IAN FLETCHER BATTLEFIELD TOURS

                          celebrating ten years of battlefield tours

Another season ends......

The final two tours of the year saw us in the Crimea, where two groups travelled in September. They are pictured at the Russian Memorial on Shell Hill, Inkerman, and at the Russian gun position, Balaklava.

Following the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815, the Duke of Wellington remarked that it had been ‘a desperate business.’ As we enter mark our ten anniversary I am moved to comment that if the Duke thought Waterloo was bad he should try running battlefield tours, for his own verdict on Waterloo has, at times, seemed even more appropriate to this business! Nevertheless, here we are, and the first tour way back in 1999 seems a long time ago now. Wellington was also blessed by having some very loyal subordinates and IFBT can likewise point to a similarly fine group of expert guides who have made the business all the more enjoyable. Naturally, no business could continue for so long without customers and IFBT can count itself fortunate to have an equally loyal and growing number of guests, many of whom have travelled numerous times over the years. Without them we wouldn't be here, so I must take this opportunity to say thanks to all those who have travelled with us since 1999. Anyway, here we are again with a new touring season. Once again there is a liberal sprinkling of anniversary tours, such as Malplaquet, Talavera and Wagram, whilst old favourites such as the Crimea and Waterloo sit alongside new tours.  Finally, I'd like to thank my good friend, John Strecker, who has not only provided tremendous support over the ten years but has also proved a great asset to IFBT on all tours which he accompanies. Thanks.

Ian Fletcher

The First of Many....

The first of the Peninsular War 200th anniversaries were marked in August by visits to both Roliça and Vimeiro. The latter battlefield now boasts a fine visitors centre which was opened on 21 August. We look forward to the next anniversaries at Oporto and Talavera in 2009.