Recommended in the Foreign Office Ministerial Reading List - Summer 2014 It does what it says on the tin, introducing the reader to the nuances of planning an itinerary for the Somme or the Ypres Salient. A comprehensive beginners guide. - Despatches (The Guild of Battlefield Guides) History teacher Gareth Hughes has compiled a clear, easy-to-read starter guide to the Western Front battlefields for teachers leading school parties, as well as the self-touring novice. He gives essential tour 'highlights' with suggestions for lunch stops, free time ideas and other helpful information for you to get the best out of your battlefield trip and be inspired to trace your own relatives' war stories. - Family Tree Magazine The book is well written and packed with useful information and some good supporting images - WWI Centenary This splendid book, released to coincide with the centenary of the war, will be invaluable to those visiting the battlefields, sites, museums, memorials and cemeteries of France and Belgium. It is intended for those planning and leading school groups and similar parties but is also ideal for individual/family visitors. Rather than list every site etc it provides realistic itineraries to the best places in the two major areas of the Somme and Ypres. Even these are flexible to allow party leaders suitable discretion. The author provides helpful information for each site such as its context in the War, visitor orientation, the narrative (the essential facts to engage, inform and entertain), suggested activity and relevant photos and maps. This combines to make every visit of maximum benefit and interest and yet reduce the workload of the party leaders. There are also valuable tips for lunch breaks, free time ideas and other helpful pointers.