Connection Tours

The Battlefield Tours

A Letter from the Connection Tours Team Our 2014 Battlefield Programmes

My Story on the Battlefield Tours:

D-Day 70 th / WWI Centennial May 28 th to June 7 th D-Day 70 th Anniversary Tour June 3 rd to June 13 th Air and Aviation UK Tours Sept. 6 th to Sept 18 th . The Remembrance Day Tour Nov. 4 th to 14 th .

Samantha Cowan recalls her experience joining the Battlefield Community on our Liberation of Holland Tour 2005
Company Background & Contact

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Visit us:
http://connectiontours.ca/specialized-tours/thebattlefield-tours/
And for even more information visit:

www.thebattlefieldtours.ca

In May of 1995, we concluded a tour with Veterans and their families, and wondered if it would be the last tour of its kind we would have the honor of leading...

Our company has been organizing Battlefield tours for over 25 years. Those years have created a driving passion that continues to inspire us and move our valued clients in many ways.

In May of 1995, just after the 50th Anniversary of Holland, we concluded a tour with Veterans and their families, and wondered if it would be the last tour of its kind we would have the honor of leading. In the years leading up to the anniversary, our coaches were filled with the men and women who fought for our freedom and the freedom of our children. For some, it was the first time in decades to set foot on the battlefields of Europe since the end of the Second World War. For most, it was a final farewell to their comrades who were laid to rest thousands of miles from their homelands. For all, it was a reminder of the loss and sacrifices they endured. We were fortunately wrong to think that visitors to the battlefields of Europe would dwindle after memories of the 50th Anniversary celebrations had faded. Its been well over a decade later and the Connection Tours team, with CWT Travel Source, is still operating numerous battlefield tours to Europe and beyond every year. The tours are being experienced by participants of all ages from all different walks of life, with a common desire to understand and pay tribute to the men and women who fought and paid the final sacrifice. Our expertise has developed from the First and Second World Wars in Europe to the Crimean, Napoleonic and Boer War in South Africa as well as Canadas involvement in Southeast Asia. We have hosted Veterans returns to D-Day and Liberation of Holland as well as many school study groups and Regiments. Our tour managers are extremely knowledgeable in their fields of expertise and we consider ourselves very fortunate to have them on board. Our vision is to continue to organize battlefield tours to educate future generations and retain a semblance of history as well as the sacrifice of generations past, as well as those still with us. We will also continue to travel to destinations farther afield to discover and keep you aware of future tours and plans.

Sincerely, Ian Cowan, The Connection Tours Team & the CWT Travel Source Team 4

Features and Benefits of joining a Battlefield Tour with Connection Tours 2014 When Ian Cowan started Connection Tours in 1987, the focus was first and foremost to bringing Canadians back to the Battlefields of Europe, specifically, Canadian Veterans. The extraordinary success of our Battlefield Tour year after year led to the YOU We value our partnerships and we value establishment of a diverse range of tour programmes for several other special interests with fully customized, flexibly organized, price competitive, direct, and We recognize our Canadian Travel Agents as a prominent representative of the Canadian in-depth itineraries. travel market. Weve recognized your prestige and value our partnerships with other favorable travel industry leaders. Though we have brought a variety of tour opportunities to our repertoire and

various capabilities to our travelers, the Connection Tours team still maintains a By participating in one of the Battlefield Tours we offer year generation or next, we would strong focus on our roots: the four Battlefield Tours to Europe, forthis the next recognize you as a preferred distributor of our product, and therefore would provide you of Canadian Travelers. with our preferred distributor commission rate of 10%.

100% Guaranteed Departures

We will also provide for you 100% guaranteed departure for all of our trip offerings. We will go, even if it costs us. This is our guarantee to ensure our reputation with you is of the highest quality.

Traveling with the Connection Tours reputation

Our average feedback rating out of 5 is 4.68, and 98% of Connection travelers have said they would travel with us again. 62% of Connection

travelers have. 27% have traveled with us on more than two

trips.
We offer -Competitive & Direct Rates - Customized & Flexible Itineraries - In House Destination Clinics for our Agents - Experiences like no other

We are the longest-running Canadian Tour Operator for Canadian Battlefields to date. For you this means an experienced and
knowledgeable team with a perfectly orchestrated itinerary based on years of research, planning and experience. Youll be able to ensure your customers have reliable information and in-depth knowledgewith the real benefit of being able to

easily depend on an experienced and reputable travel supplier, completely worry-free.

We have brought hundreds of Canadian World War Veterans

back to the Battlefields throughout the years, as this was the primary focus of our past. With those veterans came innumerable and valuable experiences, stories, and histories. Today we provide a true, thorough, in-depth, and at times surprising history that re-writes military academia as we know it. As an agent, this means youre providing your clients with real first hand accounts of what truly happened during the Great Wars. With this truly unique knowledge, youll be able to impress even the most well-versed client, giving you a truly positive and reliable reputation.

The Connection Tours Battlefield Community

Over 60% of our Connection Tours travelers are repeat Battlefield Travelers. 27% if our Connection Tours travelers have been on more than two trips. This means two things: 1. Its all about the people you travel with. Your client will be welcomed not by just another group tour, but the Connection Tours Battlefield Family, consisting of friendly familiar faces with a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm and incredible stories. Our Welcome Dinner is unlike any group tour welcome you could experience. The real benefit? You will be able to provide for your client a unique experience that lives on well after the tour is through, with no risk of your client facing disgruntlements with other group passengers.

This isnt your typical coach and tour groupyoure meeting the Connection Tours Battlefield Communitya Familywe have our own knowledge, enthusiasm, and insightalong with some incredible stories

2. Our repeat business with Canadian travelers, shows above anything, that our travelers experiences with us are consistently and overwhelmingly positive, the real benefit to you being the guaranteed assurance of an exceptional experience, a reliable itinerary, and a truly happy client, whichas we have shown with our clientsturns into repeat business for you

as an agent.

The same team, tour director and group managers are there to lead us, just as they did back in 1987. Our team is the same team that developed the
program at the very start. Every year we are dedicated to providing a seamless travel program no matter what our group size. This means that you as an agent can maintain a completely worry-free arrangement knowing that your client is in the hands of the same experienced team every time, with the same knowledge and know-how you need to rely on while your clients are away. The real benefit to you here is being able to provide your client with quality assurance, throughout the entire tour no matter the group size, no matter the circumstance. We will be there!

Our strong relationships with our partners and affiliates in both the
Battlefield Community and our hosts in France, Holland, Belgium, Germany, and England provides us and you with extraordinary opportunities and entrances as well as VIP guest status during certain ceremonies while on tour. This means that you have the advantage of accessing an extensive network of resources for your client, the real benefit to you being able to create a network for yourself and your client base throughout the Battlefield travel and destination community.

Connection Tours Battlefield products are designed in-house. The

Connection Tours team is its own travel operator and wholesale company. That means the same team leading your tour, is also the same team booking your tour and creating your tour. This means our rates are DIRECT. We physically travel there, hand pick the hotels, restaurants etc., do our own site inspections, and coach service.

The same team that built the tour is also the same team ON the tour, offering you the lowest rates for the highest quality.

