Group tour operator for tours to Belgium
Mons Military Weekend – ‘Tanks in Town’
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Mons Tanks in Town ©Ph Maree
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Mons Memorial Museum ©Ph Maree
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Mons Tanks in Town ©Ph Maree
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Mons Tanks in Town ©Ph Maree
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Mons Tanks in Town ©Ph Maree
Visit Western Belgium to see Mons Military Weekend
On the 2nd September 1944 at around 5.30pm, a Stuart tank entered Mons under the command of Major Tucker. Major Tucker, commander of the 83rd Reconnaissance Batallion of the 3rd U.S Armored Division, signed the visitors book of the city. To commemorate the liberation of Mons during WW2, the town hosts a superb collection of ‘Tanks in Town’. This event features a host of armoured vehicles. Shermans, Chaffees, Pershings, Tank Destroyers, Half Tracks and a host of jeeps and trucks parade through the streets. The event culminates on the Sunday as they peacefully invade the city centre and take over the main square. Throughout the weekend there are events in the nearby fields surrounding Mons. Enjoy the period camp, military flea market and the parade. The adventurous can even take part in tank rides!
In addition to the main event there is much more to Mons Military Weekend, we have also included a full day tour guide. This will help bring the sites around Mons to life and shed light on their roles in both WW1 and WW2. You will also visit the Mons Memorial Museum to learn more about the tanks and vehicles you will see and their contributions to the war.
Dates
August - September 2023
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Mons
Arrive in Mons and check in to your hotel. If time allows, begin exploring this beautiful town.
Day 2
Mons Battlefields
We have included a full day tour guide to bring to life the stories and sites around Mons. The tour will include details on both WW1 and WW2 including the sites of the Battle of Mons which took place on 23rd August 1914. Sites include Nimy Bridge, where the first two Victoria Crosses of the war were won. You will also visit the site where the first and last shots of WW1 were fired. You will see St Symphorien Cemetery where British and German soldiers are buried together, united in memory.
Day 3
Tanks in Town
Throughout the weekend the tanks and military vehicles are on show and in use in the fields surrounding Mons. This culminates on the Sunday evening in a parade through the streets and surrounding areas of Mons finishing in the main market square where they are on display to view. For the adventurous there are tanks rides available in the fields as well as a military flea market and period camp. Visit the The Mons Memorial Museum which brings to life the events of the war in the region surrounding Mons, not only WW2 but ww1 and other battles that shaped the city. It invites visitors of all ages to question the multiple, complex realities of the phenomena of war. Through the fates of the men and women who witnessed events, visitors are immersed in the day-to-day lives of soldiers and civilians in times of peace, of war and of occupation.
Day 4
Depart Mons
Time permitting, take in some final sightseeing or buy your final souvenirs before departing Mons.
Featured hotel:
Best Western Plus Hotel and Casteau Resort, Mons ***
This hotel is located in secluded woodland surroundings just outside the village of Casteau, close to the E19/E42 motorway. Guests can make free use of the spa bath, sauna and fitness room. All the rooms at the hotel are equipped with a 26″ flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a work desk and free Wi-Fi. Each room also has a private bathroom with a bath or shower. The restaurant located next to the hotel offers traditional French cuisine as well as international specialties. In the evening you can relax in with a drink at the bar that serves a large choice of Belgian and regional beers. On site coach parking is available.
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- Restaurant
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- Bedroom
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- Best Western Plus Casteau Resort
If you like this, you may also be interested in:
World War 1 Battlefields – ‘In Flanders Fields The Poppies Blow’
The 3 B’s of Belgium – Blankenberge, Battlefields and Bruges
| 4 days by Land and Sea | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 2023 | Prices available on request | Prices available on request |
