Grenay to Calais

On the move again today - nearly completing the circuit of France we began back in June. The journey took us past Méteren, the village in which my grandfather is buried. 

The last resting place of William Sayer - killed 23rd April 1918 - RIP. 

Méteren was totally destroyed during the fighting of WWI. Before the destruction in April 1918 Méteren was an important market town in northern France. 

The above images were taken today on a plaque in the main square of Méteren. How eerie to see the top left postcard - the same as the one I have, sent by William Sayer in 1918 to my mother, who was only three, perhaps the last message to his family before the fateful day in April. 

The William Sayer post card  from the Western Front in April 1918. very treasured possession. 

We had a coffee at Méteren before driving on to Grande Synthe, near Dunkirk, for lunch. After this we headed for the Cité Europe in Coquelles, Calais, where we planned to do some shopping - mainly French wine - and spend the night. 

The day did start with an early morning walk again. Our route took us past the local Boulangerie/Pâtisserie which we couldn’t resist! A baguette and a box of mille feuille later, we returned to the van for breakfast. 

We will miss you, France!