemoration tour.

After saying our goodbyes, bright and early the next day, we were packed and ready to start our long journey, travelling to the Brisbane International Airport for our flight to Singapore. Despite some initial reservations, we got through customs smoothly and it was now that the reality and significance of this tour and adventure finally hit us. All of us were encountering big first experiences; from the food, to the locations, everything was like a map to explore.

The first flight went smoothly, and we all enjoyed Changi Airport, especially the Butterfly Garden. However, fatigue soon became exhaustion, and when we finally boarded our flight for London, we all settled in for a long sleep.

After 15,000 kilometres, and 21 hours of flight, we finally stepped foot on the streets of London, and immediately there was a strong sense of familiarity. We recognised half the street signs from Monopoly, and the other half from Hollywood, but we have yet to pass 'Go' and collect $200.

We arrived very early in the morning on London time and would not be able to check in to our hotel until later that afternoon. So, we embarked on a bus tour of London. Among the incredible sites, all with their unique histories, we saw: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Horse Guard, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Nelson's Column, the National Gallery, St Paul's Cathedral, and encountered the infamous red telephone box. A particular highlight was the incredible changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where we caught up with the soldiers and marching band as they headed back to barracks.

Finally, we were able to check in to our hotel after our long travels and we were all eager to rest, so we hastily ate dinner and tucked ourselves in to bed early for a good night sleep.

Diary entry by Bryna and Jacqueline.

Despite the exhaustion from our long travels, the group rose early and set out for an exciting day of activities. First on the list of destinations was the Imperial War Museum, featuring 5 different exhibits. Notably, the exhibits included the First World War, Second World War and Holocaust, each providing insightful information and first-hand accounts of these theatres of war and their profound impact on the world. The Holocaust exhibit proved to be particularly moving for the entire group, with diaries, quotes, clothing and images providing a glimpse of the horrors of the holocaust. Graphic images of concentration camps and first-hand quotes from Jewish prisoners gave us chills and brought tears to our eyes.

After lunch at the museum, our group made their way to Hyde Park, where we learned about the history behind Speakers Corner and held our first commemoration at the Animals in War Memorial. Bronte delivered her commemorative address as we battled with the sounds of London traffic. The ode was spoken, a wreath was laid, and our purple poppies found a new home on the various statues of the animals that stand here in remembrance.

We all then embarked on a fantastic guided walking tour through the streets of central London, winding our way through well-known areas such as Mayfair and Soho. We visited historical sites like Grosvenor Square, which housed the diplomatic embassies of the United States and Canada during World War II. Walking through famous locations like the West End theatre district and Covent Garden, we made a brief stop at Sports Direct in Piccadilly Circus in search of a West Ham beanie, but unfortunately, we didn't find one. At Covent Garden, we explored the markets and stores, enjoying the street artists who entertained the crowds with juggling and acrobatic acts.

The weather started to turn as we made our way to the Thames River for a cruise starting at Westminster docks. We encountered some angry London weather with an unexpected bout of hail, which was shocking but also exciting for those of us who had never experienced this kind of weather before.

The amazing river cruise started at Westminster docks and featured fantastic views of famous sites such as the London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. We also saw the different architecture of modern buildings like the Shard and a peculiar building they called the 'Cheese Grater' or 'Walkie Talkie' because of its shape. We arrived at St. Katharine's Dock just in time to watch Tower Bridge lift its ramps as a Dutch Navy battleship departed, heading down the river toward the English Channel. Throughout today's adventures, a special guest, Trooper Jones, joined us. He appeared in many pictures and enjoyed the busy day of sightseeing, learning and remembrance.

We enjoyed a delicious dinner of Italian cuisine at Zizzi's at St. Katharine's Dock. Our weary but happy group of travellers then boarded the coach back to the hotel, looking forward to an early night and a long sleep. We all agreed that it had been a memorable day of sightseeing and experiences in London.

Animals in War Memorial.

Trooper Jones London Bridge.

