I am very interested to hear in confidence, from anyone who has modern- day (Post 1918) personal first hand stories of strange sittings or experiences and feelings when they have visited WWI & WWII battlefields, airfields or military bases. I hope to gather and cross reference such stories and articles into a database archive.
Thanks
Rodge D. (The Archivist)
Full Version: Strange Occurances on the Western Front
A book has been written in dutch, quite extensive, on this subject: HEIJSTER, R. Mysterie 14/18. I can send you copies of the relevant parts if you like, or the adress of the publisher, so you can try to get in contact with the author.
Although, I should mention that most people who read it are not very enthousiastic about it. The author, who is convinced that he is the re-incarnation of a German soldier who died on the Belgian front, conducted similar research in two parts. The first part of the book deals with strange occurances during the war. The second part are all stories of battlefield tourists, mostly British or dutch.
There is also a small chapter on Gallipoli in BROWN, R.L. A casebook of military mystery, Cambridge, 1974.
I have seen quite a bit of the western front, also at night, but never experienced any other feelings than a peacefull, quiet atmosphere.
Hope this is of any help,
Bert.
Although, I should mention that most people who read it are not very enthousiastic about it. The author, who is convinced that he is the re-incarnation of a German soldier who died on the Belgian front, conducted similar research in two parts. The first part of the book deals with strange occurances during the war. The second part are all stories of battlefield tourists, mostly British or dutch.
There is also a small chapter on Gallipoli in BROWN, R.L. A casebook of military mystery, Cambridge, 1974.
I have seen quite a bit of the western front, also at night, but never experienced any other feelings than a peacefull, quiet atmosphere.
Hope this is of any help,
Bert.
Hello Bert, many thanks for your helpful reply, I have talked to quite a few visitors to the W/F some of whom I have taken over on tours. Some like me have had feelings and experiences at visiting certain locations. A couple like me have also felt they had seen things happen they could not explain.
I do not feel comfortable at 4 main places on the Somme, they are;
1. Mametz Wood Area the track from Flat Iron Copse Cemetery to the Welsh Dragon Memorial ( A real feeling of dread of being watched from the wood every step of the way, felt really sick half way down the track and went back to the car, which was at the cemetery, but felt fine at the cemetery itself?)
2. The area east of High Wood around London Cemetery (Very uneasy)
3. Newfoundland Park (Horrific feelings of intense noise and pain)
Others have said the same about Mametz Wood and one person I took in a party to Newfoundland Park said that she saw fighting and heard intense bombardment noises for a couple of seconds half way across park.
4. Serre No 2 Cemetery (don't like to go in now)
I have had no real problems visiting any other locations on the W/F to date.
Best Wishes, & hoping to hear from more of you on this subject, thanks for all the emails I have had so far.
Rodge
I do not feel comfortable at 4 main places on the Somme, they are;
1. Mametz Wood Area the track from Flat Iron Copse Cemetery to the Welsh Dragon Memorial ( A real feeling of dread of being watched from the wood every step of the way, felt really sick half way down the track and went back to the car, which was at the cemetery, but felt fine at the cemetery itself?)
2. The area east of High Wood around London Cemetery (Very uneasy)
3. Newfoundland Park (Horrific feelings of intense noise and pain)
Others have said the same about Mametz Wood and one person I took in a party to Newfoundland Park said that she saw fighting and heard intense bombardment noises for a couple of seconds half way across park.
4. Serre No 2 Cemetery (don't like to go in now)
I have had no real problems visiting any other locations on the W/F to date.
Best Wishes, & hoping to hear from more of you on this subject, thanks for all the emails I have had so far.
Rodge
Hi Rodge,
On the same theme but off the Western Front. I have over the years visited many CWG Cemeteries, mainly WW1 but a few WW2. Also I should add that years spent in the Army I am not normally the sort of chap who gets "spooked" easily.
In April this year I visited the CWG Cemetery at Niederzwehren on the outskirts of Kassel, the site or near the site of a WW1 POW Camp to take some photos of a headstone of a local soldier whom I am researching who died as a POW on 10th October 1918.
For those who may not know this cemetery it is in open country, mainly farmland, on a hill over looking the town (or should that be city) of Kassel. It is very exposed and at best wind swept.
At the time of my visit, about 0930hrs I was the only person there. From the moment I got out of the car and entered the cemetery I felt uneasy I had the feeling as if someone was watching me, this to me was a real feeling you know the sort of thing, hairs on the back on your neck start to stand up. I looked around for some time and saw no one. I located the headstone and started to take some photos but I always had the feeling as if there was some one else was there or I was being watched. After I had taken my photos I started to walk around to look at some other headstones but I very quickly became more uneasy the longer I stayed so I returned to the car and left.
This has never happend to me before but I had a very real feeling some one or (dare I say it) something was watching me. It seems silly now to recall this but I really did feel uneasy at the time and I can remember it very clearly now.
Best Regards
Peter.
On the same theme but off the Western Front. I have over the years visited many CWG Cemeteries, mainly WW1 but a few WW2. Also I should add that years spent in the Army I am not normally the sort of chap who gets "spooked" easily.
