May 2026 on The Somme  - From Frost to Phew What a Scorcher! Tales to Tell.

Another May has sped past in a blur of activity and new memories made.   The month arrived cold and wet with the odd frost – we even had the heating on, then the weather changed in a click of a finger to a heatwave. We have had record temperatures for May, 30+ by day – as has much of Europe.  Not usual for this time of year. Guests have coped remarkably well whether it be the cold, wet start to the month or then latterly the very hot, dry days and nights.

Despite the dry weather, everything is now growing after the early May rain. The Somme landscape is turning brown earlier than usual, but all shades of green are still on display, nature’s spring coat of emerald and sage and olive. Potato crop on their symmetrical ridges have green miniature trees growing on them, the sign of the crop to be found below the ridges. The sage hued wheat swirls in the breeze. The tracks brown, dry and dusty. The birds are nesting and the dawn chorus is like a bird orchestra. Sitting outside with the first cuppa of the day before breakfast with eyes closed letting nature surround us is so good for the spirit.

Potatoes planted alongside Thiepval.

May has been very busy so we have had little time for walking ourselves but we vicariously explore The Somme through our guests and their stories in these busy days! May is always a good time to visit the battlefields – even if the heatwave has been a challenge! The crop is not too high to impede the views, it’s not too busy, great light with long evenings and of course the sunsets! We are thankful for every guest who comes through our door and never take anything for granted. We have had so many whispered words of thanks, messages and thoughtful musings sent to us that we know we are truly blessed to have such a wonderful range of guests come to visit.  You are all wonderful for appreciating what we do, so thank you.

There has been so much going on we can hardly keep up, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Each day is stimulating, busy, always surprising and though we are first up and last to bed each day, it is good tired, not bad tired. The Somme continues to weave its magic over everyone.

This being the 110^th anniversary of The Battle of The Somme there will be lots of significant dates approaching. In May we noted that on 26^th May it was the 110^th anniversary of the death of Mick O’Brien, friend and fellow soldier of Siegfried Sassoon. Corporal O’Brien, 1^st Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers is buried in Citadel New Military Cemetery, Fricourt.

Sassoon writes about O’Brien and the raid which killed him in his "Memoirs of an Infantry Officer":

“With the rope, and a man to help, I got back to O’Brien, and we lifted him up the side of the crater. It was heavy work, for he was tall and powerfully built, and the soft earth gave way under our feet as we lugged and hoisted the limp shattered body. The Germans must have seen us in the half-light, but they had stopped firing; perhaps they felt sorry for us.

At last we lowered him over the parapet. A stretcher-bearer bent over him and then straightened himself, taking off his helmet with a gesture that vaguely surprised me by its reverent simplicity. O’Brien had been one of the best men in our Company. I looked down at him and then turned away; the face was grotesquely terrible, smeared with last night’s burnt cork, the forehead matted with a tangle of dark hair.”

While recovering in Craiglockhart hospital, Sassoon wrote this in 1917, no doubt thinking of O’Brien and others:

Sick Leave

When I’m asleep, dreaming and lulled and warm, —

They come, the homeless ones, the noiseless dead.

While the dim charging breakers of the storm

Bellow and drone and rumble overhead,

Out of the gloom they gather about my bed.

     They whisper to my heart; their thoughts are mine.

      Why are you here with all your watches ended?

 From Ypres to Frise we sought you in the Line.

In bitter safety I awake, unfriended;

And while the dawn begins with slashing rain

I think of the Battalion in the mud.

 When are you going out to them again?

Are they not still your brothers through our blood?

It was events such as the loss of O’Brien that turned Sassoon from proud officer to anti war poet. He used poetry and memoirs to get what was in his head out. We’d call it survivor’s guilt today, but how many soldiers who survived carried their mental burdens alone, without help?

Siegfried Sassoon

Exploring The Somme

It has been wonderful having familiar faces and new guests through our door again this May.

We have had several lovely Dutch friends here this month. After visiting last summer, Floortje came with son Florian and for the first time husband Gerard. Floortje is a history teacher in the Netherlands and uses innovative ways to engage with her students. On a recent field trip she researched a soldier for eveyone of her students and gave them a letter, just like a momento written home at that time, which shared details of the soldier. The students found it very moving and Floortje happily shared some copies with us – Floortje was inspired having seen the tributes left by Canadian students in Ovillers Cemetery – a project inspired by our dear Canadian friend Les Mepham who is also a teacher. The Somme continues to inspire new ways of engaging!