With tour guide at the Animals in War Memorial.

Diary entry by Grace and Eloise.

This morning, we visited HMS Belfast. We held a commemoration service in the ship's chapel to remember those who served and lost their lives in naval service. We lay our own wreath and it was wonderful to see that the 2023 Premier's Anzac Prize wreath was still there and in good shape. Afterwards, we explored the ship in small groups and enjoyed navigating the maze of hallways and rooms that made up the ship. HMS Belfast is an extraordinary floating museum that allows everyone a hands-on experience with this historical vessel. We all enjoyed the freedom of roaming around and climbing up and down the different decks to experience what it must have been like for the sailors who served in war. We all enjoyed a delicious lunch in the ship's cafe before heading to our next destination that would take us out of London city and to the fringes of the countryside.

After a short drive, we arrived in the village of Harefield, where we visited the junior school and were taken for a tour around the grounds. Harefield was the site of the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital where Australians were sent when wounded during the war. The Harefield Junior School acknowledges and commemorates the Anzacs every year and it was quite moving to see the Anzac Hall and Garden the students have created to commemorate the Australians who died. We were honoured to accept a commemorative booklet and an Anzac medal from the principal of this school and it was so amazing to see the impact that the Anzacs have had on such a small corner of the world. Many soldiers did not survive their injuries and died here, and were buried in the beautiful St Mary's Churchyard Harefield Cemetery.

We said goodbye to the Harefield School and then visited the St Mary's Churchyard Cemetery where we held a commemorative ceremony to remember the soldiers who fought at Gallipoli and other wars since. Bronte gave her personal eulogy to family member Lionel Sidney Stuart Corser at the memorial in the Anzac portion of the cemetery and we had the chance to see the graves of the Anzacs buried in Harefield. We also explored inside the St Mary's Church which housed the Anzac chapel, and we each signed our name in the booklet alongside the 2023 Anzac prize recipients.

It was an amazing day of exploring and learning.

Imperial War Museum.

Diary entry by Sophie and Katie.

We woke up bright and early at 5am to begin packing and quickly ate some breakfast before the coach arrived. In the chilly morning breeze, we said our goodbyes to England and boarded the Eurostar for our train trip under the water across the Channel to France. The journey was approximately 2 hours long, but felt like only a few minutes. When you looked out the window, the French countryside seemed to stretch on continuously, a marvellous sight to kickstart our experience of Paris. There were beautiful farmlands and cottages on the way to our destination, characteristic of our new landscape in France, that gave us a taste of what was to come. Once we arrived, we said goodbye to our lovely London tour guide, Jo, and met with our new Parisian tour guides, Gerard and Nigel. And soon, we were on the coach bound for the Palace of Versailles, officially beginning our adventure in France.

On the way to Versailles, we began taste-testing our first French words, unfamiliar as they tumbled out of our mouths. Before long, we were greeted by the magnificent gold gates of the palace. An enormous building with all the grandeur exceeding our expectation, the jovial Gerard guided us through the various rooms as we stared in awe at the beautiful and intricate paintings adorned above us on the roof and all along the walls. Together, we travelled back in time to several centuries ago, as we learnt about the French Kings and Queens of the past and all their opulence. The most extraordinary room was the Hall of Mirrors, where we stood at the room's centre, exactly where the Treaty of Versailles had been signed some 105 years ago to end World War I.

After this we spiralled down the grand staircase and into the amazing gardens, where 600 hectares of carefully manicured hedges, plants and trees stretched before us. Gerard highlighted the gardens' Roman touches, as we walked around admiring the sculptures depicting gods, water fountains with sound shows as a backdrop to the magic of timed water spouts and describing mythological stories.

Our tired legs were completely satisfied with the amount of exercise we had undertaken in the gardens and we all bundled back into the coach, saying goodbye to Gerard and heading back into the centre of Paris to check in to our hotel. What a wonderful first day in France!

Eurostar train trip.

Palace of Versailles gates.