This means that there is no middleman, no miscommunication, nor is there a mark up on your tour. You are paying for what you get, weve done it all ourselves, and have done since 1987. This also means your customers can customize their trip based on where their main priorities lie. The real benefit to you here is being able to provide

flexible and customized products that cater directly to the individual needs of your customer even on a group tour programme!!!

Connection Tours specifically targets a growing special interest travel niche of which many Canadian travel agencies have no experience with.

We provide in-house

training and informational webinars to our preferred agents to effectively

market and sell this highly specialized product successfully, which means that you can offer this specialized form of travel and truly impress your customer base who is often well versed with Canadian Military History as it stands. Thus you can benefit by watching an increase in your market penetration in a market that is

genuinely under catered to.

In-house Clinics with our Tour Director, Ian Cowan:

Knowledge is everythingthe best way to sell a special interest tour, especially Canadian military history is to know it inside and out. When you know all about the Battlefields and everything they have to offeryoure impressing your client on a highly specialized subject...It makes it a lot easier to sell to your client and boost your commission.

The Connection Tours Battlefield Community is

made up of military historians, researchers, renowned military authors, veterans, and families and friends close to those veterans. Some travel with us to find closure, some travel to

uncover a family mystery, some travel just to follow in the footsteps of our fathers... On every tour, we embark on many missions, making it not only a tour of the Battlefields, but a quest to solve some of the mysteries brought forth by the Battlefield community. This means we get to engage our travelers and make it an even more meaningful experience, bringing our travelers closer together. When you travel on a Connection Battlefield Programme, you are experiencing much more than sight seeing.

We are the longest running Canadian tour operator with Battlefield programmes to date. For you this means a
well planned and researched itinerary compiled after 35 years of working experience, which ensures that you are able to join a well executed and thought out tourwithout any headaches, or discomfort. Weve worked hard on making our tours seamless regardless of group size or time of year.

100 years have passed, our last WWI veteran left us in 2012, but there

are still a few strong willed, well-traveled, energetic and enthusiastic WWII Veterans joining us this year. That
means you will get to meet these remarkable individuals, and have the rare yet incredible opportunity to ask them questions, listen to their stories, and hear about their experience for a take on the War first hand. Speak with living history -- what a remarkable opportunity! 9

The same team, tour director and group managers are there to lead us, just as they have back in 1987. Our team is the same team that
developed the program at the very start. This means that you as a Connection Tours Traveler can maintain a completely worry-free arrangement without any surprises along the way. If you have a question about anything while on tour, you can ask us

directly.

Connection Tours is a Travel Wholesale Company, and as such a major

resource for the Canadian Travel Industry. That means the same team leading the tour, is the same team who researched and created the tour. This means our rates are DIRECT. Our team physically travels to our destination, hand picks our hotels, restaurants, etc., confirm our own site inspections, and coach service. The same team that built the tour is also the same team ON the tour, offering you the lowest price for the highest quality.

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As each year passes on, it takes us further away from the events that shaped our country and the world in which we live in today The pivotal battle of Normandy that began on June 6th 1944 was one such event. Seventy years have since past from what was known as operation Overlord or D-Day but its importance is strongly remembered to this day. The year 2014 also marks the 100th Anniversary of the beginning of World War One, the war to end all wars. In 1914 Canada responded strongly to the Commonwealths call to arms and placed our country on the worlds stage from its accomplishments on the field of battle. Sadly however, after four years of brutal static fighting it wiped out a generation and left scars on the earth that are still clearly visible today. Both of these points in time will be revisited in great detail. This special tour will focus heavily on the role Canada along with our allies played in both World Wars. If you have always wanted to walk in the footsteps of a serving relative or just come to witness where it all happened, then this is where you need to be. Please join us in remembering those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. This limited space tour will be memorable from start to end.

Ian Cowan, Director

& The Connection Tours Team

The Itinerary
Day One - May 28th
Departing from Torontos Lester B Pearson International Airport you will begin your journey to London England. Breakfast and dinner will be served on board.

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Day Two - May 29th

Upon your arrival in London our tour manager and coach driver will meet you. We will have an overview of London after a visit to The Air Forces Commonwealth Memorial at Runnymede and check into our hotel. Tonight is our Welcome Dinner for a chance to get to meet everyone, youll never know who might be on tour with us, and some of our fellow Canadian travelers have quite the histories themselves! Overnight- London (B,D)

Day Three - May 30th

Today we will visit the site where the first bombs were dropped, see churches that remain in ruins to this day and learn how pieces of Roman London were revealed by this destruction.
This morning, we tour through the City of London and the scene of some of the heaviest bombing. As we pass over London Bridge we compare todays modern skyline to how it looked during the height of the bombing. Hear about the remarkable saving of St Pauls Cathedral and its effect on the people of London. We will also visit the Imperial War Museum, home to the finest collection of military artifacts as well as archives of personal and official documents, photographs, and video material relating to both world wars. Overnight London (B, D)

Day Four - May 31st

This morning, we will travel the route most of the troops covered as we tour through Kent and onto Dover, with a visit to Dover Castle and scene of Operation Dynamo, orchestrating the evacuation of Dunkirk: a pivotal scene during World War One. We then cross the English Channel to France and onto Ieper for a wonderful dinner near the Menin Gate. Overnight Ieper (B, D)

Day Five - June 1st

Today we site see at Essex farm where John McCrae composed the now world famous poem In Flanders Fields. Then, a stop at the somber German cemetery of Langemark. Once visited by Hitler himself it is the final resting place of over 44,000 individuals. We will see The Brooding Soldier Monument at St. Julian (Ypres), the location in which 13

Canadians suffered through the first gas attacks of the war. We will also tour the area surrounding the horrific battle of Passchendaele and discuss the appalling conditions men were told to fight in. It was battle that cost Canada 16,000 causalities in 25 days. Our day will finish with a stop at Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War cemetery in the world. It was first used in th 1917 to bury those recently killed in the fighting and quickly swelled in size. Many Passchendaele/s victims lie peacefully forever here. After dinner will walk the short distance to the Menin Gate Memorial. Here we will attend

one of the most moving events in the world, The Last Post Ceremony at 8pm.
Overnight Ieper (B, D)

Day Six - June 2nd

This morning will start by visiting Mons, where the first and last casualty was killed during the First World War. We then visit Vimy Ridge National Historic Site of Canada. On April 9th 1917, Canadas volunteer army fighting together for the first time accomplished what no other army could previously; take Hill 145 and the surrounding area from the Germans. This event changed many things, but most of all, it defined our country on a worlds stage. We will tour the restored trenches, go underground into the tunnels and view Walter 14

Allwards masterpiece monument, our World War One National Memorial. We will then tour through the Somme area to our hotel to Amiens. Overnight Amiens (B, D)

Day Seven - June 3rd

This morning, we will visit the preserved battlefield of Beaumont Hamel, the Thiepval memorial to the missing of the Somme, the Courcelette memorial and the Trench museum in the famous town of Albert and a full day on The Somme. Overnight - Amiens (B, D)

Day Eight - June 4th

The German gun placements at Longues-sur-Mer Too large to move, they were left intact by the French Government as a reminder of the fighting that occurred here

