Sculpture

As you step out of the tourist office, head to your left towards the square. Don’t forget to capture this moment and share your best selfies with us!

An officer points the way to the historic sites of the Great War, where the Battle of the Somme began. On July 1, 1916, at 7:28 AM in La Boisselle, all hell broke loose, marking the start of over four months of fierce trench warfare!

Let’s continue our journey, but this time, let’s set our sights on the sky!

Make your way back to the Tourist Office, cross the pedestrian crossing, and proceed straight ahead towards the Town Hall. Interestingly, it was rebuilt after the war, emerging more beautiful and majestic than ever!

As you approach, set your sights on the "Théâtre du Jeu de Paume", a performance venue located to the right of the Town Hall when viewed from the front.

Have you spotted our elegant aviator?

He pays tribute to our renowned pilots from the Great War, such as Georges Guynemer and René Fonck. They were true pioneers, navigating through a sky that was still uncharted and fraught with peril. With their immaculate uniforms, often adorned with medals and accolades, they embodied the adventurous and courageous spirit, soaring high in their canvas and wooden planes. They were also known for their charming demeanor, fully aware that their status as heroes of the sky captivated the attention of young women.

Guynemer once stated, “When you haven’t given everything, you haven’t given anything!” Tragically, he lost his life at just 23 years old, and it was said of him, “He flew so high that he could not return!” His body was never recovered.

The aviators not only played a crucial role in the war effort but also left behind a lasting legacy. Just like our aeronautical pioneer, Henry Potez, the man behind our Airbus factory in Méaulte. He was among the first to construct an aircraft intended for tourism with his Potez 36!

Make your way now to Jeanne d’Harcourt Street to meet our next character! 

Take a moment to admire the stunning Art Deco façade of the covered market before turning left onto Delair Street. Did you notice that magnificent lion’s head? Continue straight and take the first right until you find a charming mural featuring the Virgin from our Basilica of Notre Dame de Brebières. Do you know her story? 

During the Great War, she endured the bombardments and remained tilted for a long time, almost horizontal. All the British soldiers stationed in Albert, deeply religious in the face of death, would say, “The day she falls, the war will end!” This indeed came true, as she fell in 1918! 

It’s a beautiful photo opportunity with the Basilica depicted in the mural and the newly reconstructed Basilica standing proudly just behind it! 

Right in front of this moving mural, you can also spot our third statue, the British officer! 

Officers certainly didn’t have the easiest role. They often found themselves on the front lines, sharing the dangers faced by their soldiers. Yet, they were tasked with making strategic decisions under extremely challenging conditions. They needed to maintain troop morale and demonstrate humanity during crises. 

Such was the case for Captain Neville, who is buried in Carnoy-Mametz! 

The English soldiers were passionate about sports, and on July 1, 1916, an extraordinary episode unfolded: infantrymen charged into battle while kicking footballs! 

An incredible and somewhat unbelievable chapter of history! 

Captain Neville organized an impromptu football match amidst the war, encouraging his troops, who were feeling downcast, to leave their trenches and aim for the German trenches with the ball! 

"The cannons will do all the work. You won’t need your rifles; the Germans will be dead," they assured the soldiers. But the captain knew this was false: nighttime patrols had shown that the enemy trenches were intact. 

To boost his men’s morale against the machine guns, he handed them footballs. One was inscribed with "European Final," "East Surreys vs. Bavarians," and another simply stated: “No referee.” 

Captain Neville led by example, kicking the ball himself, and he tragically fell, like many of his comrades. His men successfully captured the German trench and returned with their footballs, treasured relics celebrated after the battle. The press hailed him as a hero, embodying the British sporting spirit. Today, numerous sports clubs honor him at his grave, just a 10-minute walk from Albert, by leaving scarves or footballs. 

Shall we continue?

Turn around and head towards the public garden! Descend the little path lined with ramparts and take the magnificent wrought-iron staircase.

Here, you will discover two statues!

