Annual Mass held in the Church of the Val de Grace, Paris, on 13th March 2016.
Each year these services are organised by ‘l’Association Nationale pour Souvenir des Dardanelles et Fronts d’Orient in Paris in remembrance of the French forces and all others that served and died in the Gallipoli/Dardanelles Campaign of 1915.
With the assistance of Herve Desarbre, the organist, singing was by Opera soprano Chislaine Casteran from Paris. The music was provided by the ‘Peacekeepers’ of the Police Prefecture.
It was very well attended by members of the French Association including President John Crowe who attended both as a member as well as representing G&DI. Twenty standards were carried during the service.
This church was founded in 1621 by Anne of Austria, Queen Consort of Louis Z111. It was a most beautiful setting for this solemn service.