This morning we will travel to the Seaside port of Dieppe. The picturesque beaches of Dieppe are also the scenes of Canadas darkest day in World War Two. On August 19th 1942, 907 men died in a space of a few hours. Operation Jubilee as it was called was an attempt to amphibiously land troops in occupied France in a rehearsal raid for D-Day. The catastrophe that unfolded is the main reason harsh controversy surrounding Dieppe still lingers today. We will explore all three landing zones, the cliffs, gun emplacements and the many memorials to our Regiments that bravely fought here in a hopeless situation. After we visit the Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery close by, we will make our way to Lower Normandy. Overnight - Trouville (B, D)

Day Nine - June 5th

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Today a visit to Pegasus Bridge, where the 6th Paras liberated the first house in occupied Europe just after midnight on June 6th 1944. We will then explore the American sectors of the landings and other sites of interest. It begins with seeing Colleville-sur-Mer American War Cemetery. This cemetery overlooks Bloody Omaha beach, featured in the 1998 film Saving Private Ryan by Steven Spielberg. It has many touching tributes dedicated to its countries war dead and an interpretation center filled with personal stories. Our group will then have lunch in the historic town of Bayeux. While we visit Bayeux it will include a stop at the Battle of Normandy museum. This museum features a very impressive collection of weapons, vehicles and other original artifacts from the Battle. Before leaving we visit the Bayeux memorial and its monument dedicated to the 1,801 missing commonwealth soldiers from the Battle of Normandy. We will also see the German gun emplacements at Longues-sur-Mer, which dueled with allied warships at sea on the morning of June 6th. Too large to move after the war they were left as a reminder to the fighting that occurred here by the French Government. On our way back to our hotel, we will be visiting the 11th century Abbaye d Ardenne and the memorial to the 20 Canadian soldiers murdered by SS troops in its courtyard while being held as prisoners in the opening days of the Battle for Normandy. Overnight - Trouville (D)

Day Ten - June 6th [CEREMONY DETAILS TBC Veterans Affairs] Today will mark the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings
We will be attending a planned ceremony at the Juno Beach Center in Courseulles-sur-Mer in which dignitaries from both Canada and France will speak on their countries behalf. [Timing of this event TBA] Afterwards, we will walk along some of the beach front to see the monuments, enemy bunkers and visit Bernieres-sur-Mer to look at the Maison Queens Own Rifles, the famous first house liberated by our troops early that morning. During the course of today, we will also visit Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery. Beny-sur-Mer holds 2,048 brave Canadians who gave their lives in the opening weeks of the Battle. Our next stop is point 67 to view Verrieres ridge, one of the most defended German positions in all of Normandy. It was here where the Black Watch of Montreal was virtually wiped out during Operation Spring.

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The second major Canadian War Cemetery in this region is Bretteville-sur-Laize. We will view this immaculate cemetery, which contains the graves of predominantly men from the 2nd Canadian Division who lost their lives in the later stages of the Battle for Normandy. Overnight - Trouville (B, D)

Day Eleven - June 7th

This morning you will be transferred early to Paris airport by coach for your return flight home. (B), lunch and snacks served on board.

Inclusions
Round trip air transportation from Toronto Superior Tourist Class Hotels Breakfast & Dinner Daily All Entrances as per your itinerary Executive Coach equipped with washroom / video / tea /coffee Experienced Tour Manager

Exclusions
Lunches and drinks

Air Transportation taxes (approx. $650 ) Travel Insurance Gratuities to tour manager / driver

Price
$ 4265 CAD | per person based on twin occupancy including air from Toronto $ 3265 CAD | per person land only | $ 700 CAD | Single supplement

As each year passes, it takes us further away from the events that shaped our country and the world in which we live in today. The pivotal battle of Normandy, which began on June 6th 1944, was one such event. The Allied forces including our own Canadian troops, fought desperately to gain a foothold on Nazi occupied Europe, in succeeding it paved the way for its eventual freedom. Seventy years have since past from what was known as operation Overlord or D-Day but its importance is strongly remembered to this day.

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This point in time, along with a few visits to WWI sites that cannot be ignored, will be revisited in great detail along with two days of touring in the Netherlands. There we will explore the Allies Military actions that contributed to this beautiful countries Liberation in 1945. Canadians can be proud of our military achievements that gave back freedom to so many. This special tour will focus heavily on the role Canada along with our allies played in both World Wars. If you have always wanted to walk in the footsteps of a serving relative or just come to witness where it all happened this is the tour for you! Please join us in remembering those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. This limited space tour will be memorable from start to end.

Ian Cowan, Director & The Connection Tours Team

ITINERARY
Day One - June 3rd
Departing from Torontos Lester B Pearson International Airport you will begin your journey to Paris, France. Breakfast and dinner will be served on board.

Day Two June 4th

Upon your arrival in Paris you will be met by your tour manager (Glenn Edmonds) and coach driver. As we make our way through the historic city you be given a chance for photo opportunities at the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. We will then continue on towards the Normandy Coast to visit the famous Pegasus Bridge. The British 6th Airborne Paratroopers assaulted this important strategic position with amazing precision in the early morning hours of June 6th. We will take time to view the Glider Landing Zone and see the first house liberated in Europe, the Cafe Gondree. Tonight is also our

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Welcome Dinner and a chance to get to know everyone in our Connection Tours Battlefield Community!

Overnight - Trouville (D)

Day Three - June 5th

Today we will explore the American sectors of the landings and other sites of interest. It begins with seeing Colleville-sur-Mer American War Cemetery. This cemetery overlooks Bloody Omaha beach and was featured in the 1998 film Saving Private Ryan by Steven Spielberg. It has many touching tributes dedicated to its countries war dead and an interpretation center filled with personal stories. Afterwards we travel to see the dramatic battle scarred landscape of Pointe du Hoc. The 2nd Ranger Battalion daringly scaled the areas imposing 100-foot tall cliffs in order to knock out the large gun emplacements on top. It sits virtually unchanged from

1944.
La Cambe German War Cemetery is our next stop; this gives those the opportunity to see the distinct differences between Allied and German cemeteries and the losses taken by our then enemy. Our group will then have lunch in the historic town of Bayeux. While we visit Bayeux it will include a stop at the Battle of Normandy museum. This museum features a very impressive collection of weapons, vehicles and other original artifacts from the Battle. Before leaving we visit the Bayeux memorial and its monument dedicated to the 1,801 missing commonwealth soldiers from the Battle of Normandy. The last stop of our busy day will be the German gun emplacements at Longues-sur-Mer. These guns dueled with allied warships at sea on the morning of June 6th. Too large to move after the war they were left as a reminder to the fighting that occurred here by the French Government.

Overnight - Trouville (D)

Day Four - June 6th

Throughout today we will witness the local French townspeople marking this special day in their history, D-Day.
Times and events are TBA but we will start this morning by visiting the 11th century Abbaye D Ardenne and the memorial to the 20 Canadian soldiers murdered by SS troops in its courtyard while being held as prisoners in the opening days of the Battle for Normandy.

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We will then stop at Point 67 to view Verrieres ridge, one of the most defended German positions in all of Normandy. Next stop will be Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery. This immaculate cemetery contains the graves of predominantly men from the 2nd Canadian Division who lost their lives in the later stages of the Battle for Normandy. We shall then explore and enjoy the town of Arromanches in what was one of the British sectors codenamed Gold Beach. The massive artificial harbour Mulberry B or Port Winston as the troops nicknamed it is clearly visible from the beach and the surrounding area. Our day will then continue by attending the planned ceremony at the Juno Beach Center in Courseulles-sur-Mer. Located next to the sand dunes where the Royal Winnipeg Rifles landed on June 6th, dignitaries from Canada and France will mark the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings. Afterwards we will walk along the beach front to see the monuments, enemy bunkers and visit Bernieres-sur-Mer to look at the Maison Queens Own Rifles, the famous first house liberated by our troops early that morning. Our day will finish at Beny-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery. This beautiful and hallowed plot of land holds 2,048 brave Canadians who gave their lives in opening weeks of the Battle.

