News and Events–Over There: Brocante (Flea Market) at Cierges-sous-Montfaucon, Saturday, 22 August

July 13, 2015 by Randy
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The village of Cierges-sous-Montfaucon will be hosting a flea market on Saturday, 22 August.  Generally speaking, the many local French flea markets can also offer interesting finds such as rifle barrels as well as other rusty bits and uniforms. Readers who are going to be in the area that day, should consider popping in. There is no charge to attend.  It will run from 1200 to 2200 hours; with a DJ later in the evening. A link to the information can be found here:  http://www.pays-dargonne.fr/evenement-1501-brocant-a-cierges-sous-montfaucon.html.  

News and Events–Over There: 32nd Militaria Show, Les Islettes, Sunday, 23 August

July 13, 2015 by Randy
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The 32nd annual Militaria show will be held at Les Islettes on Sunday, 23 August.  Location is the Salle de la SIBA and the entrance price is 2 Euros.  The show is open from 0800 to 1700 hours. This is a major militaria show in Europe; and it attracts exhibitors and attendees from many, many countries.  So, if readers happen to be in the area on that day, it is well worth a visit.  Parking can be a bit tight. The webmaster had the opportunity to attend Continue reading →

News & Events–Over There: Famous Verdun Hotel Le Coq Hardi and Restaurant Chantaco Close

April 3, 2015 by Randy
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The Meuse edition of the French newspaper L’Est Républicain reported that the famed hotel and its restaurant closed on 2 April after the Commercial Court in Bar-le-Duc put the restaurant into receivership.  Apparently, under French law the business has been operating in receivership since 18 December, 2012.  The owners could find no buyer / investor to save the business. Continue reading →

Sainsbury’s Christmas Truce Ad: 2014

January 1, 2015 by Randy
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The webmaster generally does not comment on topics outside of the Meuse-Argonne, but U.K. grocery chain Sainsbury’s created a wonderfully moving Christmas Truce Ad  and issued a bar of Belgian chocolate in a period wrapper; with profits from the sale of the chocolate bars going to the Royal British Legion, the U.K.’s leading armed forces charity. Continue reading →

News & Events: The Annual Bourse Militaria at Les Islettes

August 30, 2014 by Randy
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The author heard about this militaria show a few years ago, but he was first able to attend it this year.  It really is a remarkable show, with militaria from a wide range of time periods.  Attendance was easily several hundred people, from many countries in Europe.  Sellers and buyers came from France, Germany, the Netherlands and who knows where else. The author’s favorite purchase:  A porcellan plate “In Grosser Zeit.  Weltkrieg 1914-15.”  The author’s greatest regret:  Not purchasing a map showing the front lines Continue reading →

News & Events – Over There: Tour de France, Stage 7, in video

July 12, 2014 by Randy
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The 2014 Tour de France has moved past the Meuse-Argonne and St. Mihiel Sectors, and is now in the Vosges Mountains.  In case readers missed it (like the webmaster did due to a medical emergency for his dog), a quick glimpse of the area can be seen on this link: http://www.letour.com/le-tour/2014/us/stage-7.html.  In the video’s 34 seconds readers get a quick glimpse of Vauquois Hill, the Ossuaire of Douaumont, the American St. Mihiel Memorial at Montsec and Fort Douaumont.