The doom-laden name, Passchendaele, colours our understanding of what should be called the Third Battle of Ypres in 1917. Designed as Britain's greatest offensive to date, it had large ambitions to clear the Germans away from Ypres, break their line of strategic railways and clear the ports along the Belgian coast and the German naval raiders based there.

After a look at the preparatory battle of Messines, we shall look at all the battles of the main campaign in sequence and in context, with special emphasis on the improved tactics of the British Army in 1917. The first battles, under the 'thruster', Gough, ran into the worst weather ever recorded in Flanders for July and August. Haig lost patience with Gough and handed the battle to 'Daddy' Plumer, the soldier's friend and the most careful of generals. Four 'bite and hold' battles put the Germans in complete disarray. Did we have the German army on the ropes when the weather finally broke and reduced the last battles around Passchendaele to floundering in the mud?

We shan't forget the French contribution to the campaign, visiting the Houthoulst Forest area, where their First Army was engaged.

We shall stay at the ever-popular Ariane Hotel and shall, of course, be at the moving Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate on Day 2.

Your guide, John Lee, has written extensively on Third Ypres and the BEF in 1917. His most recent book is "Gas Attacks: Ypres 1915", and he is working on a full military history of the Salient for Pen and Sword.

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Saturday): Depart Victoria Coach Station London 0900. Dover-Calais ferry. The successful preliminary battle of Messines, a meticulously planned attack which included the blowing of an arc of deep laid mines. To the Ariane hotel for dinner and overnight (3 nights).
Day 2: The opening phase: Battle of Pilckem Ridge, July 1917 and the terrible failures of August – rain, mud, counter attacks - when British morale hits rock bottom. The huge boost given by Plumer's victories on the Menin Road Ridge and at Polygon Wood in September. The last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate. Day 3: The October battles: Broodseinde Ridge, the advance towards Poelkapelle. The Australians take the ridge at Tyne Cot. Visit the Tyne Cot CWGC cemetery and visitor centre.
Day 4: November: The Canadians arrive for the last push at Passchendaele, taking the ridge, Crest Farm and the remains of Passchendaele village. Lunch break in Ypres with free time for museums or to walk the ramparts. Calais – Dover ferry. Arrive approx 1830 Dover, 2030 London VCS.