In April this year I visited the CWG Cemetery at Niederzwehren on the outskirts of Kassel, the site or near the site of a WW1 POW Camp to take some photos of a headstone of a local soldier whom I am researching who died as a POW on 10th October 1918.
For those who may not know this cemetery it is in open country, mainly farmland, on a hill over looking the town (or should that be city) of Kassel. It is very exposed and at best wind swept.
At the time of my visit, about 0930hrs I was the only person there. From the moment I got out of the car and entered the cemetery I felt uneasy I had the feeling as if someone was watching me, this to me was a real feeling you know the sort of thing, hairs on the back on your neck start to stand up. I looked around for some time and saw no one. I located the headstone and started to take some photos but I always had the feeling as if there was some one else was there or I was being watched. After I had taken my photos I started to walk around to look at some other headstones but I very quickly became more uneasy the longer I stayed so I returned to the car and left.
This has never happend to me before but I had a very real feeling some one or (dare I say it) something was watching me. It seems silly now to recall this but I really did feel uneasy at the time and I can remember it very clearly now.
Best Regards
Peter.
In general I always feel a sense of peace on the Western Front but I will admit to feeling similarly spooked at/in Mametz Wood.
On each occasion I have entered the fringes of that wood , I have felt unwelcome and an intruder and a real feeling of menace. This feeling has been shared by companions. In a clearing I once came across a massive shell of 10 inch diameter sitting mutely on its base ! (But then how else would a shell sit !). Not a welcoming place.
Walking up to the wood across the killing ground in front of it gives a peculiar feeling in my chest - but of course we all know the history of that place so this probably invalidates this as any sort of psychic experience.
It would be interesting to fly in a psychic or medium and get their reaction at a sample of French woods - innocent and infamous.
Newfoundland Park seems positively welcoming in comparison.
On each occasion I have entered the fringes of that wood , I have felt unwelcome and an intruder and a real feeling of menace. This feeling has been shared by companions. In a clearing I once came across a massive shell of 10 inch diameter sitting mutely on its base ! (But then how else would a shell sit !). Not a welcoming place.
Walking up to the wood across the killing ground in front of it gives a peculiar feeling in my chest - but of course we all know the history of that place so this probably invalidates this as any sort of psychic experience.
It would be interesting to fly in a psychic or medium and get their reaction at a sample of French woods - innocent and infamous.
Newfoundland Park seems positively welcoming in comparison.
I was once asked by a TV company to accompany a psychic medium to the Somme and see what he made of it. "Case not Proven" as they say in Scotland.
I did a bit of research beforehand and could only find two references to supernatural occurrences. I was told of one lady who had heard the noise of battle in Mametz Wood, and one man who lived in the Somme and would not walk down a particular road at night. This road was one which approached a 1st July position. He was happy to walk away from the trench lines at night, but walking towards them gave him strong feelings of unease.
Me, I've never felt anything strange while "over there." I have often sat in cemeteries very late at night and only felt a feeling of calm!
I did a bit of research beforehand and could only find two references to supernatural occurrences. I was told of one lady who had heard the noise of battle in Mametz Wood, and one man who lived in the Somme and would not walk down a particular road at night. This road was one which approached a 1st July position. He was happy to walk away from the trench lines at night, but walking towards them gave him strong feelings of unease.
Me, I've never felt anything strange while "over there." I have often sat in cemeteries very late at night and only felt a feeling of calm!
Interesting that Mametz Wood gets another mention above .
Rodge
It's away from your WWI* and WWII theme, but I recall feeling very uncomfortable at the First Boer War battlefield of Majuba Hill. As you'll recall, Majuba was the scene of a debacle on 27 February 1881 when some 500 British were defeated by a smaller Boer force, who suffered almost no casualties.
I went there with a friend some 30 years ago, on an almost cloudless warm Spring day, ie very far from the conditions normally associated with things 'spooky'. We had the summit to ourselves. Nevertheless, we both felt a strong sense of unease, and had the definite feeling that we were under intense scrutiny. It wasn't pleasant, and I recall we curtailed our visit. I later met some other people who reported the same impression. There was nothing like it that feeling at Isandhlwana, Spion Kop or other battlefields.
* = There is, of course, a 1914-1918 connection with Majuba, as General Sir Ian Hamilton, of Dardanelles fame, was present as a Lieutenant in the 92nd Foot, the Gordon Highlanders.
Not directly in your line of enquiry, but I hope it helps.
Dolphin
It's away from your WWI* and WWII theme, but I recall feeling very uncomfortable at the First Boer War battlefield of Majuba Hill. As you'll recall, Majuba was the scene of a debacle on 27 February 1881 when some 500 British were defeated by a smaller Boer force, who suffered almost no casualties.
I went there with a friend some 30 years ago, on an almost cloudless warm Spring day, ie very far from the conditions normally associated with things 'spooky'. We had the summit to ourselves. Nevertheless, we both felt a strong sense of unease, and had the definite feeling that we were under intense scrutiny. It wasn't pleasant, and I recall we curtailed our visit. I later met some other people who reported the same impression. There was nothing like it that feeling at Isandhlwana, Spion Kop or other battlefields.