Overnight - Trouville (B, D)

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Beny Sur Mer This beautiful and hallowed plot of land holds 2,048 brave Canadians who gave their lives in the opening weeks of battle

Day Five - June 7th

The picturesque beaches of Dieppe are also the scenes of Canadas darkest day in World War Two.
This morning we will travel to the Seaside port of Dieppe. On August 19th 1942, 907 men died in a space of a few hours. Operation Jubilee as it was called was an attempt to amphibiously land troops in occupied France in a rehearsal raid for D-Day. The catastrophe that unfolded is the main reason harsh controversy surrounding Dieppe still lingers today. We will explore all three landing zones, the cliffs, gun emplacements and the many memorials to our Regiments that bravely fought here in a hopeless situation. Our day will end with a visit to the Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery close by. Overnight- Lens (D)

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Day Six - June 8th

This morning will start by visiting the Vimy Ridge National Historic Site of Canada. On April 9th 1917, Canadas volunteer army fighting together for the first time accomplished what no other army could previously; take Hill 145 and the surrounding area from the Germans. We will tour the restored trenches, go underground into the tunnels and view Walter Allwards masterpiece monument, our World War One National Memorial. Other places of visit will include the preserved battlefield of Beaumont Hamel, the Thiepval memorial to the missing of the Somme, the Courcelette memorial and the Trench museum in the famous town of Albert among others. Overnight - Lens (B, D)

Day Seven - June 9th

Today we will head towards the coastline to view the La Coupole V2 ballistic missile launch site.
This immense underground bunker system was Hitlers idea at striking back at London in an effort to change the course of the war. The museum offers great insight to the complete history of the area including these devastating Vengeance weapons. The remainder of our day will be spent exploring into Belgium and the Ieper Salient where so many ferocious battles were fought. We will see The Brooding Soldier monument at St. Julian, the location in which Canadians suffered through the first gas attacks of the war. We will also tour the area surrounding the horrific battle of Passchendaele and discuss the appalling conditions men were told to fight in. It was a battle that cost Canada 16,000 causalities in 25 days. Our day will finish with a stop at Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War cemetery in the world. It was first used in 1917 to bury those recently killed in the fighting and quickly swelled in size. Many of Passchendaeles victims lie peacefully forever here. Overnight-Ieper (B, D) 22

Day Eight - June 10th

Here we will attend one of the most moving events in the world, The Last Post Ceremony.

Today we sightsee at Essex farm where John McCrae composed the now world famous poem In Flanders Fields. Afterwards we shall stop at the somber German cemetery of Langemark. Once visited by Hitler himself it is the final resting place of over 44,000 individuals. After lunch the group will be given the afternoon to browse through the beautiful, historic town of Ieper and all it has to offer. Local foods, gift shops, museums and landmarks can be taken in by all. After dinner we will walk the short distance to the Menin Gate Memorial.

The Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial begins at 8pm
Overnight - Ieper (B, D)

Day Nine - June 11th

This countries grateful population shares a very close bond to Canada due to our sacrifices in liberating them from German occupation during WW2. Near the 2000-year-old city of Nijmegen we will visit the Canadian War Cemetery of Groesbeek. This cemetery contains the graves of over 2,300 men who died in fighting around the area. It is also the final resting place of 23-year-old Victoria Cross 23

recipient Sgt. Aubrey Cosens. Much Focus will be placed on Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation in history that took place in Holland. We will visit the Hartenstein Hotel which was used by the British 1st Airborne as a headquarters for 9 days in September of 1944, now it stands as a museum dedicated to Market Garden. Nearby we will view Oosterbeek War Cemetery, also known as the Paratrooper Cemetery due to the high amount buried here from the fighting. Close to Arnhem we will visit the renamed John Frost Bridge in honor of the commander who fought against overwhelming odds to hold it in the battle. This famous landmark was featured in the 1977 film A Bridge Too Far by Richard Attenborough. Overnight - Arnhem (B, D)

Day Ten - June12th

Today gives us the opportunity to visit one of the most impressive and largest war museums in the world
The Liberty Park/Marshall Museum in the town of Overloon is a massive complex that contains some of the most rare and intact military hardware on display anywhere. Much of it was found in the surrounding area where the fighting took place in 1944. The quiet forested grounds on the outside display plenty more. We also will take time and travel to the Holten Military Cemetery. This secluded, peaceful piece of land is another reminder of our countries sacrifice during 1944/45. It holds men mostly from the 2nd Division who died in operations aimed at driving the Germans out of Holland and in the push into Germany. It has been the spot of many of our countries ceremonies over the years in remembrance of our war dead.

Tonight is also our final and farewell dinner at our hotel. It is always a great time
enjoyed by all! Overnight-Arnhem (B, D)

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Day Eleven - June 13th

This morning you will be transferred to Amsterdam airport by coach for your return flight home. (B), lunch and snacks served on board.

Inclusions
Round trip air transportation from Toronto Superior Tourist Class Hotels Breakfast & Dinner Daily All Entrances as per your itinerary Executive Coach equipped with washroom / video / tea /coffee Experienced Tour Manager

Exclusions
Lunches and drinks Air Transportation taxes (approx. $650) Travel Insurance Gratuities to tour manager / driver

Price $ 4375 CAD | per person based on twin occupancy including air from Toronto $ 3575 CAD | per person land only $ 810CAD | Single supplement

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For all aviation enthusiasts, this tour is a must Visit as we explore the airfields & Aviation Museums of England as well as attend the Duxford Airshow and also the Aces High Aviation sponsored Victory Show in Leicestershire. Our tour will be taking you to the Front Line Battle of Britain Fighter Stations as well as sites commemorating the RCAF and 8th USAAF. Once again, we keep our numbers low (30 fellow passengers) and our service and quality high for this tour. This limited space tour will be memorable from start to end. Ian Cowan, Director & The Connection Tours Team

ITINERARY
Day One - Sept 7th
Upon arrival in England, we will tour to Runnymede, where, in 1215 the Magna Carta was signed and also the site of the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial dedicated to over 20,000 lost in operations in Europe during World War II. We then make our way to our hotel in Cambridge for early check in and a chance to relax before dinner. Overnight - Cambridge (B, D)

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Day Two - Sept 8th

We leave for a visit to the Shuttleworth Collection, an aeronautical and automotive museum located at the Old Warden airfield in Bedfordshire, England. It is one of the most prestigious in the world due to the variety of old and well-preserved aircraft. We then spend the afternoon at the Duxford Airshow, which is a branch of the Imperial War Museum in Cambridgeshire, England. Britains largest aviation museum, Duxford houses the museums large exhibits, including nearly 200 aircraft, military vehicles, artillery and minor naval vessels in seven main exhibitions buildings. We end the day with a brief tour of Cambridge, back to our hotel for dinner. Overnight-Cambridge (B, D)

Day Three - Sept 9th

From Airmen to Infantry, the Victory Show 2014 opens a window in time to the fabulous 1940s.
This morning, we head to Leicestershire to attend The Victory Show, which is sponsored by Aces High Aviation Gallery. The two-day event is held over a 100-acre site, providing historical societies & re-enactments through various forces from several eras and theatres during the period of 1939-45.