Palace of Versailles grounds.

Diary entry by Elann and Bronte.

This morning we woke up, had a delicious buffet breakfast, and tried traditional French cuisine. After breakfast we met our incredible and very entertaining tour guide, Anne-Marie, who was to show us the wonders of Paris. Among the amazing sites we saw were the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Les Invalides and Notre Dame. Along the way, we learned countless interesting facts about the history of both Paris and France.

Alighting from the bus, we absorbed another extraordinary perspective of these architectural wonders from the upper deck of a marvellous Seine River cruise. Although it was very cold, freezing even, we braved the cold air as the sun poked out between clouds and offered us a lovely bright day to take in the view around us. Paris is beautiful with all of its history gloriously displayed along the river banks, giving us a feast for the eyes. We didn't know where to look first!

After our cruise we had lunch at a fabulous French Café called Chez Claude, indulging in delicious French cuisine. With lunch done we were eager to visit the Louvre and walked the short distance from the café and into the breathtaking square of the Musée du Louvre. We were finally here and couldn't wait to see the Louvre. We only had a short time though and we all so dearly want to see more, but thankfully we were able to see the Mona Lisa and take in the many different types of art they had on display in the area surrounding the hall she is housed in.

Our hotel was not far from the Eiffel Tower and so late in the afternoon, we went for a walk to take in the view. We found a beautiful park that sat under the view of this amazing structure, rested on the grass taking as many photos as our phones could hold, and the most comedic videos we could think of. Then it was out to dinner, back to the hotel for a good night's sleep, and ready for another day tomorrow.

Paris.

Diary entry by Bryna and Jacqueline.

After checking out from our hotel in Paris, we began our journey to Belgium, heading for the town of Ypres. On the way we experience our first taste of the Western Front, stopping at the museum of the Battle of Fromelles which contained very interesting artefacts and large-scale models of the trench systems created during the First World War. This museum tells the story of the tragic Battle of Fromelles and includes an audio guide providing us with information about the battle and a table showing the battle's progress and how each allied battalion was forced to retreat as they were surrounded by enemy forces. We spent some time reflecting on the displays to understand the experience of our Australian soldiers who fought here.

After we finished exploring the exhibit, Trooper Jones was momentarily reunited with his long-lost cousin in the gift shop before we then headed out to the Pheasant Wood cemetery. At the cemetery our tour guide Nigel taught us about Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries and mass grave where the men resting in Pheasant Wood Cemetery were originally buried by the Germans after the battle here. The mass grave was found in 2007 and one by one each of the soldiers buried here were identified and reburied in the newly created cemetery.

Following this, we headed over to the Australian Memorial Park where we learnt further about the Battle of Fromelles and held a commemorative ceremony to remember the sacrifice of our Australian soldiers who were killed or wounded. Historians call this battle the worst in Australian military history, with some 5,000 plus casualties in the first 24 hours of fighting. The memorial stands on the battlefield where the German front line once stood and there are 2 concrete German bunkers that still remain, one of which was flipped over in an attempt to blow it up after the war.

After exploring the bunkers, we headed to V.C. Corner where Jaqueline delivered her eulogy for Private Andrew Olsen. This beautiful cemetery holds 2 large and neatly ordered grave sites of Australian soldiers, buried side by side, who were recovered from the battlefield but could not be identified. You can look back from this site and see the memorial where the German line was just a short distance away. We reflected on how flat the land was here and the difficulties the Australians would have faced in trying to take the German line. It was impossible! With the strong impression of the tragic experience our Australian soldiers faced here in their first experience of the Western Front, our own first experience was quietly contemplated as we hopped back on the bus and headed to the Belgian town of Ypres, just an hour away over the border.

Ypres is a beautiful historical town that had been completely destroyed during World War I, so it was amazing to arrive and see such heritage reminiscent of the Middle Ages. Nothing in the town is older than the 106 years since the end of World War I, as it was destroyed during the war and completely rebuilt. We checked into our wonderful hotel and stepped out to dinner at a lovely café restaurant.