* = There is, of course, a 1914-1918 connection with Majuba, as General Sir Ian Hamilton, of Dardanelles fame, was present as a Lieutenant in the 92nd Foot, the Gordon Highlanders.
Not directly in your line of enquiry, but I hope it helps.
Dolphin
One place where I have felt something coming near an "eerie" feeling was at 'The Farm' beneath Chunuk Bair at Gallipoli.
Maybe it had something to do with the solitude of the place, the huge height of Chunuk Bair near by or knowing that this was where Baldwin's brigade were overrun by the Turkish attack on the 10th of August.
But it was a feeling I had not experienced on other battlefields that I've been to.
Maybe it had something to do with the solitude of the place, the huge height of Chunuk Bair near by or knowing that this was where Baldwin's brigade were overrun by the Turkish attack on the 10th of August.
But it was a feeling I had not experienced on other battlefields that I've been to.
The only case I know of is a friend who camped in Mametz Wood one summer night and simply says "I wish I hadn't"...
This is an interesting thread given the huge upsurge in interest in spiritualism after the war.
Didn't Arthur ("Sherlock Holmes") Conan Doyle lose a son in the War, and attempted to contact him on the 'other side'? Anyone have any details?
Simon
This is an interesting thread given the huge upsurge in interest in spiritualism after the war.
Didn't Arthur ("Sherlock Holmes") Conan Doyle lose a son in the War, and attempted to contact him on the 'other side'? Anyone have any details?
Simon
His son, Alleyne Kingsley Conan Doyle, was wounded on the Somme (acting Captain 1st Hampshires) and never really recovered, dying of pneumonia in October 1918 (I think)
I don't know if this counts as "details" but Conan Doyle was rather predisposed and gullible in terms of spritualist matters. He believed that Harry Houdini had supernatural powers but wouldn't admit it. He still believed that one American family has psychic powers even after they had confessed that they were charlatans and had publicly demonstrated how they had done it. And of course, he believed in the Cottingley Fairies.
No offence intended to his memory or that of his son, but any endorsement of the supernatural by Conan Doyle isn't worth much!
I don't know if this counts as "details" but Conan Doyle was rather predisposed and gullible in terms of spritualist matters. He believed that Harry Houdini had supernatural powers but wouldn't admit it. He still believed that one American family has psychic powers even after they had confessed that they were charlatans and had publicly demonstrated how they had done it. And of course, he believed in the Cottingley Fairies.
No offence intended to his memory or that of his son, but any endorsement of the supernatural by Conan Doyle isn't worth much!
Hi everyone, many thanks for all your interesting replies, there certainly seems to be a lot of interest in this and a common theme in the Mametz Wood experiences.
Please keep listing your thoughts and feelings relating to this very interesting subject.
Merry Christmas to All
Rodge D.
Please keep listing your thoughts and feelings relating to this very interesting subject.
Merry Christmas to All
Rodge D.
Some say birds don't sing at places like Mort Homme and Cote 304, they do.
A few years ago myself and a couple of friends stayed a couple of nights at Ian Alexander's Rose Cottage in Longueval. The one guy also brought along his two eldest sisters who had not spoken to each other for a few years in the hope the weekend might help patch up their differences. They both had no interest in matters relating to the Great War. However one of the sisters was supposed to have psychic powers... which to me is a lot of rubbish. It was a winter night in January when we stayed at the cottage and after a meal and a few glasses of plonk we decided to have a walk towards High Wood. Why I do not know.. it was snowing and the wind was howling. We were in the vicinity of Wood Lane when this lady stopped suddenly and exclaimed that she felt that a lot of horses had suffered and died horrible deaths. Ok thousands of horses died on the western front. But we happened to be in the area of where the Deccan Horse and Dragoon Guards had charged on the evening on 14 July, 1916. If I remember right 90 horses were killed in the action. Spooky or what?
A good friend and regular visitor to the Western Front paid a visit to a cemetery in which he had no interest, but where his touring partner wished to see a particular grave. Mike, idling around as one does on such occasions, stopped all of a sudden. He looked down, to find himself standing by a headstone that bore the same name as his own.
Not exactly a Western Front story, actually its more like a Home Front story and I have mentioned this elsewhere on this Forum, so at the risk of boring you all I'll tell the story again! 
In my collection I have the 1915 Trio and Memorial Plaque to 6356 Pte George Henry Lowe of the 1st Bn CEF, he is buried at Y Farm Military Cemetery, he was killed in action on the 10 March 1915.
On a visit to a family grave at St. Pancras Cemetery in Middlesex I decided to leave the car and have a mooch-about in the overgrown areas of this vast cemetery. I fought my way along a disused path full of brambles when I found a CWGC grave, equally hidden in brambles etc. I cleared the undergrowth away and was suprised to find the grave of 6402 Lance Sergeant D. McMasters, 1st Bn CEF, who died on 18 Nov 1915.
I have gone back to locate the grave on numerous other occasions but without success.
I wonder what the odds on finding this grave were.
In my collection I have the 1915 Trio and Memorial Plaque to 6356 Pte George Henry Lowe of the 1st Bn CEF, he is buried at Y Farm Military Cemetery, he was killed in action on the 10 March 1915.
