Right now we are in the Somme region of France. This is an area that has a strong military connection to Australia. This region was called the Western Front during World War One.
One particular town, Villers Bretonneux, identifies itself with Australia. The streets are all named after towns in Australia. There are images of kangaroos everywhere and the school makes a point of doing Australian cultural studies. This is because ninety years ago this town was liberated by Australian soldiers.
Not far from this little village stands the most incredible memorial to the foreign soldiers who defended this area.
Forty-six thousand Australian men lost their lives in this region in a matter of three years. All young men, in the prime of their lives, at a time when our total population was only four million.
Their names neatly engraved on wall after wall of sandstone, lists so long that it is agonsing to stand before them.
Row after row of white headstones mark the passing of each soldier.
Many of the headstones stand for soldiers who could not be identified, but whose family ached for their loss.
The inscription on this one just broke my heart.
The day we visited was cold and rainy. It seemed entirely appropriate.
Lest we forget…
Peppermint Patcher 