Our planned commemorations at the Menin Gate were disrupted due to it being closed for renovations, however, we were still able to participate in the Last Post Ceremony, a commemoration that has been held here every night since 1929 with the exception of 1940–1944 when the Germans occupied the town. At the ceremony the poem In Flanders Fields was read and Mrs Pipe, Elann and Bronte laid a wreath on behalf of the tour group.

Our first day on the Western Front has helped us understand the scale of the war and uncover the stories of the people who fought and died in it. The days ahead of us are anticipated more keenly as we ready ourselves for the full impact of the Australian experience during World War I.

Museum of the Battle of Fromelles.

Battle of Fromelles.

Australian War Memorial.

Diary entry by Grace and Eloise.

We woke early this morning to a lovely buffet breakfast at our hotel before boarding our coach and setting off towards the battlefields around Ypres. Our first stop was an extended visit to the Buttes New British Cemetery, where we commemorated the soldiers who fought in the Passchendaele Offensive in this region at the Australian 5th Division Memorial.

Our chaperone, Mrs Pipe, also gave her eulogy here to her family member William Stubbings. Whilst gaining insight from our guide on the stories of several soldiers, we had the pleasure to meet another, much larger tour group visiting from Australia who had a tour guide with them dressed in an Australian soldier uniform and showed us artefacts he had dug up from the fields in the area.

We then went on to visit the Passchendaele Museum and had the opportunity to explore full size trench systems and dugout replicas, as well as explore the experience of soldiers through hands on displays and interactive information. A quick lunch at a local diner called Cafe Taverne de Dreve where the same Australian group from Buttes New British Cemetery were also having lunch and shared with us more World War I shrapnel, bullets and other relics that had been found in the fields outside just mere minutes before. It was incredible to see just how many reminders of World War I still exist in and around these battle areas.

After lunch we went back into Polygon Wood on the far side from the cemetery at a place called Black Watch Corner where we were given a task to work together and solve a set of codes that led us into the woods to discover the stories of World War I soldiers who fought here. This task led us all the way through the woods, past old bunkers and trenches and back into the Buttes New British Cemetery where we had started the day.

Leaving Polygon Wood, we headed further along the Ypres Salient to the magnificently placed Tyne Cot cemetery, the largest Commonwealth cemetery for World War I soldiers in the world. It was quite confronting to walk into the cemetery and take in all the white headstones laid out across the field, giving us a visualisation of just how many soldiers were killed in World War I.

Back in the comfort of our hotel and after a lovely dinner at a local restaurant, we went to bed reflecting heavily on the day and our experiences of the way soldiers fought in the war here.

Passchendaele Museum.

Black Watch Corner.

Diary entry by Katie and Sophie.

Walking on a World War I Battlefield is a completely unique experience. Even more so, when the battlefield is preserved, and therefore, when you close your eyes, you can see the soldiers, right in front of you. This is exactly what we experienced today, at Hill 60—a cratered landscape of utmost importance to both the German and Allied Forces in World War I. As the opposing frontlines were less than 10m apart, tunnels were dug underground, filled with explosives in a unique form of warfare. The effect of these explosives could be seen as we traced the uneven ground. We listened intently to Nigel, our historian, as he told the story of the Australian tunnellers who set the mines here and we paid our respects at the memorial to the 1st Australian Tunnellers. Nigel pointed out a very interesting feature of what looked like damage to the memorial but was in fact 2 bullet holes from the fighting during World War II that took place here.

After exploring the numerous bunkers on Hill 60, we ventured over to the other side of Ypres and into the village of Poperinge, where we enjoyed a guided tour of Talbot House. Traversing this beautiful village estate, we learnt about how the 'Everyman's Club' provided entertainment for the soldiers, enabling them to forget about the war for a joyous moment in time. Enjoying a morning tea and lunch we were grateful and amazed by the wonderful hospitality of the volunteers here who took such good care of us. With our stomachs full, we all joined in on a heart-warming rendition of Waltzing Matilda, We are Australian, and Advance Australia Fair as Bronte demonstrated her expertise on the piano in the dining room. Eventually, we were drawn outside into the lovely garden area, playing a game of cricket. We also spent much time trying to capture the perfect photo of the cat of Talbot House—Duchess—who lovingly challenged our every move with playful moves and swift escapes.