On a visit to a family grave at St. Pancras Cemetery in Middlesex I decided to leave the car and have a mooch-about in the overgrown areas of this vast cemetery. I fought my way along a disused path full of brambles when I found a CWGC grave, equally hidden in brambles etc. I cleared the undergrowth away and was suprised to find the grave of 6402 Lance Sergeant D. McMasters, 1st Bn CEF, who died on 18 Nov 1915.
I have gone back to locate the grave on numerous other occasions but without success.
I wonder what the odds on finding this grave were.
People have always commented on the creepiness of Langemark German cemetery. I remember when first visting the Western Front with the WFA in the early 80's there were people who wouldn't go in. Even after warning my first school group in 1994 I clearly remember one boy starting back with fright when he glimpsed the 'Comrades' at the back of the mass grave. The thing is that Langemark is deliberately sombre (and creepy) overlain with oak trees. I seem to remember that research has indicated that the ambient temperature in the cemetery is 2-3 degrees C. lower that the surrounding area which presumably accentuates the effect.
On our school trips we have often discussed the 'tingle' phenomenon and how far it is an objective thing and how much caused by our knowledge of what happened in a place. I tend to think it is a mixture of both, but am a stubborn believer in the old 'stone tape' theory that horrible events become imprinted on a location. Candidates for the 'tingle factor' that I have encountered in recent years are: the Mur Des Fusillees at Arras and the site of the 1940 Wormhoudt massacre of Warwicks and Cheshires, particularly the 'pool of death' at the rear of the site.
On our school trips we have often discussed the 'tingle' phenomenon and how far it is an objective thing and how much caused by our knowledge of what happened in a place. I tend to think it is a mixture of both, but am a stubborn believer in the old 'stone tape' theory that horrible events become imprinted on a location. Candidates for the 'tingle factor' that I have encountered in recent years are: the Mur Des Fusillees at Arras and the site of the 1940 Wormhoudt massacre of Warwicks and Cheshires, particularly the 'pool of death' at the rear of the site.
With regard to strange experiences on the Western Front.
On Christmas Eve 1917, my grandfather was on trench guard. In the early hours of the morning he and a fellow sentry heard the tin cans attached to the barbed wire start to rattle. The platoon commander, fearing a trench raid might be in progress, ordered an immediate stand to and a nervous half hour or so was spent peering into the darkness.
The following morning shortly after the dawn stand to, my grandfather, along with three other men, were ordered into no-mans-land to see if they could find any signs of enemy activity that may have taken place during the night. Just in front of the wire, and to their astonishment, they found a pile of gaily wrapped parcels and fresh hoof prints.
Merry Christmas everybody
Terry Reeves
On Christmas Eve 1917, my grandfather was on trench guard. In the early hours of the morning he and a fellow sentry heard the tin cans attached to the barbed wire start to rattle. The platoon commander, fearing a trench raid might be in progress, ordered an immediate stand to and a nervous half hour or so was spent peering into the darkness.
The following morning shortly after the dawn stand to, my grandfather, along with three other men, were ordered into no-mans-land to see if they could find any signs of enemy activity that may have taken place during the night. Just in front of the wire, and to their astonishment, they found a pile of gaily wrapped parcels and fresh hoof prints.
Merry Christmas everybody
Terry Reeves
Lee, I think you may find McMaster's service record interesting if you send away for it.
In the meantime this should keep you going.
6402 L/Sgt Dalton C McMaster (no S on the end)
Buried St. Pancras Cemetery, Middlesex.
Although he died in the U.K his number indicates he was an original member of the Battalion and he definitely went to the front because I know he was transferred back to England on 24/4/15 whilst a Corporal but I don't know why. Hopefully his records will explain.
This may also be of interest.
7057 John Thomas McMaster
1st CEF Killed in a railway accident at Nantes 12/2/15.
I think he was almost certainly the first fatality the Battalion suffered on active service. They weren't brothers but may possibly have been related.
In the meantime this should keep you going.
6402 L/Sgt Dalton C McMaster (no S on the end)
Buried St. Pancras Cemetery, Middlesex.
Although he died in the U.K his number indicates he was an original member of the Battalion and he definitely went to the front because I know he was transferred back to England on 24/4/15 whilst a Corporal but I don't know why. Hopefully his records will explain.
This may also be of interest.
7057 John Thomas McMaster
1st CEF Killed in a railway accident at Nantes 12/2/15.
I think he was almost certainly the first fatality the Battalion suffered on active service. They weren't brothers but may possibly have been related.
Alan - mmmm, sounds interesting! I'll have a look at that in the new year, cheers.
There are quite a few CEF burials in the St. Pancras cemetery dotted about all over the place.
I've only been there a couple of times and at first was a little confused as some of the CWGC burials are recorded as being in the Islington Cemetery. St. Pancras is one of about 3 cemeteries all joined together.
There are quite a few CEF burials in the St. Pancras cemetery dotted about all over the place.
I've only been there a couple of times and at first was a little confused as some of the CWGC burials are recorded as being in the Islington Cemetery. St. Pancras is one of about 3 cemeteries all joined together.
