Warning, mentions of war and casualties

On our way to Passchendaele - not because we're enamoured of war (although my wife used to teach about it), but because in these deeply stupid, sabre-rattling times, it's vitally important not to forget.

The photo below is of our last trip, when we stopped at Ablain-St-Nazaire, a little further south. This is the memorial, a huge circle of upright plaques on which are inscribed the names of over half a million people (almost all men) who died because some inbred idiots in power wouldn't back down.

If, like me, you're a British bloke, the names of all your friends will be represented here (adjusting for the lack of diversity in the early 20th century). All of them, some multiple times.

It was a very clear, sunny day in January when we were there, looking across the plains at the rich farmland and smart villages. What fresh Hells are we currently constructing?

Sorry to disturb your cornflakes.