We then ventured further out into Poperinge to pay our respect to the fallen soldiers of the Ypres Salient. Between 2 Belgian houses there was a narrow grass path surrounded by tall bushes. At the end was Brandhoek New Military Cemetery. Here laid Captain Chavasse of the Royal Army Medical Corps and Private Rudd of the King's Liverpool Regiment; doctor and servant who were inseparable while alive, and now are buried within the same cemetery in death. Chavasse was awarded the Victoria Cross for his selfless sacrifice in saving men while wounded on the Somme and again in his venture into No Man's Land to treat the injured. His tale was such a moving story that illustrates yet another unfortunate loss of life in an unfortunate war.

Following our visit to the cemetery, we made our way to the In Flanders Fields Museum back in the heart of Ypres. There are such meaningful displays of art, film and wartime items that tell the story of sacrifice and bravery demonstrating the impact of conflict on both the individual and the world as a whole. Seeing the disfigured faces of survivors, the weaponry that took the lives of millions of soldiers and the personal belongings of some of the most heroic people was both confronting and heartbreaking to witness. Nevertheless, the educational and personal importance remains the deepest impression, and will be something that we can always remember.

Bronte playing the piano.

Duchess (cat of Talbot House).

Brandhoek New Military Cemetery.

Diary entry by Elann and Bronte.

Today we went to the wonderful city of Bruges, the Venice of Belgium, and home to many chocolate shops. A little breezy, we rugged up and started the day with a boat ride through the canals of Bruges, we saw incredible architecture dating back to the 13th century. Along the way we encountered an entourage of swans nesting upon the banks of the river, catching the attention and affection of our whole boat group.

We then decided to empty our pockets in all the chocolate shops in Bruges, collectively buying 10 tonnes (exaggerating) of chocolate, or more, which may mean the plane cannot take off to take us home! It was a wonderful morning of shopping in this historical town with a lovely lunch in a traditional café.

In a day of contrasts, the afternoon saw a return to a more sombre mood as we visited Langemarck German Cemetery. We explored a small display that sits to the side of this cemetery that details the first time gas was used as chemical warfare. This horrifying tactical strategy was a dreadful weapon of war and left us all feeling uneasy as we entered the cemetery. Here, we were given insight into the other side of the war story from the German perspective, and the impact of war on young German soldiers, learning that in the end, all soldiers were just humans following the commands of their leaders. It was a stark reminder of the emotional impact that the Great War has on us even some 100 plus years later.

Following on from this, we visited the nearby St Julien Canadian Memorial where we learned of the devastating impact of chemical warfare and the use of gas. This memorial commemorates some 6,000 Canadians who became casualties through gas poisoning with some 2,000 killed here. It is a deeply moving memorial and striking in the landscape here.

Back to Ypres, despite the restoration project on the Menin Gate, we managed to find a quiet spot to conduct a commemoration address for the soldiers whose graves are not known on the battlefields of Belgium while Chaperone Ms Walls conducted her eulogy for her colleague's family member, Edward Newman.

We went out for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant and ended the day with a marching bagpipe band coming from the Menin gate through the street of Ypres as we walked back to our hotel.

St Julien Memorial.

Langemarck German Cemetery.

Diary entry by Bryna and Jaqueline.

Bright and early, the group rose to begin a day of touring and travelling. Our day began at the Messines New Zealand Memorial where Nigel spoke to us about the unfolding battle in this region and the outstanding success of the New Zealanders in taking the town and driving the Germans back.