In 1990, I was visiting Gallipoli. At about 2am, on April 25th, I was walking along the road above Anzac Cove, when I became very uneasy and spooked. I could sense a prescence near me.
I don't usually believe in psychic stories, but even now, I still remember that episode.
I don't usually believe in psychic stories, but even now, I still remember that episode.
Quote from Rose Coombs MBE in BEF on Newfoundland Park.
"Even on a fine sunny summers day, the park seems to have a definitely foreboding atmosphere and after a thunderstorm I have smelt the awful stench of battle in the still deep trenches. Nowhere else in my travels on the Western Front has the horror of war come nearer to me than here."
"Even on a fine sunny summers day, the park seems to have a definitely foreboding atmosphere and after a thunderstorm I have smelt the awful stench of battle in the still deep trenches. Nowhere else in my travels on the Western Front has the horror of war come nearer to me than here."
I don't want to spoil the atmosphere here, but I think this is all nonsense. I've been on cemeteries at midnight (because someone wanted to experience something), I've slept in a B&B on the Somme where a psychic had sensed the ghost of a dead soldier etc. I think if you want to feel such a thing, then you feel something strange, it's just superstition.
Jan
Jan
Jan,
never say never....but on this thread, I fear I have to concur: I am too realistic minded to believe in strange occurances. I have been also a couple of times at midnight out there at the trenches or war graves. I very much was inspired by the peaceful athmosphere. The only time I felt something spooky was when a (small) bottle of 1992 Cotes du Rhone passed by. But I don't want to offend other believers: I am just a lousy medium.
never say never....but on this thread, I fear I have to concur: I am too realistic minded to believe in strange occurances. I have been also a couple of times at midnight out there at the trenches or war graves. I very much was inspired by the peaceful athmosphere. The only time I felt something spooky was when a (small) bottle of 1992 Cotes du Rhone passed by. But I don't want to offend other believers: I am just a lousy medium.
I too have visited cemeteries late at night, when there seems an even greater sense of calm and timelessness. I am not sure I would feel quite as easy by one of Verdun's windowed ossuaries though.
Having said that, I have heard several people say they feel uneasy, especially around Verdun, and if that is what they truly feel, then so be it. However, if we come in peace and veneration (as most of us Forumites surely do) then why should any resident spirits protest?
Having said that, I have heard several people say they feel uneasy, especially around Verdun, and if that is what they truly feel, then so be it. However, if we come in peace and veneration (as most of us Forumites surely do) then why should any resident spirits protest?
Whether you believe in any of this or not I agree with Kate. I think we all visit for the right reasons so shouldn't be too concerned. Possibly the spirits in Mametz Wood have been agitated by those who have left unsightly holes in the ground after their metal detecting exploits!
QUOTE (Alan Lines @ Sat, 21 Dec 2002 13:00:48 +0000)
Although he died in the U.K his number indicates he was an original member of the Battalion and he definitely went to the front because I know he was transferred back to England on 24/4/15 whilst a Corporal but I don't know why. Hopefully his records will explain.
Alan - I've had a look at McMaster's entry in the CEF Roll of Honour and it states he died of disease aged 39.
Thanks Lee. This probably explains why he was promoted between his transfer to England and his death. At some point after arrivng back he must have recovered enough to carry out useful duties for which he was promoted before falling ill.
Abbaye de Vauclair, Chemin des Dames
memorial to the 29th division at Beaumont-Hamel
Bécordel-Bécourt, Albert
Bois des caures, Verdun
Le Mort Homme, Verdun
Mametz Wood, Somme ( people felt uncomfortable when entering "this terrible place)
Voie sacrée
Ridge Wood military cemetery, Ypres
Hedge Row trench cemetery and Bluff cemetery, Ypres
germa
memorial to the 29th division at Beaumont-Hamel
Bécordel-Bécourt, Albert
Bois des caures, Verdun
Le Mort Homme, Verdun
Mametz Wood, Somme ( people felt uncomfortable when entering "this terrible place)
Voie sacrée
Ridge Wood military cemetery, Ypres
Hedge Row trench cemetery and Bluff cemetery, Ypres
germa
german cemetery at annoeullin
Fort de souville
Abri des quatre cheminées, Froideterre
More interesting, Heijster wrote a whole chapter on talbot House, where several visitors claim to have seen Tubby Clayton's appearance...
Seems like something went wrong with this posting, but this are the places Richard Heijster describes as 'haunted' in his book 'mystery 14-18'.
regards,
Bert.
Fort de souville
Abri des quatre cheminées, Froideterre
More interesting, Heijster wrote a whole chapter on talbot House, where several visitors claim to have seen Tubby Clayton's appearance...
Seems like something went wrong with this posting, but this are the places Richard Heijster describes as 'haunted' in his book 'mystery 14-18'.
regards,
Bert.
A group of us were staying at Avril William's Guesthouse in Auchonvillers and after our evening meal we decided to walk to Newfoundland Memorial Park. It was a cold winters night and as we left the village the only light visible was those shining on the Moose standing on the memorial.
