Villers-Bretonneux Australian National Memorial

France / Picardie / Villers-Bretonneux /
 memorial, First World War 1914-1918, interesting place
Villers-Bretonneux is a little town about 15 km east of Amiens. The Memorial stands on the high ground ('Hill 104') behind the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, on the east side of the road to Fouilloy. Fouilloy is about 2 km north of Villers-Bretonneux
The Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux is approached through the Military Cemetery, at the end of which is an open grass lawn which leads into a three-sided court. The two pavilions on the left and right are linked by the north and south walls to the back (east) wall, from which rises the focal point of the Memorial, a 105 foot tall tower, of fine ashlar. A staircase leads to an observation platform, 64 feet above the ground, from which further staircases lead to an observation room. This
room contains a circular stone tablet with bronze pointers indicating the Somme villages whose names have become synonymous with battles of the Great War; other battle fields in France and Belgium in which Australians fought; and far beyond, Gallipoli and Canberra.
On the three walls, which are faced with Portland stone, are the names of 10,885 Australians who were killed in France and who have no known grave. The 'blocking course' above them bears the names of the Australian Battle Honours.
Bullet damage to the memorial can be seen where the German Army fired on French soldiers using the tower as an observation post during the Second World War.
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villers–Bretonneux_Australian_National_Memorial
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   49°53'11"N   2°30'40"E

Comments

  • Forgive as this may not be the space, but Great Uncle John F. Heald. I have not met you,yet I yearn for the day we will meet in Heaven. I have seen your photo what a handsome man you are. More stylish than Cary Grant. I love you! God Bless you.
  • Blessings to all who come here to mourn. War serves no good purpose. Peace to you all.
  • Marcia, I too am related to Great Uncle John Frances Heald - in fact I stood infront of his name that is on the cenotaph in Wynyard where his name is immortalised on Anzac day. I remember meeting you at great Nanna Heald's house back in the 80s would love to catch up. I am trying to find out where Frances is buried so that I can go visit his grave in France next year.
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