Day Four - Sept 10th

Today, we will tour onto the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Centre. Since 1986, under a unique arrangement between Lincolnshire County Council and the Royal Air Force, it has been possible to view the BBMFs collection of historic aircraft, which forms part of the RAFs and the Nations heritage, at their home base at RAF Coningsby. The BBMF Visitors Centre has welcomed over 350,000 people since it opened, offering them the opportunity to see the BBMF aircraft at close quarters and to observe the Flights skilled and dedicated technicians working to maintain them in airworthy condition. This afternoon we will tour through Coventry and onto RAF Cosford Museum in the West Midlands, which houses 70 aircraft and is home to War Planes, Missiles, Transport & Training and Research & 27

Development collections. The National Cold War Exhibition with its interactive kiosks and hot spots gives visitors a chance to see what life was like behind the Iron Curtain.

Day Five - Sept 11th

After breakfast we tour onto the Carpetbagger Aviation Museum in Northamptonshire. The museum is located at the former USAAF Station 179, home of the 492nd and 801st Bomb Groups, USAAF, which were tasked with dropping Secret Agents and supplies into enemy territory in World War Two. The main part of the museum is housed in the former group operations block, and includes a wide range of exhibits devoted to the history of the air base and of Northamptonshire in the war. In the afternoon, a visit to Bletchley Park to view one of the Enigma Machines, including the rare Abwehr G312, is undoubtedly a highlight of a busy day out at Bletchley Park, but there is much more than machines in a visit to the historic site. There are many exhibitions from wartime toys to working computers. Theres a wartime mini cinema and an outstanding Churchill collection as well as a walk through the ornate Victorian Mansion that was headquarters to intelligence staff during the War. We then tour onto London for our hotel. Overnight - London (B, D)

Day Six - Sept 12th

This morning, we tour to RAF Hendon opened in 1972 by Her Majesty the Queen and situated on the historic site of London Aerodrome at Hendon, with over 100 aircraft from around the world including some very early aircraft designs through to the latest modern day jets and military aircraft. The Aerodrome hosts many interactive and fun activities, as well as a 3D Cinema, footage of Our Finest Hour, and the Battle of Britain Museum. We will have an orientation tour of London to include Westminster and City of London before dinner. Overnight - London (B, D)

Day Seven - Sept 13th

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This year, we will be exploring the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms
Undercover? Life in Churchills bunker examines life and work during the Second World War in

Churchills secret underground headquarters. We will then spend the afternoon at the Imperial War Museum with special exhibits. This evening, a London Pub Night at The Albert! Overnight - London (B, D)

Day Eight - Sept 14th

As we leave London, we will travel out to RAF Uxbridge, which was the Operational Headquarters of 11 (Fighter) Group and now, still an operational base but also the site of the Battle of Britain Operations Room. From Uxbridge, we will travel to the Aldershot Military Museum which includes an exhibition of Canadian Military in Aldershot during WWI and WWII. We then have a visit to the Canadian Military cemetery at Brookwood before traveling on to Portsmouth for dinner. Overnight-Portsmouth (B, D)

Day Nine - Sept 15th

This morning, we will visit the D-Day Museum and Overlord Embroidery in Southsea dedicated to the embarkation of all troops and forces on the eve of June 6th 1944. Just a short distance away, we will also be able to visit SHAEF HQ at Southwick house where Ike made the ultimate decision, as well as have a beer at Ike and Montys favourite pub next door. This 29

afternoon, we will make our way to RAF Tangmere, a front line Fighter Station during the Summer of 1940 and now the home to a unique Museum as well as the churchyard where some of The Few are buried as well as Luftwaffe crews. Dinner at our hotel. Overnight - Portsmouth (B, D)

Day Ten - Sept 16th

We make our way along the South East coast of England with a view at Beachy Head, where the Battle of Britain was witnessed on a daily basis. We are then able to get a full documentary of the effect of Radar during the battle. We then head to Dover to visit Dover Castle and a tour of the tunnels and operational headquarters of Operation Dynamo during the evacuation of Dunkirk in May 1940. We then arrive in Tunbridge Wells for our hotel and dinner. Overnight - Tunbridge Wells (B, D)

Day Eleven - Sept 17th

This morning, a visit to Chartwell, purchased by Sir Winston for its magnificent views over the Weald of Kent to Sussex, Chartwell was his home and the place from which he drew inspiration from 1924 until the end of his life. We then make our way to RAF Biggin Hill to view the famous front line Battle of Britain airbase, before we make our way to Kent to see the Battle of Britain Museum, Hawkinge. The museum is the oldest established and largest collection of Battle of Britain artifacts on show in the country. It is privately run by enthusiasts and volunteers and is administered as a charitable trust. We then tour back to our hotel for our

Farewell Dinner.

Overnight - Kent (B, D)

Day Twelve - Sept 18th

We depart for Heathrow for our flight home.

Inclusions
Round trip air transportation from Toronto with AC Superior First Class Hotels Porterage Breakfast and Dinner Daily All Entrances Experienced and knowledgeable Tour Manager Executive Coach with washroom and video/ tea/coffee

Exclusions
Travel Insurance Air transportation taxes Lunches and beverages Tip to tour manager & driver

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Price $ 4895 CAD | per person based on twin occupancy including air from Toronto $ 3677 CAD | per person based on twin occupancy land only $ 900 CAD | single supplement.

Every November 11th, a special event and moving ceremony takes place at the Menin Gate in Ypres (Ieper), Belgium. In remembrance of all the war dead who was walked through these portals into the battlefields of Passchendaele, St. Julian, Sanctuary Wood and other battlefields of the Wipers Salient. The commemoration is one of the most moving ceremonies in the world as it is also in honor of all the Fallen. It is attended by visitors from all over the globe. You will also be visiting the newly dedicated memorial at Vimy Ridge as well as the Somme, Beaumont Hamel and battlefields of the Second World War in Normandy, Dieppe and Holland. Join us this Remembrance Day, for the 100th Remembrance of World War I, with a truly global congregation to share a Remembrance like no other, to commemorate those who have suffered for our peace.

Ian Cowan, Director & The Connection Tours Team

Itinerary
Day One November 4th
Meet your tour manager at Torontos Lester B Pearson International airport for your flight to 31

Paris. Dinner and breakfast will be served onboard.

