Background

Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme

Pay tribute to the missing soldiers of the Somme at this monumental war memorial, a symbol of Anglo-French unity and remembrance.

The Thiepval Memorial, the largest Commonwealth war memorial in the world, commemorates over 72,000 British and South African soldiers who died in the Battles of the Somme during World War I and have no known grave. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it stands as a poignant reminder of the immense sacrifice and Franco-British alliance during the conflict.

A brief summary to Thiepval Memorial

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be walking on gravel and grass surfaces to reach the memorial.
  • The busiest times to visit are during the summer months, especially around the Somme anniversary (early July) and Remembrance Day (mid-November).
  • The Thiepval Museum charges an admission fee, but the Visitor Centre and Memorial are free to enter.
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Getting There

  • Car

    The Thiepval Memorial is located just off the D151, near the crossroads with the D73 in the village of Thiepval. From the D929 (Bapaume to Albert road), turn onto the D73 towards Thiepval. In Thiepval village, follow Rue de l'Ancre to access the site. There is ample free parking available at the Thiepval Memorial museum and visitor centre. From the car park, it is a relatively long walk to the memorial – around 400 metres across gravel and grass surfaces.

  • Bus

    From Albert, take the Trans80 bus towards Thiepval. The bus departs from ALBERT - Collège Pierre et Marie Curie and arrives at THIEPVAL - Eglise. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes. Bus tickets cost €1-€2.

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Discover more about Thiepval Memorial

The Thiepval Memorial stands near the village of Thiepval in the Picardy region of France, a solemn tribute to the British and South African soldiers who perished in the Somme during World War I and whose bodies were never recovered or identified. Designed by the renowned Sir Edwin Lutyens, the memorial is an imposing structure, considered the greatest executed British work of monumental architecture of the twentieth century. Construction spanned from 1928 to 1932. The memorial commemorates over 72,000 officers and men who died in the Somme sector before March 20, 1918, with over 90% of those commemorated having died between July and November 1916. Their names are inscribed on the memorial's Portland stone piers. The memorial site also includes a joint Anglo-French cemetery, symbolizing the allied effort during the Battle of the Somme. The Thiepval Memorial dominates the landscape, its red brick and limestone structure visible from afar. The memorial consists of a series of arches set at right angles. The British Union Flag and the French Tricolore fly from the top, signifying the unity of the British and French armies. A visitor centre and museum provide historical context, displaying artifacts recovered from the surrounding battlefields.

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