We knew when we planned the tour of the First World War’s Battle fields that it would be educational and confronting. In the four years between 1914 and 1918 more than 25 million men were killed or wounded in the so called War to End all Wars. We found there are record books held at each major cemetery and when we were there, student/interns from the CWGC were there to help locate family names. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission set up in May 1917 and still carryout a fantastic service.

Always like spending some time walking around the city. So just thought I’d add a few photos from our brief visit.

From Scotland we flew over to Belfast for a few days researching McLaughlan family history in and around Armagh.

We researched town records, maps and wills. Before we met with a local historian. He said it’s a small area and suggested we go there and knock on the houses there.

From the city we travelled to Hamilton’s Bawn, it was around that area where I know my Great Grandfather and a number of earlier generations were born, as yet, not sure how many generations. They lived and farmed in Carrowmoney on the Hamilton’s Bawn Estate.

There were only about three homes in the Carrowmoney but no one had any helpful information. Still it was worth a try. Back to the computer.

St Louis on the Mississippi River. Commonly referred to as the Gateway to the West.

I love New York, I have been there twice and for Linda this was her third time, so less pictures for more of US see my post 2014.

As an overall opinion we both really loved the Rocky Mountaineer trip. The service on the train and the efficient handling of stopovers were great. But for most spectacular scenery I think the coach views were much better.

Flew into Vancouver for a 4 day stop before joining the Ricky Mountaineer. We indulged in a mixture of sightseeing and researching family history.