Gerard, Florain and Floortje

Floortje's replica letters.

Richard and Terry came from Eastbourne to explore the walkways of the Somme and also to take in some of the brocants and fairs which were happening while they were here as they are avid collectors. They were here at the same time as Kevin from Norfolk who did some very long walks  - he sees the Somme as his place to find himself, away from the day-to-day stresses of life. Stories were shared over dinner and wine.

Steve came from Hull on four wheels this time, rather than his usual two. More about Steve’s visit later as he has been a star!

Making their first visit were Jo & Dave from Devon. David took them out on their first battlefield tour and they also had time to explore for themselves. They loved the experience – not only out learning, but in the conversations over dinner.

Jo & Dave

Dear Sally and Chris from Wales are avid supporters of Lochnagar and have wanted to use their creative skills to benefit Lochnagar. They have created 40 special wreaths made from natural vine and recycled materials which will be The Lochnagar Wreaths for Remembrance this year. We have wanted a more sustainably sourced wreath for a while and while the British Legion wreaths, which continue to be all plastic, will still have a place for what they represent, we will be pleased to use a selection of the new wreaths at Lochnagar and the other special places we lay floral tributes on behalf of the Lochanagar Foundation such as at The French War Memorials, Mametz Wood, Fricourt German Cemetery etc. Sally and Chris have also made smaller wreaths which can be used as a personal tribute on a grave. We have them here if anyone wants one, in return for a donation to Lochnagar, to lay on a grave instead of the legion poppy crosses. This visit was about delivering the wreaths to us but our Welsh friends will be back next month to attend the 1^st July ceremonies.

Sally & Chris with their very special wreaths.

Handmade with love and remembrance

Heather and Malcolm, our very own Poppy Lady couple, came from Colchester. As well as visiting the battlefields they came to support a new exhibition about Anna Guerin, the original Poppy Lady Heather has written a book about. The exhibition is at the Musee Franco-Australien at Victoria School in Villers Bretonneux until September.

Just like last summer, Phil and Sandra came from Yorkshire this time with their son James, who serves with the Royal Tank Regiment. They spent a week in the rainier part of the month exploring – full days but happy faces. They even got to see Deborah tank at Flesquieres, James saying she is the same but different to a modern tank!

Phil, James & Sandra

At the same time Stuart Baxter from Baxters Battlefield Tours came with David on his second visit. David has a grandfather buried in Ecoivres Cemetery. Herbert Rendell served with the 7th Battalion Canadian Infantry. While undertaking trench duties in preparation for the Battle of Vimy, he was killed by a shell in the fields in front of St.Eloi. He never made the main Vimy assault as he was killed on 22nd March 1917 aged 39. As well as a pilgrimage to his grave, the duo took in many other sites. David loves his visits, it is his special time to remember the sacrifice of his grandfather who he never knew.  – and they have booked again for next spring, for the 110^th anniversary of Herbert Rendell's death. Thank you too Stu for the home made goodies and supplies you brought us, so kind!

David with Stu

Vanessa has been a visitor to the Somme battlefields for nearly 30 years, but it was her first visit to us and she brought with her Kate and Julian from Scotland on their first visit, a two centre trip encompassing both Somme and Ypres. For the Somme, they spent long days out making the most of their time here.

Jim made his annual pilgrimage from Ayrshire. He spent a week with us researching the men of Ayrshire. He took over 12000 photos during the week! We love having Jim to stay – especially as he brings David supplies of Tunnocks tea cakes and caramels! It is lovely catching up with our retuning guests, checking in on how life is going etc. Jim – remember retirement beckons!!!  

Ayrshire Jim

Colin and Sue with daughter Rebecca and son in law Scott came from Worcester. Colin has been coming to the battlefields for many years but it was pre Covid before his last visit. Colin has a great grandad buried in Grove Town Cemetery, which was the focus of their visit. Henry Dimmock was born in 1873  and had a family before joining up. He joined the 4^th Battalion Worcester Regiment as a Private. He died of his wounds on 20^th November 1916 at the age of 43.