It was deadly quiet even the wind was completey still. Our shadows from the arc lights surrounding the memorial were casting long shadows all over the shell holed landscape. We only spoke in whispers. It was a creepy spooky atmosphere. The hairs on our backs was standing and our skin was tingling. Then suddenly a loud howl made us all jump and one of our party suddenly disappeared........followed by the loudest rasping, tearing noise you had ever heard.
It was Mavis, she had slipped in the mud down into one of the trenches and FARTED!!!!!
And if Mavis reads this I am done for!
I hope all the forum readers and Chris Baker for making it all possible a Happy Christmas and a peaceful new year
Terry
It was deadly quiet even the wind was completey still. Our shadows from the arc lights surrounding the memorial were casting long shadows all over the shell holed landscape. We only spoke in whispers. It was a creepy spooky atmosphere. The hairs on our backs was standing and our skin was tingling. Then suddenly a loud howl made us all jump and one of our party suddenly disappeared........followed by the loudest rasping, tearing noise you had ever heard.
It was Mavis, she had slipped in the mud down into one of the trenches and FARTED!!!!!
And if Mavis reads this I am done for!
I hope all the forum readers and Chris Baker for making it all possible a Happy Christmas and a peaceful new year
Terry
This is the best post in the history of this forum!
I think I've met Mavis. Nice girl. 
"Not spirits- just the gentle sound of the wind in the trees"
Hi Rodge D,
I just wanted to tell you about my experience at Essex Farm, Ypres.
It was the summer of 2000 and my first time visting the battlefields of the western front and I had taken a coach tour. When we visited Essex Farm we were standing around the graves listening to Bill our expert, and the information he was telling us. There was around 40 maybe in our group, but someone was standing right behind me. They were getting closer and closer until I felt they were almost on top of me! I was a bit cross because there was loads of room and we could all hear Bill, and I didn't know why they had chosen to stand so close to me. I looked round to see who it was. There was no one there!! I was at the back of the group!! And although I never asked him, I did hear another passenger say, as we boarded back on the coach. That upon looking into the concrete bunkers he had 'seen' wounded soldiers being treated!
I returned to Essex Farm in September. I did not get the same feeling as the last time, but despite being wrapped up, I felt so cold and shivery. This I did not experience in any other cemetery, and as we were doing a 'Holts tour', we visited loads. Apart from Essex Farm, I find the other cemeteries and battlefields to be very calm and peaceful, so far!
Hope this is of interest.
Alie.
I just wanted to tell you about my experience at Essex Farm, Ypres.
It was the summer of 2000 and my first time visting the battlefields of the western front and I had taken a coach tour. When we visited Essex Farm we were standing around the graves listening to Bill our expert, and the information he was telling us. There was around 40 maybe in our group, but someone was standing right behind me. They were getting closer and closer until I felt they were almost on top of me! I was a bit cross because there was loads of room and we could all hear Bill, and I didn't know why they had chosen to stand so close to me. I looked round to see who it was. There was no one there!! I was at the back of the group!! And although I never asked him, I did hear another passenger say, as we boarded back on the coach. That upon looking into the concrete bunkers he had 'seen' wounded soldiers being treated!
I returned to Essex Farm in September. I did not get the same feeling as the last time, but despite being wrapped up, I felt so cold and shivery. This I did not experience in any other cemetery, and as we were doing a 'Holts tour', we visited loads. Apart from Essex Farm, I find the other cemeteries and battlefields to be very calm and peaceful, so far!
Hope this is of interest.
Alie.
Nothing to do with WW1 but the site of the edge hill battle in Warks/Oxon is always an eerie place to be. I have been to france & Flanders and have never felt uncomfortable there.
Ben
Ben
The moose Terry refers too in his great post is a woodland caribou grieving for her lost young from faraway Newfoundland.
Like Mark I find Langemark a forboding place. The first time I went there it was dull, overcast and pouring with rain. (Does it ever not rain in this corner of NE Europe!?)
I can say that as I first glimpsed the Comrades, my heart missed a beat!
Generally, however, I have found the cemetries to be peaceful havens, although I have at times been effected by feelings of great sadness.
Tim
I can say that as I first glimpsed the Comrades, my heart missed a beat!
Generally, however, I have found the cemetries to be peaceful havens, although I have at times been effected by feelings of great sadness.
Tim
This is my first visit to the forum and this article prompted my joining. Both me and my Father, together experienced a strange occurence on the Verdun battlefields.
It was a late summers afternoon ,I was about 22 years old at the time.
The car was parked at the Cote' 304 memorial on the Mort Homme ridge. There were no other vehicles parked.
We walked north east down the side exploring the woods and battlefield. We were approximately 1/2 a mile from the monument. We were in a strange area, as the vegetation on either side of the path was different. It was bare on the right and riddled with foliage on the left side.
We both decided to leave the path and contine over the cratered landscape. As we were walking both me and my father parted and continued. We were 15 - 20mts apart when we both heard some sounds.
It sounded like french whispers, we both jumped in to seperate craters and ducked to see if we could identify the source of the voices. The whispering stopped and both me and my father approached each other and both agreed that we heard french voices. This was strange as their was no one around for miles.
