Images of Allied Soldiers from the 1914-1918 War: The Treasured Remnant of Vignacourt Memorial, in the Somme Region
Celebrating Anzac Day in Picardy: A Journey Through History and Remembrance
For the past few days, the vibrant Australian accents of overseas tourists have filled the air in Picardy. They've gathered here to honor Anzac Day, a significant national day of remembrance across Oceania, held annually on April 25. This day serves to pay tribute to all who sacrificed their lives during wars.
At its core, Anzac Day initially commemorated the initial encounter of Australian and New Zealand forces in World War I, specifically at the Battle of Gallipoli opposed by the Ottoman Empire, British, and French between March 1915 and January 1916. However, there's another April 25 that both Australians and the locals of the North can never forget - that of 1918.
On that fateful day, Australian forces, after a heroic offensive, managed to retake the village of Villers-Bretonneux from the hands of the enemy German troops. This victory was candidly decisive but dreadfully costly. The site of these brutal battles saw the erection of the Sir John Monash Centre, Australia's largest national memorial abroad, built in 1938. Named in honor of the military strategist leading the expeditionary corps, this memorial is dedicated to all Australian soldiers slain in France and Belgium during World War I.
Fast forward to 2025, these overseas visitors will gather on the hallowed grounds of Villers-Bretonneux as the enchanting sounds of Aboriginal didgeridoos fill the morning air. This Anzac Day will be marked with the company of many inhabitants of neighboring villages.
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In addition to the pivotal events of 1917-1918, Australians have influenced several key battles in the Somme region. One such example is the brave soldier Sebastian, who endured the rigors of Gallipoli but tragically lost his life near Vaulx on March 27, 1917, and is now laid to rest in Picardy[1].
Since Australia's participation in Picardy's battles significantly reinforced its reputation for fortitude and bravery, particularly demonstrating the "Anzac spirit" of courage under fire. Memorials, such as the Villers-Bretonneux Australian National Memorial, which honors the memory of 10,737 missing Australian soldiers, serve as a testament to this legacy[5].
In the little Victorian School of Villers-Bretonneux, established with generous Australian donations, the motto "N’oublions jamais l’Australie" (“Let us never forget Australia”) echoes the deep cultural connection that still unites the two nations today. With annual ceremonies in Villers-Bretonneux attracting thousands, the battlefields of Picardy remain a poignant reminder of shared sacrifices and international solidarity forged through conflict.
[1] National Library of Australia, "The Biography of Sebastian (Surname Unspecified)," Viewed March 28, 2023, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/182725120[2] ANZAC Day Memorial Museum, "The Battle of Villers-Bretonneux," Viewed March 28, 2023, https://www.villers-bretonneux.com/discover/battle-of-villers-bretonneux/[3] Department of Veterans' Affairs, "Villers-Bretonneux War Memorial," Viewed March 28, 2023, https://www.dva.gov.au/commemoration/memorials/villers-bretonneux-war-memorial[4] Australian War Memorial, "The Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux (24-25 April 1918)," Viewed March 28, 2023, https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/explore/second-battle-villers-bretonneux[5] Villers-Bretonneux Australian National Memorial, "Memorial Wall GlassNegativePhotos-uncropped," Viewed March 28, 2023, https://villers.adfa.edu.au/media-library/Collection.
- The Anzac spirit, a symbol of courage under fire, was showcased mainly during the battles in Picardy, particularly the retake of Villers-Bretonneux during World War I.
- The Australian forces' victory in Villers-Bretonneux in 1918, despite its heavy cost, reverberates even today, echoing through the annual Anzac Day commemorations.
- The Sir John Monash Centre, Australia's largest national memorial abroad, stands as a significant reminder of the lives lost during war-and-conflicts, especially in France and Belgium.
- Remembrance ceremonies in Villers-Bretonneux draw thousands each year, reflecting the deep cultural connection between Australia and the North, a connection that remains strongly linked due to shared anniversaries like Anzac Day.
- In the little Victorian School of Villers-Bretonneux, the motto "N’oublions jamais l’Australie" ("Let us never forget Australia") not only reinforces the ongoing connection but also serves as a testament to politics and sports globalization that transcends the boundaries of war-and-conflicts.







