Henry Dimmock

Scott’s story is that he was given a medal when he was 5  - the medal belonged to his Great Uncle Shadrack Webb who had been born in Kidderminster then emigrated to Australia. As war broke out he joined the 13^thBattalion AIF, saw action at Pozieres and was wounded at Gibraltar blockhouse. He survived and lived out his life in Australia. Scott took the medal to Pozieres, thanking Shadrack for his service.

Colin, Sue, Rebecca and Scott loved their time here and left like old friends. Rebecca even did some ironing for us!!

Scott, Rebecca, Colin & sue.

Towards the end of the month it was the Lochnagar Working Weekend so the house was filled with some of the volunteers who stay with us every year. Rob and Elaine from Harrow, Sam from Oxfordshire, Colin from Fife, Eric and Monique from Amsterdam and for the first time this year Darryl and 12 year old William from Swindon – we have written before about how special William is!

Darryl and William.     

Our house guests at dusk surveying how their hard efforts paid off at Lochnagar.

We ended the month with Roger and Elaine from Exmouth with their grand daughter Neave and partner Dan who live in Norfolk. The family visited the grave of Naeve’s great, great grandfather who lies in Grove Town Cemetery.

Roger and Elaine kindly brought some baked bean supplies and a new bee honey spoon. We love having them here.  

Dan, Neave, Elaine & Roger.

Roger also brought us a personal copy of his latest book - Pistons, Passengers and Payloads. His third in an aviation series. His books are available via Key Publishing.

https://shop.keypublishing.com/products/pistons-passengers-and-payloads?srsltid=AfmBOopjYuEHJN0kCeVwaSos-1DNLSeXTv5OD593zLDDRef_xHYfV0W5&variant=55477804663167

With his love for aviation Roger also loved the Bertrancourt Aviation Museum in Albert. His first visit there despite being a veteran Somme visitor!

  Roger with his latest book.

Everyone has their reason for coming to The Somme. We like to think we do our little bit to restore good spirits, but really it is the Somme that is the star – its inexplicable essence of creating peace where once there was havoc and that peace seeps into your soul.  We think this resonates with all our May guests, whatever the weather!

A Tale of Two Tyres

Two separate groups of guests this month have had punctures – and these are not the first punctures this year. While the roads in France are good, the extremes of weather have left many of the tracks to cemeteries etc. rutted and pot-holed – even though the farmers try to fill the ruts in as quickly as possible to help their farm equipment on the move.

While one guest could have his puncture repaired at a local garage (with a box of teacakes as a thank you) the same day, the other had more of a problem .The side wall was destroyed so repair was impossible and the unusual size of the tyre made it impossible to get a replacement quickly. So plans had to be extended and accommodated.

So please take care when driving off road, and ensure you have adequate European breakdown and recovery insurance as this really helped our affected guests. You know we will always help where we can but sometimes you need extra help!

We are so sorry for those affected this month – but we will laugh about it over a glass of wine on your future visits.

Adanac Cemetery Rededication

Along with guests Sally and Chris we attended the rededication at the grave of Captain William Webster Wilson 16^th Battalion The Canadian Scottish who died 9^th October 1916.  The service was attended by Captain Wilson’s family and presided over by the Canadian Scottish Regiment. It was a wonderful rededication service – records had shown that Captain Wilson had been in an unknown Captain’s grave but research proved it had to be him, hence he now has a named grave and is no longer “missing”.

Captain Wilson's rededicated grave.

Under the sunshine and chatting to the soldiers after the ceremony we mentioned that our Canadian friends had adopted a grave in the Cemetery who they think could be their Great Grandfather Robert Mepham, who is also one of the missing named on Vimy. The soldiers said they would be honoured to march over to the grave and form an honour guard over “Robert’s grave”. It was a very touching moment, especially as the Corporal handed me his Canadian poppy to lay at the grave. Afterward we relayed all this to our dear Mepham brothers Les and John in Canada. A very touching moment for them too.

A Canadian Honour Guard for Robert Mepham.

The Somme weaving its magic again.

 Lochnagar Working Weekend

 The last weekend in May which includes the UK bank holiday is always the Lochnagar Working Weekend. This year, we had the same amazing crew of volunteers staying with us, along with “newbie WW helpers Darryl and William as part of the larger crew of 40+ who help maintain the special place that is Lochnagar. This year the enormity of the task of maintenance was made more difficult by the extremely hot weather. Last year it rained all weekend, this year it was 30+ degrees with little shade at The Crater. We started earlier in the day each working day to avoid the worst of the mid afternoon heat. We got through many bottles of water and ice creams for the intrepid volunteers who did an amazing job.

