Preserved Trenches

On the former battlefield all sorts of trenches can still be seen. Ranging from not preserved (in the forests around Verdun for example) to recently dug (like the 'trench' at the cafe 'le Tommy' at Pozieres for example). Between that there is a whole range of different preservation techniques. Below we present some of these techniques by showing well known sites. Every technique has it's advantages and disadvantages and it's naturally that people should have a preference for one or the other. We feel however that in commenting on a site it should always be kept in mind that these sites are firstly memorials to those who fought, and often died there. That they also fulfill a role as to give us a clue to what it was like then should be accepted with thanks but we feel that should not be the criteria to 'rate' the sites. Comments like "I didn't like it, all concrete" show little understanding of what we consider their primary function and to what happened there.

Vimy Ridge (1992)

The former British colonies of Canada and Australia have taken, and are taking, a leading role in the preservation of former Battlefield sites. The old sites are expanded and especially Australia is creating new 'Battlefield Memorial Parks'.

Preserved outposts: the Canadian side

Vimy Ridge was taken during a brilliant attack on 9 -12 April 1917 by 40.000 Canadians frontline troops from all 48 Canadian Infantry Battalions lead by General Sir Julian Byng. The ridge was held by the Germans from 1914 onwards and turned into a formidable fortress. Everyone who has ever stand on Vimy Ridge's highest point (Hill 145) and looked around and down on the surrounding landscape will immediately see why this position was considered one of the keys to the Flanders Plain beyond. Preparations for the attack were detailed, using among other things a full scale replica of the positions that had to be attacked. Before the attack engineers had already honeycombed the ridge with tunnels in an underground warfare. The many craters left in the park today are a reminder of this. For the attack of 9th April another 3 miles of subways were dug to be able to deliver troops to the frontline without observation and in relative safety. Depending on the source it's believed that the complex in all has 22 miles of tunnels in 4 distinct levels.

'Grange' Tunnel can be visited with a guide

'Grange' Tunnel

'Grange' Tunnel, near the surface. Shell protruding through.

'Grange' Tunnel, officer's room.

The attack was a complete success, although the German resistance at Hill 145 was heavy. The Canadians didn't have it all their way and the success came with a prize tag. There were 10.602 Canadian casualties, of which 3.598 were dead. Although still heavy, these figures were considered favorable compared with the 24.000 casualties the Canadians suffered on the Somme.
In 1922 the French government gave the soil which now forms the 91 hectare Canadian National Vimy Memorial Park in perpetuity to Canada. The frontline outpost (not the main defensive line or frontline trench!) were preserved in concrete and part of the 'Grange' tunnel complex opened to visitors in 1926. Over the years the tunnels have been made more accessible and more sections are opened to the public. In November 1997 a new visitors center was opened near the impressive Canadian Memorial. The preserved outpost give a good idea of how close these posts were to each other. To climb out of a trench and walk across the craters to the other side can be a memorable experience under the right circumstances.

An Unfortunate Region 1992