The Promise

From the prologue by Derek Guille...

Until recently I knew very little about the town of Villers-Bretonneux. All I knew was that there was a village in France whose citizens continued to keep a promise, made almost a century ago, to never forget the Australians who saved them in the First World War.

I was fortunate to accompany the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra on it’s 2007 European tour as a journalist and blogger. Members of the Brass Section told me of their plans to visit Villers-Bretonneux, inviting me to recite the Ode of Remembrance at a private commemorative service for Nelson Ferguson and all those who served.

That day in Villers-Bretonneux is deeply etched into the memories of all of us as a truly remarkable and emotional experience. We were warmly welcomed as friends and discovered the depth of feeling that remains for Australia and Australians. It has become very clear to me that more Australians should know about this place, about what happened there in World War One and the legacy and strength of friendship that remains.

If we want our children to really know about war we should tell them the stories of the people who fought in them. Nelson’s story is representative of thousands who served and suffered, and to follow his story to northern France was for me a privilege and a true education.

Told in English and French.