Visit to Belgium

On Sunday 27 July 2014, in Brussels, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) and Lady Cosgrove were welcomed to Belgium by the Chargé d'Affaires, Ms Nicola Gordon-Smith and Australian Embassy staff, to commence an official visit in recognition of the centenary of the start of World War 1.

Afterwards, in Harelbeke, as guests of the Mayor, Mr Alain Top, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove laid commemorative crosses inscribed with messages from Australian children on the graves of Australian soldiers, including Indigenous Australian soldier, Private Rufus Rigney.

Later, at Polygon Wood, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove visited the Buttes New British Cemetery and the Australian Fifth Division Memorial.

Then, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove visited the Tyne Cot cemetery and Interpretive Centre.

In the evening, in Ieper, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of Reverend Brian Llewellyn, attended the evening service at St George’s Memorial Church.

Afterwards, at the Ieper Town Hall, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove met with the Mayor of Ieper, Mr Jan Durnez.

Later, at Menin Gate, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove, as guests of the President of the Last Post Association, Mr Benoit Mottrie, attended a Last Post Memorial Service at which the Governor-General recited the Ode, and together with Lady Cosgrove, laid a wreath.