Boronia Travel Centre

Australian War Memorial Remembers Our Past With Present Occasions

As the forthcoming Remembrance Day encourages Australians to observe one minute silence to mark the anniversary of the armistice which ended the First World War, the Australian War Memorial would like people to consider visiting the Western Front, where following in the footsteps of our serviceman and women can be a fascinating way to explore the battlefields and also pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for Australia.

“Joining a tour can be an excellent way to visit the First World War battlefields, especially for first time travellers,“ explains Peter Burness, a senior historian with the Australian War Memorial. “The great advantage is that you not only benefit from the knowledge and expertise from the Australian War Memorial curators, but that you are joining other people who have a similar interest, where long-lasting friendships have resulted from being part of our tours”.

While many tour operators visit the famous battlefield sites and retell the many stories of courage and sacrifices made by our Australian diggers, the Australian War Memorial has extended their services by assisting all tour participants with their family research and ensuring they visit sites of particular interest to them.

“An interest for many people wanting to visit the battlefields is the discovery of a relative who fought on the Western Front,” says Peter. “In many instances, tracing a lost relatives war service can be very liberating and a deeply moving experience”.

The Western Front battlefield tour is designed and led by the Memorial’s Peter Burness, who also has access to a vast array of resources such as documentation, maps, films and photographs from the Australian War Memorial archives, providing him an expert advantage in the field and an unrivalled level of personalised service.

The Dawn Service at Villers Bretonneux has also become a highlight of the Western Front tour, and is considered by many travellers to be more moving than the often-publicised Gallipoli service.

“Anzac Day on the Western Front is such a unique and emotional experience. From the beautiful Dawn Service set amongst the rolling hills of the Somme Battlefields to the afternoon commemoration at Bullecourt. Everyone is welcome to join French and Australian service men and women along with local villagers to march through the main street concluding at the Australian Memorial Park for an intimate service” expressed Michelle Waller from Boronia Travel Centre and ‘official travel agent’ to the Australian War Memorial.

The Western Front Tour has since become both a commemorative and educational journey into an important part of our nation’s history. By providing such a personalised service, the Australian War Memorial has not only enhanced the overall travel experience but also touches the hearts of those seeking to connect with their family history.

For more information about the Western Front Battlefield Tour visit: www.battlefieldtourspecialists.com.au/tours/awm-western-front-gold-tour-2012 or call Boronia Travel Centre on 1800 035 350.

For more information about joining the National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial please send an email to ceremony@rsvp.com.au.

About Boronia Travel Centre

For nearly 20 years, Boronia Travel Centre have specialised in battlefield tours to Gallipoli, the Western Front and Tobruk. Boronia Travel Centre is the “official travel agent” to the Australian War Memorial battlefields tours and are responsible for all their travel arrangements. These tours are the most informative and in depth tours available, and are specifically designed by the Australian War Memorial historians and curators. Boronia Travel Centre is a fully licensed travel agent (Lic. 31037) and a member of TravelScene American Express.

Media Contact

Craig Pethebridge CPM Bright Owl Marketing