During the dicussion we noticied another sound, this sound was unusual as we could not tell from which direction it originated. It was like a very loud buzzing. The only way to describe it is to compare it with thousands of bees confined in a small space. (I know it sounds strange).
The buzzing started growing in volume , although there wasn't an insect to be seen. We decided to make a sharp exit at this point and jogged back to the path and the car.
We have walked the area numerous times before and since and never have we heard or experienced anything like this incident.
This may sound silly, but both me and my Father experienced this together and we cannot explain it.
Thanks for reading, hope it is of interest.
All the best.
James
It was a late summers afternoon ,I was about 22 years old at the time.
The car was parked at the Cote' 304 memorial on the Mort Homme ridge. There were no other vehicles parked.
We walked north east down the side exploring the woods and battlefield. We were approximately 1/2 a mile from the monument. We were in a strange area, as the vegetation on either side of the path was different. It was bare on the right and riddled with foliage on the left side.
We both decided to leave the path and contine over the cratered landscape. As we were walking both me and my father parted and continued. We were 15 - 20mts apart when we both heard some sounds.
It sounded like french whispers, we both jumped in to seperate craters and ducked to see if we could identify the source of the voices. The whispering stopped and both me and my father approached each other and both agreed that we heard french voices. This was strange as their was no one around for miles.
During the dicussion we noticied another sound, this sound was unusual as we could not tell from which direction it originated. It was like a very loud buzzing. The only way to describe it is to compare it with thousands of bees confined in a small space. (I know it sounds strange).
The buzzing started growing in volume , although there wasn't an insect to be seen. We decided to make a sharp exit at this point and jogged back to the path and the car.
We have walked the area numerous times before and since and never have we heard or experienced anything like this incident.
This may sound silly, but both me and my Father experienced this together and we cannot explain it.
Thanks for reading, hope it is of interest.
All the best.
James
James.
Strange that you should mention the buzzing sound. I'd never given it much thought before, but I too once heard a noise exactly as you describe,this time near Louvemont. I also put it down to a lot of bees confined in a small space,but seeing as I experienced this in February,it couldn't have been (do bees hibernate?).The noise seemed to just be in the air?
-Are there any electrical items (pylons and the like) in the area?
Dave.
Strange that you should mention the buzzing sound. I'd never given it much thought before, but I too once heard a noise exactly as you describe,this time near Louvemont. I also put it down to a lot of bees confined in a small space,but seeing as I experienced this in February,it couldn't have been (do bees hibernate?).The noise seemed to just be in the air?
-Are there any electrical items (pylons and the like) in the area?
Dave.
Dave,
Where we were, there are no pylons, just trees and untouches battleground. The area where we heard this is part if the Mort Homme ridge. This is several miles long and a mile or so deep. Most of the area is untouched. just the odd momument and track breaks up the shell scape.
The noise was in the air, we just couldnt pin point it's location, whcich we thought was very strange.
With reference to bees, I do believe that they only come out in late spring and summer months.
Thanks for the reply.
James
Where we were, there are no pylons, just trees and untouches battleground. The area where we heard this is part if the Mort Homme ridge. This is several miles long and a mile or so deep. Most of the area is untouched. just the odd momument and track breaks up the shell scape.
The noise was in the air, we just couldnt pin point it's location, whcich we thought was very strange.
With reference to bees, I do believe that they only come out in late spring and summer months.
Thanks for the reply.
James
Dave,
Although I have been to Louvement, I cannot remember whether there were any pylons or such like there.
I dont think there was, was there?
What happened with your experience?
Cheers,
James
Although I have been to Louvement, I cannot remember whether there were any pylons or such like there.
I dont think there was, was there?
What happened with your experience?
Cheers,
James
A few years ago I went to Belgium to visit the 1914 battlefields near Mons, as I walked alone, close to a small wood, I heard a buzzing increasing in intensity. From out of the wood came a huge swarm of bees. As I beat a hasty retreat, even though it was mid day it started to get very dark.
Suddenly directly above me I saw a light that increased in intensity. As I watched, it took the form of a winged figure that hovered above me for a while. It almost looked like an angel. This " angel " proceeded to envelope the swarm allowing me to escape unhurt. Has anyone else heard of anything similar?
John.
Suddenly directly above me I saw a light that increased in intensity. As I watched, it took the form of a winged figure that hovered above me for a while. It almost looked like an angel. This " angel " proceeded to envelope the swarm allowing me to escape unhurt. Has anyone else heard of anything similar?
John.
Sounds like the return of the Angel of Mons!
Ian
Ian
like ian, when visiting the battlefields I have only experienced a feeling of peace. The one exception was last years visit to Plugstreet Wood. Being lazy my husband dropped me off at the entrance to the wood and went off to park the car. Whilst walking through the wood I became aware of an eerie stillness and a definate feeling of being watched. I continued onto the cemetery feeling more and more uneasy. Once inside the cemetery the feeling vanished. My husband caught up with me and I thought nothing more of it. He went onto Rifle House and I walked or should I say trotted back to the car alone. Feeling "girly" I said nothing. Back at the hotel reviewing the days visits I commented that the cemetery was the most peaceful we had visited. Brian agreed but went onto say that he didn't want to go back as he felt really uncomfortable walking through the wood, as though he was unwelcome. He to admitted the feeling went when inside the cemetery. Nowhere else have I felt like this even in the remotest locations.