The weekend of maintenance concentrates on hedge cutting, mowing,  strimming the inside of the Crater, maintenance to the cross area, plaques, panels and benches. New volunteers are always welcome. It is a wonderful weekend of camaraderie. So many smiling faces, happy in their work!

https://www.facebook.com/703972899/videos/2218991925593061/

Sadly, Richard Dunning could not be with us as he continues his treatment at home. He was sorely missed by everyone as he is the spirit and heart of Lochnagar.

He sent us this message:

“Words can never adequately express my gratitude to you all , and the wonderful Trustees, for everything that you’ve done on this and other weekends. Watching all the dedication from everyone, so lovingly captured by Julie, I realise that ‘Can there really be a finer bunch of folk on the planet?’  

But just as  important even than that, is the ripple effect that your efforts this weekend will create for many months to come and to know that it  will affect literally tens of thousands of visitors to Lochnagar.

And they in turn, could underline  just how remarkable the lads (and ladies) of that generation were, to inspire all this love and devotion over a century later. 

It truly is not just a site  of untold courage and suffering but a unique and powerful place of healing.

Bless you all.

New Pergolas

We wanted to move away from using parasols on our terrace on sunny days as they are susceptible to The Somme winds, so we have 2 new metal pergolas. They arrived in multiple self-assembly boxes during the rainy period of early May. Our dear guest Steve said he would help erect them . It said on the instructions that 4 people were needed, but Steve and us made 3. Steve devoted 2 afternoons of his Somme stay to do an amazing job – we needed his engineering skills. But they are up and are fabulous and we couldn’t have done it without Steve. They are well tested now with this heatwave!

David & Steve work in the rain.  Job done!

So, for obvious reasons, David is not Employee of the Month – we are very pleased to say that Employee of The Month for May is ….drumroll….Steve from Hull!

We have planted our pots and hanging baskets so the terrace is looking splendid – we now have a nightly watering task to keep the plants happy!

George Butterworth Film and Concert

On 9^th May we went with friends Sally and Chris to a special evening in Albert at the Zebre theatre about George Butterworth. There was a special screening of the film “All My Life is Buried Here” – a British film which had been subtitled for the mainly French audience. The film covered George’s life and work, his influence on English folk music and dance and his legacy. We knew a lot about George, having been involved in commemorating each year in August in Pozieres on the anniversary of his death, but we learned a lot more about him – including that on his last leave home, he burned all of his unfinished work, almost as if he knew he would not be coming back and he did not want to leave anything he considered unfinished or substandard. George has no known grave and is commemorated on The Thiepval Memorial.

After the film, The Somme Brass Band, under conductor Eric Brisse, performed a concert of George’s music.

If you haven’t heard George’s “Banks of Green Willow” – put on your headphones and have a listen. Sublime.

 A TV Interview

On 20 May France 3 National Television came to No.fifty6 to interview Julie for a forthcoming Somme 110 special – Julie was included as an example of British people who live on the Somme and specialise in Remembrance. The 3 man crew of interviewer Christophe, cameraman Olivier and sound man Jeff were here for 3 hours for what will be a tiny segment. The programme will be broadcast just before 1st July. They filmed Julie doing tasks about No.fifty6 and a short interview about remembrance. David was told to keep hidden!

Video Mapping on Thiepval

For 3 nights 29-31^st May after dark a special video mapping was projected onto The Thiepval Memorial as part of the 110^th commemorations. A French collaboration with CWGC combining light, sound, remembrance and art. The Memorial looked magnificent. We were delighted to attend with our guests.

Animal Postscript

Guests have been amused by the 2 stray cats who come and sit just outside the patio doors waiting for David to feed them. They are not allowed in the house, even though one of them – who we have named Fluffy, tries to sneak in. We think Fluffy is pregnant – so more mouths for David to feed. Her brother we have named Tiger. They have been visiting us since they were little kittens themselves.

Fluffy & Tiger.

David’s May Joke

Going to the George Butterworth concert reminded me...

I used to date a woman called Amanda Lin.

Lovely girl...

Just a bit highly strung.

All is well at no.fifty6. Stay safe and well and we hope to see you soon.

May sunset from Fifty6.