Day Two November 5th

Upon arrival, you will be met by your driver and will begin your journey to Normandy. You will visit Pegasus Bridge where the 6th British Airborne landed, captured and liberated the first house in Europe, Caf Gondre. You will then make your way to your hotel for some rest and relaxation before your Welcome Dinner and the opportunity to get to know your traveling companions. Overnight Bayeux (D)

Day Three November 6th

You will begin your day with a visit to the Battle of Normandy Museum in Bayeux. This museum, which was recently re-opened, is presenting entirely new displays that offer the visitor a better understanding of the decisive actions taken in the liberation of Western Europe. Your next stop will be Verrieres Ridge to view the area where the Black Watch suffered severe casualties during Operation Spring. You will then travel to the Juno Beach Center, dedicated to the 3rd Division landings as well as Canadas full involvement during World War II. Before heading back for dinner, you will visit the Canadian Military Cemetery Beny-sur-Mer. Overnight Bayeux (B, D)

Day Four November 7th

You will start your morning with a visit to Point du Hoc where you can still view the cratered landscape and the German battery taken by the US Rangers. You will continue to Omaha Beach to the American Military Cemetery to discover the appalling difficulties required for landing on Bloody Omaha. After leaving Omaha, you will visit La Chaos, the German offshore battery still relatively intact after 60 years. In the afternoon you will visit the Disembarkation Museum and Mulberry Harbor in Arromanches before heading back to your hotel. Overnight Bayeux. (B, D)

Day Five November 8th

This morning you travel through the Normandy countryside to Dieppe. You will visit the Dieppe Canadian Cemetery, Green Beach at Pourville and the main landing beaches of Red and 32

White on the Dieppe seafront. You will explore Blue Beach in Puys to view the gun emplacements on the cliff tops, which were responsible for the terrible Canadian casualties. After leaving Dieppe, you will travel to Amiens for check-in.
Overnight - Arras (B,D).

Day Six November 9th

After breakfast, you will tour onto Albert and visit the Musee de Arbris to give you a perspective on the Somme. You will then tour the Somme Battlefield and visit the Memorial to the Missing at Thiepval, as well as one of the only surviving intact First World War battlefields at Beaumont Hamel. The park maintained by Canada, remains as it was during the Battle of the Somme, now dedicated to the Newfoundland Regiment who lost so many men on the first day of battle. Overnight Arras (B, D)

Day Seven November 10th

Today you will be able to tour Vimy Ridge. It was on Hill 145, April 1917, that Canada truly became a nation in the eyes of the world. Its troops combined and stormed Vimy Ridge after other allied forces had failed to do in the previous two years. You will tour the tunnels, trenches and memorial. You will then tour the short distance to Ieper (Ypres) for the Ypres Salient Battlefield and a visit to John McCraes Essex Farm, the place where John McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields before dinner and your overnight accommodations. You will also visit Hill 62 and a small area of the original battlefield and part of the Canadian Front Line. This evening after dinner, you can attend the Menin Gate Last Post Ceremony at 8PM, led by the Ieper Fire Department. Overnight Ieper (B, D)

Day Eight November 11th

This morning we join in the Remembrance Parade for 11am at the Menin Gate after which you will also visit In Flanders Fields museum a unique exhibition in the Cloth Hall in Ieper as well as a visit to Crest Farm and Armistice Ceremony at Passchendaele. Overnight Ieper (B, D)

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Day Nine November 12th

After breakfast you will begin your tour to Nijmegen for the opportunity to visit the Canadian Military Cemetery at Groesbeek as well as the Hartenstein Hotel, then the command centre for Operation Garden, now the Museum to the Airborne. Overnight Nijmegen (B, D)

Day Ten November 13th

Your first stop today will be Arnhem, where the Airborne Division received heavy casualties during Operation Market Garden, known as the Bridge too Far, and also the area where the Canadian Second division liberated in 1944/45. This afternoon you will explore Apeldoorn, as well as Holten Canadian Military Cemetery Tonight your farewell dinner will be at a local restaurant. Overnight Nijmegen (B, D)

Day Eleven November 14th

This morning after breakfast you will transfer to Amsterdam airport for your flight home. (B) Lunch and snacks served onboard.

Inclusions
Round trip air transportation from departure city Breakfast and dinner daily Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class (3.5 4 Star Hotels) Luxury Motor coach Experienced tour manager All Entrances as per your itinerary

Exclusions
Travel Insurance Air transportation taxes Lunches and beverages Tip to tour manager & driver

Price: $3859 CAD | Per person based on twin occupancy including air from Toronto $3159 CAD | Per person land only $ 700 CAD | Single supplement
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By Samantha Cowan A couple of years before I was born, my father started taking his passion, love, and inexhaustible energy for the Battlefield History of Europe and poured it into the design and implementation of tours for Canadians to remember. From a very early age, my sister and I were dragged along, summer after summer, to learn the history these tours had to offer, and to assist with whatever Dad and his team needed. An interesting summer job to say the least! Now that Im 25 with school long behind me, extraordinary travels under my belt, and experience working with other tour agencies, I look back at my high school years, and wonder how the Battlefield Tours changed my life, and the lives of others I met while on tour. This year, to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Great War, and the 70th Anniversary of D-Day, I wanted to showcase the wondrous things my father, his team and the entire community has created. To startI decided to rummage around my attic. Amongst pictures, and old brochures, pamphlets, and invitationsI found a scrapbook that

contained one of my most favorite Battlefield Tours, one of the very last that I attended with our Canadian World War 2 Veterans, in 2005. I was sixteen years old. I wanted to write a word-for-word synopsis of my experience to share with you here.
**Just a note for readers! I wrote this out word for word (bar spelling errors) so that you may see this tour through the eyes of a sixteen-year-old Canadian. HAVING SAID THAT: Excuse my lack or professionalism overuse of exclamation marks it should make for an entertaining read!**

My Invitation to Hollands 60th Anniversary Tour for our Canadian Veterans, Friends, Family, and fellow Proud Canadians
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The tide had turned in Europe in the Spring of 1945, but Canadians were still here
fighting and dying in Hitlers war. Tasked with Liberating Holland and its people from Nazi occupation, our young soldiers forged ahead until freedom was finally won. The Dutch have never forgotten the sacrifice. 60 years later, their unwavering gratitude is captured as thousands gather for VE Day Celebrations in the Netherlands and at home. Youll join ceremonies held at two Canadian cemeteries in the Netherlands, and witness a sincere tribute by young Dutch children to those who died. Experience Liberation Day Celebrations in Wageningen, the City where Canadians accepted German Surrender. And in Apledorn, the Parade of Canadian Veterans that always moves the crowds to tears The Connection Tours Team

Day 1, May 1st 2005

I am, right now, on a Boeing 747 to Amsterdam, getting ready for the 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Holland Tour. We are getting ready to land. [Already looking out the window] Ive seen a beautiful coastline, and lots of lush farm land. There are a lot of rivers! And I just saw

my first windmill. Just now.

We arrived at our hotel, the Mercure in Rosmalen, after visiting a lovely fishing port. Finally getting my first taste at the Dutch cuisine: Smoked Salmon! Tomorrow, we are going to a Liberation Museum. Ive already met the veterans on tour, and I cant wait to tell of their stories!! Anyways, tomorrow will be way cooler!!!

Day 3, May 3rd 2005

Today we woke up early to catch the coach, which would take us into Groesbeek! On the way, we went to the Liberation Museum where I got to see models of soldiers, old pictures, a letter from a soldier to his Dutch wife-to-be, and much more. I learned that Canadian soldiers took many Dutch women home to be their brides. Unfortunately, the brides were extremely poor, so they used parachute material for their gowns.