Let’s begin with the German soldier. Can you see him?

At the onset of the war, the German soldier proudly wears his prestigious uniform, complete with a stunning spiked helmet and a mane on top, quite practical for cavalrymen. As the war progresses, his uniform undergoes changes.

He then dons a helmet that offers significantly better protection than those of the French or British soldiers. His helmet fits snugly on his head, providing excellent coverage for his forehead. His uniform, known as Feldgrau, features a gray-green color reminiscent of the fields, making it far more suitable for trench warfare. The German soldier was thus much better camouflaged on the battlefields compared to his adversaries. 

Moreover, he is the only one wearing tall leather boots, which provide protection and support for the ankles—much more practical than the gaiters worn by British soldiers!

Now, retrace your steps and make your way towards the Indian soldier!

Approximately 140,000 Indian soldiers were dispatched to Europe to support British forces during World War I. Frequently positioned on the front lines, they fought valiantly under incredibly challenging conditions. Their participation exemplifies the commitment of colonial nations to the war effort.

These soldiers wore turbans on their heads and wielded lances as their primary weaponry. 

Only the Indian cavalry units remained in France until the spring of 1918, actively participating in significant battles such as the Battle of the Somme in 1916, and later in the fierce engagements in Flanders, Artois, and the Cambraisis along the Siegfried Line in 1917. They notably took part in the offensive at Cambrai in November of the same year.

Climb the stairs and head towards the Basilica. Here, near the fountain, you are about to encounter a distant land—Australia!

Australian soldiers can be easily recognized by their distinctive hats, known as the "Slouch Hat." This wide-brimmed hat, turned up on one side, is not only practical for shielding against the sun but also convenient for standing at attention with their rifles. However, the Australian soldiers would often joke that it was especially useful for charming young French women! Indeed, Australian soldiers earned a reputation as charismatic individuals, seen as warm-hearted with a great sense of humor and a laid-back attitude, even in challenging situations.

They were affectionately nicknamed “Diggers,” a term that reflects their strong camaraderie and bond with one another.

Do you know what the Australian soldiers called the leaning Virgin of the Basilica? They named her Fanny, as she reminded them of their swimming champion of the time, Fanny Durack, always ready to dive in! Fanny Durack would go on to become the first Australian Olympic medalist in history across all sports.

To the left, everything! In front of the Hygge café!  
What if we took you to Scotland? Accompanied by the enchanting sound of bagpipes!  
In truth, this Scottish soldier is the most photographed figure of them all.  
This beautiful country embodies a realm of mists and legends, featuring the Loch Ness monster, majestic castles, the breathtaking Highlands, meandering rivers, grazing sheep, and of course, its skilled bagpipers.  

Do you know what the Germans used to call them? The Ladies of Hell !  

Indeed, German soldiers held a deep-seated fear of these warriors, whom they deemed mad, as the Scottish troops donned kilts and marched to the stirring tunes of bagpipes, even in the heat of battle!  

Scottish regiments, such as the Royal Scots and the Black Watch, displayed remarkable bravery in the face of devastating losses.  

On November 13, 1916, at Beaumont-Hamel, you will witness a genuine battlefield, complete with original trenches and a "No Man's Land." It was here that the village was ultimately captured by the Scots of the 51st Division, effectively bringing an end to the harrowing Battle of the Somme. A memorial stands in their honor, commemorating their valor and sacrifice.

The town of Albert is famously known as the "City of Three Bell Towers." To your left, do you catch a glimpse of the bell tower of the railway station? Approach it, and you will encounter "the Poilu" !

Unlike their British counterparts, who were renowned for their impeccable hygiene, the French soldier was often perceived as unkempt, sporting a beard and an unshaven appearance, which earned him the nickname "Poilu," meaning "hairy." 

At the onset of the war, he donned a uniform ill-suited for trench warfare—complete with a képi atop his head and, notably, bright red pants, which made him easily identifiable to the enemy from several kilometers away.