On the other side of the town, we visited the Cabin Hill Cemetery where Mrs Pipe gave her eulogy for family member Alfred Fitzgerald and Bryna shared her eulogy for soldier George Henry Moody, a local from the Townsville region. We paid respects to these 2 soldiers whose graves remain unknown but died in the fields surrounding this cemetery.

We continued on and crossed the border back into France arriving in Bullecourt, the scene of one of the Australian soldiers most successful battles that came at such a heavy cost. At the Australian Memorial Park, we gained a deep insight into how this brutal battle occurred and what the Australian soldiers endured. You can see the fields they had to cross and, with the lack of support, so many deaths occurred. We commemorated the soldiers who fought here and lay a wreath. The Slouch Hat Memorial nearby was also fascinating, and although being of a small size, it made a large impact on our understanding of the way we commemorate with the slouch hat being a significant symbol of Australian military history.

Our amazing bus driver Peter then drove us safely along some dirt roads to give Eloise the opportunity to read her eulogy for family member Frederick William Lovejoy at Courcelette British Cemetery. We spent some time here at this beautiful cemetery walking amongst the graves and the lovely gardens. As we were leaving though, Nigel came upon an unexploded artillery shell in the ploughed field across the road. This gave us an opportunity to see the type of artillery used. However, Nigel also explained what the farmers do with these items when they are found.

The day continued and so did our exploration of World War I, the journey taking us to Pozières Windmill, the scene of fierce fighting where the Australians took this town from the Germans under ferocious counter attacks. Directly across the road we explored the memorial dedicated to the use of tanks in war.

Just on the other side of the small town of Pozières, Bronte and Elann shared 2 eulogies for their chosen soldiers at the 1st Division Memorial. It was here that Nigel also mentioned the story of Dead Man's Road, Casualty Corner, and the 2 brave soldiers who delivered a message, one of whom died whilst doing so and was found later with the message in his hand. Mouquet Farm was the next stop, where Nigel shared the experiences of Australians soldiers as they moved through this area. The farm sits on top of the ridge line and we learned that it had been moved from the far left of the ridge to the far right as land was left so unstable from the artillery shelling during the war. As we drove up out of the small valley, we could see the big Thiepval British Memorial in the distance and look forward to visiting in a few days.

We came to our last stop for the day at Daours Communal Cemetery Extension where Grace gave her very emotional eulogies for 2 best friends Henry Alexander Williamson and John Busiko, who were killed in action together on the same day.

Finally, this very long and emotional day came to an end as we headed off to our hotel in Amiens. After a long day of travelling, we enjoyed a hearty dinner of lasagne and headed to bed for a good sleep.

Messines New Zealand Memorial.

Elann delivering a eulogy.

Bronte delivery a eulogy.

Monquet Farm.

Diary entry by Grace and Eloise

We began today with a buffet breakfast at our hotel in Amiens before setting off for the village of Naours, to explore an incredible network of underground tunnels and rooms that have been occupied and used since the Middle Ages. For Australians, these tunnels are significant as Australian soldiers sheltered here and have left their mark all over the tunnel walls.

On a guided tour through the maze of rooms and communal spaces, we marvelled at the amount of graffiti left by our visiting soldiers, writing and carving their names into the walls during World War I. One of the best rooms in the tunnel system was the chapel, a large cave that still holds a statue of the Virgin Mary. Some of the caves were extraordinary in the height of their ceiling, with statues sitting on carved holes in the walls way up near the roof line. We had an amazing tour through this very unique landmark.

After a lovely lunch at Naours, we went for a short drive to Vignacourt, where we saw the famous photograph museum collated by Louis and Antoinette Thullier. It was a brilliant experience to see their extensive collection of photographs of soldiers from the war that had only been discovered in 1990 when a few photos were published for a display at the town hall. In 2011, Australian television news crew ran a story that made the collection famous, and today we have the amazing opportunity to view these photos in the place they were all taken.

We returned earlier than usual today and rested for the afternoon in preparation for a very early start in the morning as we attend the dawn service at the Australian War Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux.