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His grandfather then broke down in tears, apologizing to me, unable to explain the emotion behind all of these memories coming back to him

At the Museum, I met an Air Cadet named Jeff traveling with his grandfather with Connection Tours. His grandfather (Charlie) is a veteran from the orphanage ward. When Jeff asked him how he liked our first stop at the museum, the veteran broke down in tears, apologizing to me, saying how hard it was for him to see these pictures of war torn Holland, and having all of these memories coming back to him. You have to know how horrible it was for him, and how horrible I felt for him. I couldnt even imagine what he went through. After meeting Charlie, Jeff and I walked through the rest of the museum. It was here that I met Dads other tour managers: Peter, Doug, and Jim. I also met our coach drivers!!The Best Dutchmen you could ever have the pleasure of knowingPeter and Garrit! Together, they easily made the funniest pair. After the museum, we attended a ceremony in Groesbeek Cemetery. It was a large event honoring the Canadians who fought for the Netherlands. Adrienne Clarkson, Queen Beatrice, and Canadas Foreign Minister of Affairs were some of the guests who arrived for the ceremony. There were speeches and we sang both national anthems. This was followed by an air show performed by the Canadian Forces Parachute team, The SkyHawksthisabsolutely blew me awaythe coolest thing by far I have ever witnessed in real lifeeverin my lifeso cool!!!!

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Day 4, May 4th 2005

I was in shock to see the whole street decorated with the Canadian Flags and red & white streamers. The pride I felt for being here to represent my country was indescribable
Today, we went to Holton, which is a town in Holland with a large cemetery commemorated to Canadian Soldiers who died in the fight for Hollands liberation. I remember waking up incredibly early and driving into town. When driving through, I was in shock to see the whole street decorated with the Canadian Flags and red & white streamers. Every house had at least one Canadian Flag on their flagpole or window. The pride I felt for being here to represent my country was indescribable. The pride I felt as a Canadian was there too, but Im sure it was nothing compared to how the 33 veterans sitting behind me must have felt at that moment. When we reached Holton, we saw Canadian Mounties amongst many people (so cool!) greeting the crowds before the ceremony. Dutch children greeted our veterans and sung the National Anthem for Holland, and then for Canada. When the Canadian Anthem came to an end,

a great roaring sound, and wind picked up, revealing a huge helicopter hovering over the crowd, letting out millions of poppies to float down to the crowds!!! We all
threw our hands up and through the tears of the honored veterans, tour organizers, families, and relatives; we all embraced the magical moment together. After the ceremony, we had time to walk around the tombstones of our fallen soldiers with the other vets. I managed to find a grave marked James Cowan Age 28. I wondered if we were related? Maybe there are a lot of Cowans in Europe Words Ive learned in Dutch so far: 1. Naturalijk : Of course, certainly 2. Vit Exit, or out of 3. De Dood of death or darkness.

See? Im learning!

Fun fact I learned during dinner tonight: Today was also Remembrance Day for the victory in Europe. Our waiter raised his hand to hush our group for the twominute silence. I learned that during a two-minute silence in Holland, all the 38

Bells throughout the country ring at the same time. They could be heard far and wide throughout the country, even within the confines of our small, sleepy town and quiet hotel. It was beautiful, it actually was the most memorable, & joyous moment...the most meaningful two-minute silence Ive ever been apart of.

Day Five, May 5th, 2005

This was once the place where Germany finally surrendered. Very Cool.
Okay, Okay, today we went to a town in whose name I cannot pronounce. It starts with a W, but sounds like a V. Who names a town that? The name is like Wvargineegin (Var-Geen-In). I swear theres a P Q R S T in there somewhere. Unfortunately I had to learn to pronounce the name of this University town fast, as it was once the place where Germany had finally surrendered. Today, a large parade was to be held. A quarter of a million people would come to this small town today to see this parade.

To watch complete strangers take these old decorated men into their arms, look straight into their eyes, and with such compassion and emotion, tell them that they love themHow thankful they were for their freedom goosebumps
It would be three hours before the parade would start, so Jeff and I went to explore the town. People were really happy to see the veterans and many took pictures of them and told them how much they loved them and respected them.

To watch complete strangers take these old decorated men into their arms, look straight into their eyes, and with such compassion and emotion, tell them that they love them, and to show them their gratitude in this wayFor these young people who have never known war, to be able to look their liberators from years ago in the face and tell them how thankful they are for their freedom Needless to say. it was yet another unexpected magic moment for me to experience on tour. 39

Day 6, May 6th, 2005

Today we are moving to the Mercure hotel in Putten. It is such a lovely, lovely, hotel. The Mercure was right beside this open sea, on a bay. There is a cool park near by with the funnest swings Ive ever been on. I told Dad about how cool they were, and he said I was immature. Im sure Mom would have appreciated them though We also traveled into Amsterdam!! I had no idea how beautiful Amsterdam is!! The Canals remind me of Venice!! The narrow cobble stone roads, the flea market, the bridges, the tall narrow housesIts so cool here. We got to see so much! The Mouse Tower, Dam Square, and the Dam Wrack (which is a busy streetthink Queen street but busier). I also got to check out the Diamond Factory, as well as Royal Delft (You know, the white and blue China). The Diamond factory, Gassan was breathtaking also. The Cullinan (the largest Diamond ever found, and the Koh-l-Noor Diamond, found in the British Crown Jewels were both made in Amsterdam!

Day 7, May 7th, 2005

Today we went to a hotel in Oosterbeek. At least it once was a hotel. Today it is the Airborne Museum and is where British and Polish Troops kept headquarters while they tried to take the Rhine Bridge which connected Oosterbeek to Arnhem.

The Hartenstien hotel was where many air landings, the march to the bridge, and fierce fighting to the crossing of the river was situated. This was the battle for Arnhem. In the end, only 2,293 Canadians made it back to England. This place, this fight, related to the movie A Bridge Too Far [Ive got to see this movie] after 40

seeing the memorials to the battle for Arnhem, and the Battlefield where it took place, was surreal to take in. You would have never known what suffering had ensued, if it wasnt for some shocking yet subtle clues surrounded by the civilization we witnessed today. This evening I came down with a head cold, but by God, that wont stop me from going to the ceremony tonight, because it was the night that the veterans would be receiving their medals. I got all dressed up, and made my way to the coach for the event, to meet with our decorated party. At the concert, the mayor of Leersum thanked the veterans. There was a pipe and drum band procession band as well as a brass band performance. It was very emotional for the veterans, receiving their awards, many were crying and holding hands. Each veteran received a certificate that read: In grateful memory for the sacrifices made by the army, navy and air forces of Canada during the years 1940-1945 to liberate the Netherlands from the yoke of German occupation. It is a great honor for the mayor of the Municipality of Leersum: Mes. C.F. FEITH HOOIJER to present the Remembrance medal of the 60th Anniversary.

Day 8, May 8th 2005

Aww, today is the last day before I have to go home. I was supposed to go to Appledorn today for the major parade where the Queen and President Bush would be visiting. On the way, I spoke with many of the new friends Ive made while on tour, and reflected on the stories they told me during my trip. As you know, I was on a trip with a lot of veterans. Ive heard many funny stories about memories they have during and after the war.

Victor, one of our vets on my coach, was telling me how they had a radio connection from two stations during the war. He explained 41

how they would say things in a special code so that if any of the enemies overheard, they wouldnt understand what they were talking about. One day, a soldier is radioing in to a Major to deliver a new code to him. Just then, Victor came in, as he was hungry, and the soldier turned round and yelled Dont give that boy another bloody biscuit!! The Major replied over the radio, Thats the code then?

