The Douglas Haig Fellowship Tour 2021  - Facing the Hindenburg Line

Facing the Hindenburg Line In association with the Douglas Haig Fellowship - 18-21 September  2020                                                                    

Following on from the success of previous tours, the Douglas Haig Fellowship is pleased to announce a tour which considers the fascinating period of the German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line in the opening weeks of 1917.
This year’s tour will see us based in the popular Hotel Beatus, Cambrai and will once again be led by Clive Harris. From the moment British patrols returned with news that the Germans had left their winter lines we will follow in the footsteps of the BEF as it crept cautiously forward in an attempt to remain in contact with its foe. The journey sees them advancing over destroyed ground, encountering fierce rearguard actions, time delayed explosives, booby trapped positions and poisoned water sources. They then found themselves face to face with the Hindenburg Line outposts, the start of a defence in depth line, the likes of which had yet to be encountered in the Great War.
The particular focus of our tour will of course be Sir Douglas Haig.   By studying the pressures placed on him, from both home and in the field, we will consider his decision making, operational planning and eventual outcomes of commanding the largest force that Britain ever put to war. Locations visited will include Grandcourt, Peronne, St Pierre Vaast Wood, Ecoust St Mein, Croiselles, Queant and Vis-en-Artois. A visit to the CWGC Headquarters at Beaurains will complete our tour.