The Western Front Today - Australian 1st Division Memorial
Situated some six miles from
Albert
this obelisk memorial sits on the forward slope of Pozieres Ridge. The
memorial commemorates the 5,285 men of the division who became casualties at
Pozieres.
At the entrance to the memorial is a bronze plaque unveiled by the
Australian Minister for Veterans' Affairs on 30 August 1993.
The memorial
plaque is one of a number sponsored by private companies in Australia and
were first introduced in Gallipoli in 1990. Behind the memorial the
Thiepval
Memorial can be clearly seen on the horizon.
The ridge being a major feature it was severely fought for by both sides. The ridge was a formidable obstacle with fortified cellars, network of
defensive trenches and OP blockhouses.
One, called Gibraltar, is situated on a bank to the right of the memorial.
References:
Before Endeavours Fade, Rose E.B. Coombs, After the Battle 1994
Major & Mrs Holt's Battlefield Guide - Somme, Leo Cooper 2000
A "biff" was a Bristol fighter plane.
- Did you know?