Victor was also telling me that after he got out of the war, he was so lost. The war destroyed everything for him. He didnt know why he decided on Toronto, but he remembered hearing of job offerings somewhere on Melcrest road. New to the city, Victor walked around aimlessly. He finally asked someone where Melcrest was, to find out that he was standing not just on Melcrest, but in front of the very building he was looking for. He went in asking for a job. They asked if he had any experience, or a resume. He didnt. They asked if he was in the war. He nodded. He was still hired the same day. Upon showing him around, some of the workers invited him to a game of poker. He didnt have any money, not even to get back home...so he declined. They said they wouldnt mind him paying laterbut Victor ended up winning the game, making the amount he needed for the bus fair home, and back again for work the next day.

Johnny was another remarkable man I had the pleasure of meeting. He was in the army fighting for the Liberation of Holland in 1945. He was captured with 24 other soldiers by the Germans. The Germans lined them up by a river and cocked their guns. Johnny was in the middle. Wait! Called a German soldier before fire. The soldier came before Johnny, and said he had noticed his bracelet. Johnny said it was his mothers. The German took it from him, and made Johnny march to the end of the line. Now Go, he said to the Germans. All 24 men were shot, but Johnny survived. As the bullets sprayed, hitting everyone else in the chest, they merely caught Johnnys legs as he fell. [Johnny passed away at age 81.]

To Conclude
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I had such a remarkable experience on the Battlefield Tours I had very much thought I would have taken for granted these experiences when I was young. Looking back, as I can see now, I know now that I undoubtedly took every moment to learn from this tour and feel the emotion and magic that came with these experiences for me and the fellow Canadians who had joined. Even though I was young, I met and connected so well with everyone on the tour, and gained so much more than I ever could have imagined.

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The Battlefield Tours Registration Form

Tour Name: ___________________________________________________________________________ Departure Date:___________________________________________________________________________ Your name as it appears on your passport: ________________________________________________________________________________________ I will be traveling with: ________________________________________________________________________________________ I require a single room and acknowledge the single supplement: ____________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: (____)_________________ Email: ______________________________________________________ Citizenship: ___________________ Date of Birth: ________________________________________________ Male or Female: ____ Passport Expiry Date: _______________________________________________________________________ Please check one of the following: I require both your land and air package from Toronto I require your land only package and will arrange my own air I require your land and air package; however my departure airport is from another city My departure city will be: _____________ Emergency Contact: _____________________________________ _____________Phone: (H) ___________________(B) _____________________________________________ To hold your space on this tour, we require a non-refundable deposit of $300 per person. Balance is due 60 days prior to departure.

Carlson Wagonlit Travel Source accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, personal cheques, money orders and cash, as forms of payment. Carlson Wagonlit Travel Source 25 Lesmill Road, Unit 10, Toronto, ON M3B 1Z3 Phone: 416-449-4652 Toll Free:1-877-449-4652 Fax:416-449-9965 Email: info@connectiontours.ca www.connectiontours.ca www.thebattlefieldtours.ca www.CWTtravelsource.com PLEASE FILL IN THE FORM BELOW AND INCLUDE IT WITH YOUR REGISTRATION FORM: TRIP CANCELLATION AND OUT OF COUNTRY MEDICAL INSURANCE We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance when traveling out of the country. We offer travel insurance packages through RBC Insurance at competitive rates for full or partial coverage. Deluxe Package Insurance: Includes both out of country medical and trip cancellation insurance Trip Cancellation Insurance: 44

Includes trip cancellation insurance only Out of Country Medical Insurance: Includes out of country medical only If you wish to purchase insurance or require a quote from us, please check off one of the options below and we will contact you to provide you with a quote and explanation of coverage. Deluxe Package Insurance Trip Cancellation Only Out of Country Medical Only I wish to decline all insurance as I have coverage elsewhere Signature: ____________________________________

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Our Term & Conditions

The following information and conditions constitute your binding contract with CWT Travel Source. Please read all of the information below as it provides conditions relating to both the services of Connection Tours and its suppliers.

Deposits: To reserve your space, a non-refundable deposit of $300 per person is due at time of booking. Final Payment: Full and final payment is due 60 days prior to your departure. Full payment is due immediately for reservations made within 60 days prior to departure. Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be received in writing. Refund in full, less $300 per person, will be made up to 60 days prior to departure. Cancellation within 60 days of departure are subject to the following charges: 60-31 days prior to departure 50% of tour cost 30-0 days prior to departure 100% of tour cost Refunds: No refund is made for unused travel services or any portion hereof, nor is the value of the unused services exchangeable for alternative arrangements. Documentation: It is the responsibility of the passenger to determine what documentation is necessary for travel to each country and to relay this information to their clients. CWT Travel Source will assume no responsibility whatsoever for passenger(s) denied carriage by the Air Carrier, or refused entry into any country.

Notice: Living standards and practices as well as conditions and standards differ from country to country. CWT Travel Source Responsibility: CWT Travel Source purchases transportation, hotel accommodation, tour and ferry passage, restaurant and other services from various different suppliers who are not affiliated with CWT Travel Source are issued and subject to all tariffs, terms and conditions under which all transportation , including airlines, coach, hotels, tour and ferry operators, restaurants and other services are contracted. Participants agree not to hold CWT Travel Source responsible for any loss, injury or damage to any person, property or otherwise in connection with any accommodation, transportation or resulting from any Acts of God, dangers, incident at sea, fire, breakdowns in machinery or equipment, act of governments, or authorities, de hure or e facto, wars declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, defaults, delays, cancellation or any causes beyond CWT Travel Sources control for any loss of damage resulting from improperly issued visas or other documents and that CWT Travel Source will not be responsible. The payment of a reservation on a tour or customized itinerary shall constitute consent to all provisions in the terms & conditions.

CWT Travel Source 25 Lesmill Rd, Suite 10, Toronto, ON M2N 6X4 Tel: 416-449-4652 Toll Free: 1-877-449-4652 Fax: 416-449-9965 www.thebattlefieldtours.ca www.connectiontours.ca www.CWTTravelSource.com Registration No. R1090873

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A special thanks to the Connection Tours Battlefield Community

Especially Marg Liessens Glenn Edmonds Pat LeBlanc & Dan LeBlanc Angela Goodwin For the insurmountable submissions of breathtaking photos from tours past, thank you! All photos and credits for the Connection Tours Battlefield 2014 Programmes Kit have been taken by our travelers on Battlefield Tours Past. [For more photos and submissions, please visit our Battlefield Tour Facebook Page]

More Thanks to the Canadian Battlefield Community, especially

The Legion Magazine The Royal Canadian Legion Juno Beach Centre ancestry.ca

Connection Tours is Affiliated with, and would like to give special thanks to:

Other Helpful Resources, Links, and Tools:

www.ancestry.ca www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history www.warmuseum.ca The Bloodiest Battle CBC www.cbc.ca/history Horror on the Battlefield CBC www.cbc.ca/history www.canadiansoldiers.com

Visit our website: www.connectiontours.ca

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Carlson Wagonlit Travel Source 25 Lesmill Road, Unit 10, Toronto, ON M3B 1Z3 Phone: 416-449-4652 Toll Free:1-877-449-4652 Fax:416-449-9965

Email Us: info@connectiontours.ca

www.thebattlefieldtours.ca

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