By Nigel Heaps MBE
A group of motorcyclists set out on a meaningful journey through the battlefields of World War I. This pilgrimage of remembrance became a deeply personal experience for two of the riders, as it connected them with the history of ancestors they had never known.
On the crisp morning of June 7, 2025, the rumble of six motorbikes shattered the tranquillity of the Midlands as a group of riders embarked on a seven-day journey into the heart of history. Their destination was the battlefields, cemeteries, and museums of Flanders and the Somme. This was no ordinary road trip; it was a carefully planned exploration of the profound significance of the First World War, organised by Nigel Heaps MBE, whose passion for history was only matched by his commitment to ensuring that his fellow riders fully grasped its emotional weight. Among the group was Roger Frost, a Trustee of the Nuclear Community Charity Fund (NCCF), an organisation that would play a significant role in the emotional climax of their tour.
For seven days, the riders travelled over 860 miles along winding roads, making stops at 40 different locations. Their itinerary was thoughtfully designed to blend historical exploration with moments of quiet reflection. Days were spent discovering the poignant landscapes of Ypres and Arras, while evenings were filled with camaraderie, good food, and opportunities to discuss the sobering experiences of the day over a few continental beers.
Nigel’s meticulous planning extended beyond merely visiting the major memorials. He sought to include sites that held personal significance for the tour members. This personal approach led to unexpected and emotional moments at the imposing Thiepval Memorial and the serene Ploegsteert Memorial for the Missing. As the riders examined the seemingly endless lists of names, the sheer scale of the loss became tangible. For many, the “surprising discoveries” were not physical but rather profound personal connections to the past—a sudden realisation of the individual stories behind each engraved name.
At Thiepval, where the names of over 72,000 missing British and South African soldiers are carved into the stone, the group learned that names are sometimes removed when remains are discovered and identified. This practice serves as a testament to the ongoing effort of remembrance and the enduring hope of giving a name to the unknown.
The final and most significant destination of the tour was the Pozières Cemetery, located along the remarkably straight D929 road that connects Albert and Bapaume. This route is clearly marked by signs indicating the German lines at various stages of the war. The cemetery is surrounded by the Pozières Memorial, which serves as a powerful tribute to over 14,000 soldiers who, like their brothers at Thiepval, have no known grave.
The main purpose of their visit to this hallowed ground was to honour the grandfather of Jeff Liddiatt, MBE HonFBUL, the Honorary Life President of the NCCF. Crispin Hampson, a Sapper with the Royal Engineers 1st Field Company, was killed in action on August 20, 1916. He was one of the countless casualties of the ferocious fighting that continued unabated since the beginning of the Battle of the Somme. He left behind his wife, Helen Elizabeth Hampson of Bristol, and a future generation who would only come to know him through stories, a few photographs and memorials.
In a deeply moving act of remembrance, Roger Frost and Nigel Heaps laid a tribute cross at Crispin’s grave. Attached to it was a message from Jeff, a simple yet powerful tribute that bridged the gap of over a century: “In loving memory of our grandfather Crispin. Many years have passed, but he is still remembered with love and gratitude by all his family.”
Although the sound of their motorbikes has faded from the fields of France and Belgium, the echoes of their journey will resonate for a lifetime for the six riders. This pilgrimage transcended historical facts and figures; it became a personal journey of remembrance, a poignant reminder that behind every name on every memorial lies a story of love, loss, and sacrifice that should never be forgotten.