Vignacourt Photograph Museum.

Virgin Mary.

Naours.

Diary entry by Katie and Sophie.

We will never forget Anzac Day at the Australian National Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux. With an early morning wake-up at 1.45am, we hopped onto the bus, making our way to one of the 2 international Anzac Day services being televised, the other being at Gallipoli. The walk up to the memorial itself in the dark, with the tower ahead all lit up to guide the way was a very special moment. Despite the freezing cold, we settled into our seats, observing the pre-service commemoration stories and listening to the beautiful band music. Withstanding the testament of time, the stories were displayed on the screens before us, casting a spotlight on the heroic soldiers of World War I.

On this early morning, these soldier stories inspired us. Accompanied by the music of the Air Force Band, it was truly a sight to behold. Light began peeking through the clouds and the Dawn Service commenced with the haunting sounds of the didgeridoo. The inspirational words of speakers floated out across us all and as the ode was read, tears welled up in our eyes. This was followed with the Last Post; the bugle, projecting out into the valley below and behind us. A heart-warming moment was shared when we sang Advance Australia Fair, together with 1,000 other Aussies highlighting a bond and undoubtedly, a strong connection between all of us. When the official service was over, Bryna and Jaqueline laid a wreath at the public invitation and we lingered together long after the service was over, waiting for the call to head to our bus and depart.

Leaving the memorial, we headed to Le Hamel to enjoy a wonderful French breakfast with the townspeople of Le Hamel. It was here that you could see the unbreakable bond between Australia and France. A highlight for us was when the young children of Le Hamel gifted us with beautiful badges and invited us to walk with them through the streets of their village to lay a wreath for Anzac Day by their side.

After breakfast we visited Lochnagar Crater, a giant hole in the ground now completely grassed over but caused by giant mine explosives during World War I. Seeing this large-scale damage of the land, far larger than anything we had seen as of yet on the tour, was very confronting. It vividly painted a picture of the horrific warfare that occurred on these French plains nearly 100 years ago. It seemed impossible to even imagine, but seeing the evidence before us brought to life the descriptions we had only read in our textbooks. In the distant farmland you could also see lighter patches, a product of the disrupted chalk in the ground where in the wake of shelling it had been moved. Nigel our guide and historian explained the extreme contrast in colour illustrated the true intensity of the battles that our soldiers lived, fought and died in.

We then made our way to the massive Thiepval British Memorial and Museum. In the museum, alongside the encyclopaedia of information written on the walls, there were a multitude of photographs that depicted the First World War and its soldiers. Even the smallest details, such as the manner in which uniform was worn, revealed the ingenuity and strategy exhibited by the ANZACs. A very large and grand monument stands before the cemetery flying both the French and British flags, symbolising the nationality of soldiers that lay at rest there. Tens of thousands of names were inscribed within the walls that seemed to extend upwards infinitely, with many more brave men's graves marked by the recognisable white headstones in the garden behind, a reminder of the large-scale sacrifice by these 2 allied countries. The stone of remembrance 'Their Name Liveth for Evermore' was decorated with many crosses and poppy wreaths, demonstrating how such contributions are still recognised, remembered and appreciated by all.

In the afternoon we headed back to our hotel in Amiens for a rest and catch up on much needed sleep after such an early start to the day.

Anzac Day.

Walking up to the Australian National Memorial for the Dawn Service.

Breakfast at Le Hamel.

Le Hamel Mairie.

Thiepval British Memorial and Museum.

Diary entry by Bronte and Elann.

After another fabulous French breakfast of croissants and hot chocolate, we headed out to visit the Somme Battlefields, first stopping at Adelaide Cemetery, near Villers-Bretonneux, for a very special visit. It is here in this cemetery that the original gravesite of Australia's unknown soldier is located. The tombstone gently reminds us that he now lies as the unknown Australian soldier in the Hall of Remembrance at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

We then travelled a little further to visit Victoria School, with its famous 'Never Forget Australia' sign, and explored the Franco-Australian Museum. This is a fantastic museum, full of artefacts and interesting information, it is such an incredibly emotional experience to wander through the museum while hearing a recording of Waltzing Matilda sung by the Victoria School student choir.

