Outbreak of War

In commemoration of the outbreak of the First World War 100 years ago, Bill Turnbull travels to Belgium with classical chart toppers Libera. St George's Memorial Church in the centre of Ypres is the setting for favourite hymns of the period.

Alan Reed: WW1 Battlefield Expert

Growing up near Arras, Alan’s interest in World War Battlefields started at an early age as the son of a War Graves Commission family. Alan combines a huge knowledge of the Battlefield area with a detailed understanding of both the history and culture of the region. He is a published author of ‘Meet at Dawn, Unarmed’, a book on the Christmas Truce of 1914

Alan works for NST which is a school travel company offering school trips, educational visits and tours.

Classical chart toppers: Libera

Liam from Libera

Ciaran from Libera

Alex Sutherland: Gardener, Commonwealth War Graves Commission (retired)

George Sutherland: Gardener, Commonwealth War Graves Commission (retired)

The Rev Brian Llewellyn: Prayer and Blessing at the St George’s Memorial Church, Ypres

Hymn singing from St George’s Memorial Church

Filming in Belgium/France took place in the following places:

Thiepval Memorial

Don Communal Cemetery

Libera sang ‘Rest in Peace’ at Sanctuary Wood (Hill 62) Museum where the original trenches are in tact.

Libera sang ‘You Are There’ at Flanders Field Museum

Libera sang ‘We Are The Lost’ at The Casements. Arches underneath the Ramparts 100m from The Menin Gate where the ‘Wiper Times’ were typed.

Liam was interviewed at St Symphorien Military Cemetery, Mons.

Ciaran was interview at Annoueillon Cemetery, France.

George and Alex Sutherland were interviewed at the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery