The Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux
This Memorial dominates the landscape near Villers-Bretonneux and can be seen from many kilometres particularly to the west towards Amiens.
The Memorial overlooks the graves of 2141 Commonwealth soldiers. From the car park the slope is gently upwards through lovely trees and gardens and gradually, first the Sword of Honour and then theTower and walls appear.
The walls hold the names of 10982 Australians who died in France and have no known grave.
From the tower there are wonderful views of the beautiful French countryside and the slope down to the Somme. On the back of the tower are many holes made by canon fire from a German fighter during the Second War.
It is certainly a good place for introspection. I was surprised at the different nationalities who chose to visit the Memorial.
View from the Memorial’s Tower looking west towards Amiens.