Amiens 100: A Centenary Remembered
by Lucy Bowers
Blog: No. 011 (07/09/2018)
During August 2018, young people from across the Commonwealth participated in a unique battlefield tour experience to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Amiens. In this blog piece, Lucy Bowers (Scotland), reflects:
The first day began with a visit to Newfoundland Memorial Park. This was my third time visiting the park and each time I visit I am overwhelmed by the tranquility of the location. It is a beautiful landscape and there is a sense of peacefulness in the surroundings. Whilst at Newfoundland, we spent time at the 51st (Highland) Division Memorial which commemorates soldiers from the division who were killed in action during the First World War. It felt special to visit the memorial as part of a group from Scotland, and I personally felt a sense of pride for what the monument represents.
The first day began with a visit to Newfoundland Memorial Park. This was my third time visiting the park and each time I visit I am overwhelmed by the tranquility of the location. It is a beautiful landscape and there is a sense of peacefulness in the surroundings. Whilst at Newfoundland, we spent time at the 51st (Highland) Division Memorial which commemorates soldiers from the division who were killed in action during the First World War. It felt special to visit the memorial as part of a group from Scotland, and I personally felt a sense of pride for what the monument represents.
51st Highland Division Memorial, 1924.
Whilst in the area of Beaumont-Hamel, we went on to visit the crater at Hawthorn Ridge. It makes me feel upset to consider what happened to those Germans who were caught up in the underground mine explosions of 1 July 1916. However, I never forget about the incredible bravery of the German soldiers who were subsequently able to fight on and occupy the rear lip of the mine crater in the face of an advancing attack from British troops who were attempting to occupy their trenches.
Explosion of Hawthorn Ridge, 1 July 1916.
Across from Hawthorn Ridge is Sunken Lane. We walked along the lane and examined photographs which were taken during the morning of 1 July 1916. I was struck by the emotions evident on the faces of soldiers in the images; from those who appeared content and happy, to those who appeared nervous and scared.
1st Lancashire Fusiliers, Sunken Lane. 1 July 1916.
Later that day, we visited Fricourt German Cemetery. The difference between German and British cemeteries on the Western Front is something I consider a lot. The German cemeteries in some ways seem (at times) to be more peaceful, and perhaps that is more comforting for those who visit. The organisation and presentation of German cemeteries is also particularly poignant (in my opinion) as glory seems somewhat absent, in its place is mourning.
Fricourt German Cemetery.
The following day, we visited the French XXXI corps memorial in Moreuil. This was our first real opportunity to learn about what happened during the Battle of Amiens. To learn about this, just across the road from Moreuil woods in which French cavalry had charged past exactly one hundred years prior was incredibly special.
Cavalry charge.
Afterwards, we visited the Sir John Monash Centre, this was my first time visiting this location and I found it to be very interesting and worthwhile. The centre commemorates Australian forces who served on the Western Front during the First World War. Located next to the Centre is the CWGC Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery which is the final resting place of 1547 identified casualties from across the world, including Australians, Canadians, British and French.
Many of the headstones in the cemetery featured poignant inscriptions, including Private W Calhoun of the 48th Bn Australian Inf who died on 6 July 6 1918 (27 years old). The inscription on his headstone reads “Let those who come after see to it that his name be not forgotten” Also, there was the inscription on Private W.S. Webber's (Australian Army Medical Corps) headstone which reads “He saved others. Himself he could not save. Greater love hath no man”. This message (for me) was a stark reminder of the selflessness shown by those who served with the Medical Corps and the tremendous bravery required to assist those who were injured and in harms way.
CWGC Villers Bretonneux.
Our final stop after Villers Brettoneux was the Notre-Dame de Amiens Cathedral event for the official remembrance of the Battle of Amiens. The Cathedral itself is an absolutely breathtaking structure, and it was at this point in the battlefield tour I realised just how special this commemoration actually was. Sat in the company of the U.K Prime Minister, the First Minister of Scotland and the Duke of Cambridge, it was an experience I will never forget.
Commemorations at Amiens Cathedral.
Being at the Cathedral alongside relatives of those who served during 1918 was humbling and emotional. I am incredibly grateful, and I will never forget.
As a final thought, this poem by Gerrit Engelke featured as part of the official commemorations. The words will never leave me:
After a Bad Dream 1918
By Gerrit Engelke
I am a soldier and stand in
the field
And know of no-one in the world.
Thus I cannot celebrate this rainy day,
So tenderly concerned, damp and leaden
Since at night your image broke my sleep
And brought me near to you.
I am a soldier and stand in the field,
Gun on the arm and far from the world.
Were I at home, I would close door and window
And remain alone for a long time,
Sink into the sofa’s corner,
With closed eyes, think of you.
I am a soldier and stand in the field.
Here the old human world ends.
The rain sings, the wet skeins flow.
I can do nothing – only shoot lead.
Don’t know why, I still do it, as if I must
Into the grey weather a shot cracks!
By Gerrit Engelke
I am a soldier and stand in
the field
And know of no-one in the world.
Thus I cannot celebrate this rainy day,
So tenderly concerned, damp and leaden
Since at night your image broke my sleep
And brought me near to you.
I am a soldier and stand in the field,
Gun on the arm and far from the world.
Were I at home, I would close door and window
And remain alone for a long time,
Sink into the sofa’s corner,
With closed eyes, think of you.
I am a soldier and stand in the field.
Here the old human world ends.
The rain sings, the wet skeins flow.
I can do nothing – only shoot lead.
Don’t know why, I still do it, as if I must
Into the grey weather a shot cracks!