After the museum, we returned to the Australian National Memorial located within Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery. Straight into the Sir John Monash Centre, we engaged in the most incredible museum experience of the tour. This centre houses a state-of-the-art interactive multimedia museum where you put in your earphones and using an App on your phone, you immerse yourself in the war experience of Australian soldiers. It was both so fascinating and incredibly moving. The individual stories of the service personnel, as well as the immersive experience, were definite highlights of this visit, providing a deeper insight into the experiences of Australian soldiers.

After lunch, we commemorated seven more of our service people with personal eulogies, honouring our soldiers' experience and connecting deeper than ever to what they endured. Taking the opportunity further, we climbed the memorial tower to take in the view of this amazing memorial and the sweeping landscape to the horizon. All the famous images of this amazing memorial came to life for us. Seeing the rolling hills of the French countryside was so beautiful, but also striking in contrast with all of the battlefield photos we've seen recently in our museum visits. We slowly wandered back through the cemetery here and reflected on our very special visit to Villers-Bretonneux.

For our last location today, we visited the 3rd Australian Division Memorial at Sailly-le-Sec, and then Ribemont Communal Cemetery Extension as Katie shared her eulogy for Indigenous soldier Archibald James Marshall.

Heading back to Amiens, we took the opportunity to visit the magnificent Cathédrale de Notre-Dame d'Amiens. Its roofline stands above all the building around and being so close to the hotel we could not miss the chance to see inside. It is an incredible experience, rich in history with such amazing altars and stained-glass windows casting an incredible light down its long walkways.

We had another delicious dinner at a local restaurant and lingered a while longer contemplating how little time we have left together. Just one more day!

School in Villers Bretonneux.

Sir John Monash Centrel.

Katie delivering a eulogy for Indigenous soldier Archibald James Marshall.

Diary entry by Bryna and Jacqueline.

Today is the last day of the Premier's Anzac Prize tour 2024 on the Western Front. We packed up our bags for the last time and waved goodbye to Amiens as we headed out to the last of our Western Front tour sites of Mont St Quentin, Peronne and St Quentin Canal.

Mont St Quentin was our first stop, where we viewed the 2nd Division Memorial and learnt about its history. The original statue had an Australian soldier thrusting his bayonet through a German eagle. However, in 1940, German soldiers smashed the memorial and it was left empty until 1971 where it was then replaced with a thoughtful Australian soldier looking downwards. Just around the corner from this memorial, we explored a seemingly normal looking street; however, Nigel pointed out that the Australians had dug in along this embankment and a British shell that had been fired remained lodged in the wall here. It was such a surprise to see that it had remained untouched after all this time.

Following this, we went to the museum at Peronne where we learnt more about the battles on the Somme from the French perspective. The museum had fascinating displays, with artifacts arranged in floor pits showcasing the uniforms and equipment of soldiers. We had a quick lunch here before heading out to the isolated Fourth Division Memorial in the fields, completing our viewing of the 5 Australian Infantry Divisions' Memorials on the Western Front.

Our final commemorative ceremony took place at the St Quentin Canal where, despite the initial challenges, the allies were able to persevere and cross the canal, something of a significant milestone in the hundred days offensive that occurred in the Somme region. Finally, and rather fittingly, we ended the tour at Montbrehain where Australia's involvement in the First World War came to an end, liberating the French people and allowing the soldiers who had fought so valiantly to finally come home.

Boarding the bus for our final time, we started our journey back to Paris and our hotel near the airport. On our way, we bid a fond farewell to our amazing tour guide and historian Nigel, dropping him at a train station for his own journey home.

We arrived at the airport hotel in the early evening and settled in for a good rest before our long flights home tomorrow.

Montbrehain memorial.

St Quentin Canal.