The Menin Gate

Podcast host Alex Lloyd spent a week in Belgium travelling across sites of the Western Front from World War I, such as Hill 60 and Caterpillar Crater, and visiting many cemeteries, including Tyne Cot and Langemark.

A highlight was laying a wreath at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium. The evening remembrance ceremony at Ypres has been conducted daily since 1927, with the exception of the occupation by Nazi Germany in World War II. Alex had witnessed the ceremony in 2008 and was honoured to participate on this occasion. His words are below:

"“On Monday 15 July, my friend Marie Claire and I laid a wreath during the daily evening ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium, in remembrance of all Australians and New Zealanders who put their lives on the line. 

It was particularly poignant to participate in this service on the anniversary of the passing of my grandfather, a British veteran. 

Lest We Forget.”

Minefields with Hugh Riminton

Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Most weeks we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Today's bonus episode is with Hugh Riminton. We spoke with Hugh about his career of frontline reporting from war zones, and his new book MINEFIELDS.

Remembrance Day with Dr Brendan Nelson

Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Most weeks we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Tomorrow is Remembrance Day and to talk about this very special day of reflection and commemoration, Alex Lloyd spoke with a very special guest. The Honourable Dr Brendan Nelson has a long and distinguished career in public service. Just to name a few prominent positions, Dr Nelson was the Federal President of the Australian Medical Association before serving as the Federal Member for Bradfield from 1996 to 2009, where one of his portfolios in the Howard government was Minister for Defence. After a key ambassadorial role, Dr Nelson was appointed as Director of the Australian War Memorial in 2012.