Thiepval in Somme, Upper France, France — Western Europe
Construction of the Thiepval Memorial and Franco-British Cemetery
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 10, 2024
1. Construction of the Thiepval Memorial and Franco-British Cemetery Marker
Lutyens's initial design for the Thiepval Memorial was scaled down and his proposed site moved closer to the summit of the ridge. Deep foundations were needed and work on these began in 1929. They were dug through layers of surviving German trenches and tunnels, unearthing many unexploded shells and German bodies. The Memorial was completed early in 1932 in a landscape still bare of trees. It was the last and largest of all the British memorials built across the world. 73,357 names of the Missing were initially carved on it. flanked by stone laurel wreaths, recording the many battles fought across the Somme. The Memorial flies the flags of Britain and France, and stands above a joint cemetery of 300 British and 300 French soldiers established as the Memorial was being completed. Its Cross of Sacrifice bears an inscription acknowledging the common sacrifice of both nations.
Captions
Thiepval Memorial in 1932
Les proportions du projet initial de Lutyens pour le Mémorial de Thiepval ont
this page online
Erected by Lutyens Trust.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, World I. In addition, it is included in the The Cross of Sacrifice series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1929.
Location. 50° 3.145′ N, 2° 41.266′ E. Marker is in Thiepval, Hauts-de-France (Upper France), in Somme. It can be reached from Rue de
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 10, 2024
2. Construction of the Thiepval Memorial and Franco-British Cemetery Marker
The marker is near the entrance to the Thiepval Museum.
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a French colony and also the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Inauguration of the Thiepval Memorial in 1932 (here, next to this marker); 'The Glorious Dead' ∙ Commemoration of the Missing (here, next to this marker); Imperial War Graves Commission (a few steps from this marker); Subsequent History of the Thiepval Memorial and the Legacy of Lutyens in Northern France (a few steps from this marker); The Battles of the Somme (a few steps from this marker); The Village of Thiepval Before the Great War (a few steps from this marker); The Durham Pals (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Thiepval Memorial (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thiepval.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 122 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 27, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
