FIRST WORLD WAR
MEMORIALS IN EUROPE
Bourlon Wood Memorial
This Memorial commemorates the attack across the Canal Du Nord. The Memorial is south of Arras-Cambrai road, three kilometres beyond Marquion. Canadians were a major force in defeating the Germany forces and capture of Bourlon Wood. The Canadian Corps during this time liberated 54 towns and villages occupying more than 300 square kilometres of French soil. Canada suffered more than 20,000 casualties.
Courcelette Memorial Park
This memorial is in honour of the 11 weeks of horrific fighting in which Canadian troops constantly defeated the Germans forcing them to retreat further and further during the battle, which is known as the Somme. This Memorial Park sits on the site of the initial victory of the Canadians during the long battle. Once again Canadian proved they were a force to be taken seriously. They suffered terribly with a total of 24,029 casualties.
Dury Memorial
This Memorial is located at Dury Mill, which is 16 kilometres southeast of Arras. The Canadian once again showed their skill during this battle breaking through the Drocourt Queant Line forcing the Germans to retreat. Canada suffered many casualties but continued on to capture Dury Village. The Canadians once again captured more than 6,000 unwounded prisoners and were responsible for the numerous German casualties. The Canadian Corps loses were number 5,600. There were seven Victoria Crosses awarded to Canadians during this battle.
Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood) Memorial
This memorial pays tribute to the sacrifices and accomplishments of Canadian soldiers who fought over a five-month period to stop the Germans from gaining possession of the last of Belgian territory, which was not already occupied. Canadian Corps’ 2nd Division suffered 1,375 casualties during the 13-day battle of St. Eloi. During the battle at Mount Sorrel, Canadian troupes suffered 8,430 casualties.
Le Quesnel Memorial
Le Quesnel Memorial pays tribute to the Canadian Corps in the Battle of Amines, which took place in August 1918. This memorial is on the road from Amiens to Royce. The Germans lost heavily in this battle. The Canadian Corps alone captured 5,033 prisoners and 161 guns. This battle lasted from March 21 to August 11. The Fourth Army's casualties were 9,000 with about 4,000 of these from the Canadian Corps.
Memorial to the Airmen of the Great War
The Arras Memorial in the Faubourg d'Amiens Cemetery is usually regarded as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the air. Inside the cemetery is the Airmen's Monument where names of all airmen who lost their lives on the Western Front inscribed on its sides. The names listed here are of those who have no known resting-place. Canadian airmen won over 800 decorations and awards for their bravery including three Victoria Crosses. Canada lost 1,600 airmen during the war.
Memorial to the Seamen of the Great War
This Memorial known as the Hollybrook Memorial was erected by the Imperial War Graves Commission in Hollybrook Cemetery, Southampton, England. This is in honour of all those who lost their lives at sea when their vessels hit a mine or were torpedoed. There are a total of 1,868 names inscribed on this Memorial with 64 names being Canadian.
Menin Gate Memorial
When the Germans launched their offensive attack in 1918 they were finally stopped less than 2.5 kilometres from the Menin Gate at Ypres. After the war this gate was chosen as the site of a Memorial Arch. The Arch commemorates by name, nearly 55,000 dead from the armies of the British Commonwealth who fell in Belgium. The majority of them at Ypres Salient, but whose final resting-place is unknown.
Newfoundland Beaumont Hamel Memorial Park
This memorial honours the 820 members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, the Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve and the Mercantile Marines who died during the Battle of Somme and have no known graves. During this battle 255 lost their lives, 386 were wounded and 91 were declared missing in action. The Beaumont Hamel Memorial is located 9 miles north of Albert, France and was opened June 7, 1925 by Earl Haig.
Newfoundland Gueudecourt Memorial
This is in honour of the Newfoundland Regiment who fought valiantly during the Battle of Le Transloy on October 12, 1916. The attack against the Germans commenced at 2:05 in the afternoon and by 2:30 the 88th Brigade has secured Hilt Trench in the German front line. The 8th Brigade fought for 55 hours before finally being relieved. They suffered 239 casualties with a total of 120 lives lost.
Newfoundland Monchy Memorial
This is in tribute to the Newfoundland Regiment who suffered heavy losses during an attack on Infantry Hill. The Memorial, a caribou of the Monchy stands facing toward Infantry Hill where the losses occurred leaving only a handful of Newfoundlanders to hold off the Germans until relief came to their aid. During this fighting the Newfoundland Regiment suffered casualties to all 460 of its ranks, including 153 taken prisoner.
St. Julien Memorial
The St. Julien Memorial was unveiled on July 8, 1923 by HRH the Duke of Connaught. It is situated beside the main road from Ypres to Bruges. This is in tribute to Canadians who fought valiantly and stood their ground, during the first gas attacks used by the Germans during World War One. The Canadians gained a reputation as being unbeatable fighting men. The cost to Canada was high with the loss of 6,035 Canadians in a 48-hour period.
The Passchendaele Memorial
This Memorial marks the site of Crest Farm, where Canadians come across some of the fiercest resistance they were to meet during the war. Canadians once again showed their courage and skills during the assault on Passchendale, which they captured and held onto until reinforcements arrived. The Canadians were awarded nine Victoria Crosses for their bravery and proficiency during this battle. They suffered 16,000 casualties while in battle.
Tomb of the Unknown Warrior
An Unknown Soldier remains are contained in a hallowed out grave in the Chapel of the Holy inside the East entrance of Westminster Abbey in London. This represents the men and women of the British Commonwealth who lost their lives during the First World War. The tomb symbolises the courage and sacrifices of all those who died fighting for their country.
Vimy Memorial
This is the most impressive of all our memorials overseas. King Edward VIII unveiled the monument on July 26, 1936. It is a tribute to all Canadians who fought during the First World War and to those who lost their lives. This Memorial stands on the highest point of Vimy Ridge and is about eight kilometres northeast of Arras. The names of 11,285 Canadians who were posted as missing, presumed dead in France are listed on this Memorial. At the base of the memorial these words are written:
"TO THE VALOUR OF THEIR COUNTRYMEN IN THE GREAT WAR AND IN MEMORY OF THEIR SIXTY THOUSAND DEAD THIS MONUMENT IS RAISED BY THE PEOPLE OF CANADA"
