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Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery: A Testament to Courage

A poignant World War I memorial and cemetery honoring the courage and sacrifice of Australian and British Empire soldiers in Villers-Bretonneux, France.

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The Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery in Fouilloy, France, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War I. It holds the graves of soldiers from the British Empire, predominantly Australian, who fought in the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux and the surrounding areas. The cemetery also houses the Australian National Memorial, commemorating those Australians who died in France and Belgium and have no known grave.

A brief summary to Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery

Local tips

  • Pay your respects to the fallen soldiers by taking a moment of silence at the gravesites.
  • Visit the Australian National Memorial within the cemetery to commemorate the Australian soldiers who have no known grave.
  • Check the opening hours of the tower, as they vary depending on the time of year, and access may be restricted during bad weather.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Amiens, take the Trans80 bus line to Villers-Bretonneux. The bus journey takes approximately 26-55 minutes. From the bus stop in Fouilloy, it is a short walk to the cemetery. Bus tickets cost between €1 and €6.

  • Taxi

    From Amiens, a taxi to Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery takes around 18-21 minutes. The cost is approximately €30-€40. There are no taxi ranks at the cemetery, so pre-booking a taxi for your return is recommended.

  • Walking

    From Villers-Bretonneux, the cemetery is approximately a 45-minute (3.7km) walk. Follow Rue d'Aubigny from Villers-Bretonneux. The cemetery is located about 2 kilometers north of the village on the east side of the road to Fouilloy.

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Discover more about Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery

Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, located near the village of Villers-Bretonneux, stands as a solemn tribute to the soldiers who fought and died during World War I. The cemetery was established after the Armistice in November 1918, bringing together graves from the battlefields and smaller burial grounds in the area. Plots I to XX were completed by 1920 and contain mostly Australian graves, dating from March to August 1918. Plots IIIA, VIA, XIIIA and XVIA, and Rows in other Plots lettered AA, were completed by 1925, and contain a much larger proportion of unidentified graves brought from a wider area. Later, 444 graves were moved from Dury Hospital Military Cemetery. The cemetery is also the site of the Australian National Memorial, which commemorates over 10,000 Australian soldiers who died in France and Belgium during the First World War and have no known graves. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the memorial features a large central tower flanked by wing walls. The names of the missing are engraved on commemorative panels, honoring their sacrifice and valor. The memorial was unveiled by King George VI on 22 July 1938. Visiting the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery offers a deeply moving experience. The meticulously maintained grounds, rows of white headstones, and the imposing memorial create a serene yet powerful atmosphere. Visitors can explore the cemetery, read the inscriptions on the headstones, and reflect on the immense human cost of the war. The tower is open daily, with hours varying depending on the time of year, and access may be restricted during bad weather. Wheelchair access is available via a ramp or lift near the orientation building in the car park.

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