Hello dear friends
on the eleventh hour
of the eleventh day
of the eleventh month
we pause to remember our brave soldiers
who lost their lives
as they fought in the battlefields of
France and Belgium.
Le Quesnoy is a town in northern France.
This
book tells the story of Le Quesnoy's liberation
through the eyes of a child
living in the town at the time.
It is surrounded by
high walls and deep trenches.
In World War I it was occupied by the
German army
for four long years.
In November 1918 the town was liberated by soldiers
from
far-away New Zealand.
Because these men used a bit of 'kiwi' ingenuity
they were
able to take the town back
without a single civilian life being lost.
This has
become one of the most famous stories in
New Zealand military history and the
relationship between
Le Quesnoy and New Zealand continues to this day.
I bought the book for my French granddaughters
so they can better understand the connection
between New Zealand home of their mother
and France.
The book is written by Glyn Harper
with beautiful watercolour illustrations
and simple
language
make it a picture book that young readers
can readily and
imaginatively engage with.
Cambridge, New Zealand
is the sister town to Le Quesnoy.
There will be a special envoy from France
at the commemoration service held there today.
New Zealand will also have a representative
at the commemoration in Le Quesnoy.
New Zealand will also have a representative
at the commemoration in Le Quesnoy.
Thank you for your visits
WELCOME
to my new followers
it's lovely to meet you here!
Merci à bientôt
be kind to one another!
be kind to one another!