A good friend and frequent visitor to the battlefields recalls on one occasion visiting a cemetery and simply walking around, taking in the environs as many of us do before stopping and looking down at the headstone in front of him, only to see his own name and initial upon it. His surname is not a common one and he still recalls being a little shaken by the experience.
I have found on occasion I have looked down at a particular headstone to find it is one of particular interest to me, for all sorts of reasons and I often wonder if somehow we are drawn to the spot in question.
I have also walked into war cemeteries at night, noting a true calmness but also a strange sense of being welcome amongst "friends".
Am I the only one!
I have found on occasion I have looked down at a particular headstone to find it is one of particular interest to me, for all sorts of reasons and I often wonder if somehow we are drawn to the spot in question.
I have also walked into war cemeteries at night, noting a true calmness but also a strange sense of being welcome amongst "friends".
Am I the only one!
No martin you are not the only one. When actually in the cemeteries I not only feel welcome but also safe wherever I am and no matter what time of day.
QUOTE (cooper @ Wed, 19 Feb 2003 13:19:55 +0000)
Although I have been to Louvement, I cannot remember whether there were any pylons or such like there.
I dont think there was, was there?
What happened with your experience?
I dont think there was, was there?
What happened with your experience?
James.
I certainly can't remember anything electrical in the area around Louvemont.
Anyway,what happened (must be around 12 years ago now) was this. I'd set off from Louvemont chapel for a wander in the woods,as I regularly do,following the line of an old trench to see where it took me.There had been some clearances in the forest at this time and various artifacts could be seen lying around,one of which caught my eye and took me off the trail.As it turned out,it was nothing spectacular (just an old bucket) but there was (the remains of) a French army boot nearby.As I went over to look at it,that's when the "buzzing" started.As you said,it was impossible to pinpoint exactly where it originated,it was just there,a constant buzzing that got louder if I stood still,but didn't seem to vary if I was moving.The noise was just "in the air".At this point,even though I was,I felt VERY alone!
I heard the noise until I returned to the chapel area,then noticed it had gone.
This is the only time that I've heard this in this area,even though I've been back many times.
I've heard of stories of "phantom hummings" that have plagued several areas in the UK,Europe and USA before.These have been put down to an unknown but natural phenomena and have affected the health of some of those living in the areas. Maybe these are cases of this? Who knows.
Dave.
I've not experience buzzing at Verdun but as I'm going back there this afternoon, I'll pay close attention. There are definitely no electrical pylons at Louvement, nothing but miles of trees and shrubs. I'm not normally bothered by the atmosphere at Verdun and I certainly don't believe in ghostly appearances but I have to say that there are areas I don't much like - Caillette Wood, for one, Haudromont quarries for another. I've walked through Caillette Wood alone but I can't think of anything that would get me into Haudromont Q by myself. I had a very strange feeling last September doing some exploring on the top of Wavrille Hill that I can only describe as 'things waiting'. I've been back since but haven't experienced it again. Once last November I decided to drive over the battlefield at 6pm on my way home and stopped at the Ossuary. I know the central area of the battlefield very well and wouldn't have expected to find it spooky but it was. The bell in the Ossuary tower began it ring, I was absolutely alone and it was pitch dark. It took all my will power to stand there by the car for the ten minutes that the bell rang and I'm not sure I'd do it again. Hardly a psychic phenomenon but it was a very powerfull feeling.
As to bird song on the Mort Homme and in other parts, since the forests are largely pine and beech there aren't places for birds to nest and not much for birds to eat. There are a few cheepings in the forest in spring but not much and for the rest of the year, the forest is largely silent. I've never heard cascades of bird song anywhere at Verdun although you get larks in the open country and there are hundreds of hawks.
Christina Holstein.
As to bird song on the Mort Homme and in other parts, since the forests are largely pine and beech there aren't places for birds to nest and not much for birds to eat. There are a few cheepings in the forest in spring but not much and for the rest of the year, the forest is largely silent. I've never heard cascades of bird song anywhere at Verdun although you get larks in the open country and there are hundreds of hawks.
Christina Holstein.
Many thanks to all for replying and providing info on this emotive and intersting subject, to all the doubters I will say that I too was once one, until things happened before me that could only be real in a spiritual or ghostly sense of reckoning.
Verdun - I have been to on several trips and spent days - evenings crashing around on the slopes and woods that thousands of troops had died on and felt nothing, I have like others also been out in what were front line positions in the darkness and also had no problems. The night or day scenario makes no difference, I just feel that it is some sort of trapped energy force at certain places under certain circumstances that manifest itself to be seen by some people.
Verdun - I have been to on several trips and spent days - evenings crashing around on the slopes and woods that thousands of troops had died on and felt nothing, I have like others also been out in what were front line positions in the darkness and also had no problems. The night or day scenario makes no difference, I just feel that it is some sort of trapped energy force at certain places under certain circumstances that manifest itself to be seen by some people.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.