As the conflict progressed, he exchanged his hat ("képi") for the Adrian helmet and traded his striking red and blue uniform for a more discreet horizon blue attire. 

His weapon of choice, the Lebel rifle, was fitted with a bayonet affectionately referred to as "la Rosalie," extending to an impressive length of approximately 1.85 meters, which led to its colloquial nickname "fishing rod." This length proved cumbersome and ineffective in the narrow confines of trenches.

His "barda," or equipment, weighed in at around 35 kilograms. To sustain his spirits, he carried with him a canteen filled with "pinard," or wine!

Please turn back halfway and take Boulan Street. Continue until we reach our next encounter, but this time, it will be with a remarkable woman.

Women played an indispensable role during the Great War. They served as wartime goodmothers, stepping into roles traditionally held by men in the fields to ensure families were fed. They worked diligently in factories, producing munitions—referred to as "munitionnettes"—which often led to severe back pain due to the strenuous nature of their work. Additionally, many women served as nurses, providing critical care to the wounded.

During World War I, the three branches of the French Red Cross, auxiliary to the Army Health Service, mobilized over 68,000 nurses. They established nearly 1,500 auxiliary hospitals, infirmaries, and railway canteens to care for sick and injured soldiers. Their contributions were not limited to the battlefield; they also provided assistance to the populations of occupied regions, demonstrating resilience and compassion in the face of adversity.

Continue your journey behind the statue, taking a moment to admire the serene Ancre River, before making your way towards the Three Pigeons bar. Upon your arrival, turn to your left. As you pass the Basilica, you will soon encounter our final character: the British soldier.

Affectionately referred to as "Tommy," this soldier wears a distinctive helmet that has earned the nickname "the egg on the plate," known as the "Brodie." Remarkably, this helmet serves purposes far beyond protection; it doubles as a cooking pot and, in some instances, even a shaving basin.

Dressed in khaki trousers and a tunic featuring a closed collar, the uniform is adorned with brass buttons that signify the soldier's regiment. A felt greatcoat completes the ensemble, providing some measure of warmth in harsh conditions.

The uniform is further complemented by cumbersome puttees, which are wrapped around the feet and lower legs, as soldiers were not issued boots. This lack of proper footwear led to the emergence of "trench foot," a debilitating condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold, damp conditions. The foot becomes pale, moist, swollen, and insensate, often necessitating amputation.

Most soldiers carry their ammunition pouches slung across their torsos, a pragmatic choice in the field.

The 1st of July, 1916, stands as one of the darkest days in British military history, with a staggering 20,000 casualties. The sheer scale of loss from this day has left an indelible mark on collective memory.

These young men, filled with hope, left their homes to defend our nation, driven by a profound sense of duty and camaraderie. There was no conscription; they enlisted voluntarily, often alongside brothers, friends, and teammates from local sports clubs.

Today, these young soldiers are rightfully regarded as heroes, and each year on the 1st of July, ceremonies are held to honor their sacrifice and valor.

Our witnesses of the past continue to embody hope, pain, courage, and tragedy in the present day. These portraits of disrupted lives, these fragments of humanity ensnared in the whirlwind of war, invite us to gain perspective on the trivialities of daily existence. They stand as testaments to a bygone era, yet their memory remains indelible.

Each step of this journey serves as a gateway to history. It is an odyssey that enables us to remember and to pay tribute to those who endured moments of chaos. The bronze, a cold and timeless material, transforms into a warm connection between the past and the present.

Like guardians of memory, bearers of history, these statues are not mere monuments; they are voices that whisper from the silence, urging us to never forget.

We extend our gratitude to you for allowing them to speak once more. Should you desire to delve deeper, we recommend visiting the Somme 1916 Museum, conveniently located just behind the statue of the British soldier. Descend ten meters beneath the surface, and through immersive life scenes, immerse yourself in the stories of other individuals. Following this, make your way to the battlefields of the Somme.