Thiepval in Somme, Upper France, France — Western Europe

Inauguration of the Thiepval Memorial in 1932

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 10, 2024

1. Inauguration of the Thiepval Memorial in 1932 Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Inauguration of the Thiepval Memorial in 1932
The dedication of the Thiepval Memorial was intended for 16 May 1937, but was postponed after the assassination of the French President, Paul Doumer. It finally took place on August on a rainy afternoon. Edward, Prince of Wales V gave addresses in French and English, in the presence of Albert Lebrun, the new President of France, Sir Fabian Ware, Sir Edwin Lutyens and many other dignitaries. Decorated veterans and serving soldiers formed a Guard of Honour. French and British military bands played. The monument was blessed by the Bishop of Amiens and British Army chaplains conducted prayers. Wreaths were laid and planes flew over in salute. British veterans scattered the ashes of commemorative crosses from other cemeteries. Then came the traditional Two Minute's Silence and sounding of the Last Post The event was widely reported by the press, broadcast across the Empire by the BBC and shown in cinemas on newsreels.

Captions
The Blessing

The salute of the Prince of Wales and President Lebrun

Parade of British Veterans

Français
L'inauguration

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du Mémorial de Thiepval était prévue le 16 mai 1932, mais elle dut être différée suite à l'assassinat du Président de to République française, nouveau Président de la Republique Paul Doumer. Elle eut finalement lieu le 1er août 1932, par un après-midi pluvieux. Edward, Prince de Galles, prononça des allocutions en anglais et en français, en présence d'Albert Lebrun, le nouveau President de la Republique française, de Sir Fabian Ware, de Sir Edwin Lutyens et de nombreux autres hauts dignitaires. Des veterans arborant leurs décorations et des soldats d'active formaient une garde d’honneur. Des fanfares militaires française et britannique jouaient. Le monument fut beni par l'évêque d’Amiens tandis que des chapelains de l’armee britannique dirigeaient les prieres. Des gerbes furent deposees et aires des avions survolirent la cérémonie. Des veteras britanniques disperserent les cendres des croix de bois temporaires d’autres cimitieres. Alors eurent lieu les traditionnelles « Deux minutes de silence » et la sonnene aux morts. L'événement fut largement couvert par la presse, diffusé à travers Empire britannique par la BBC et projeté dans les actualités cinématographiques.

Erected by Lutyens Trust.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World I. A significant historical date for this entry is May 16, 1937.

Location. 50°

Inauguration of the Thiepval Memorial in 1932 (Continued) Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 10, 2024

2. Inauguration of the Thiepval Memorial in 1932 (Continued) Marker

This additional marker is a continuation of the Inauguration of the Thiepval Museum in 1932 Marker and includes additional photos from the event.

3.146′ N, 2° 41.262′ E. Marker is in Thiepval, Hauts-de-France (Upper France), in Somme. It can be reached from Rue de l'Ancre, on the right when traveling south. The marker is near the entrance to the Thiepval Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10 Rue de l'Ancre, Thiepval, Hauts-de-France 80300, France. Touch for directions.

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: Construction of the Thiepval Memorial and Franco-British Cemetery (here, next to this marker); 'The Glorious Dead' ∙ Commemoration of the Missing (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); Imperial War Graves Commission (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 (within shouting distance of 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.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 10, 2024

3. Inauguration of the Thiepval Memorial in 1932 Marker

The marker is seen here near the entrance to the Thiepval Museum.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 137 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 27, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.