We arrived in mons today in preparation for starting the bike ride tomorrow (Thanks to sister Prue for the lend of her spare bike, it is going well so far). Had a scout around and discovered their military museum filled with WW1 Memorabilia (see the brit flag above). Even better the kind curator gave us some detailed info on the battles around Mons that specifically mentions my grandfathers battery and matches his diary.
Intrestingly in his diary he writes on the 23rd of August 1914 "heard some firing for the first time and prepared to come into action" this we discovered were some of the first shots fired in WW1.
Also on the 23rd he has hand written that Major Maidlow of the 49th Battery was killed. This was referenced in the museum detailing that he was killed in a hospital just south of Mons when it was shelled by the Germans and recorded in the list of deaths below...
Mons comes across as a town that has seen more than its fair share of military history. Just today about 50 WW2 vehicles arrived in Mons to celebrate the American liberation in 1944. Lots of jeeps, kakhi and tanks (it was almost like James had planned it).
We head tomorow to the place Hal first sees action in Bois la haute and start the first section of the ride.
Cant wait.
P&J
We think below is the Chateau mentioned in the diary so will try to do a slight detor to go for a swim during our trip...