Bourlon Wood Memorial
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The Bourlon Wood Memorial is a war memorial that commemorates the actions of the Canadian Corps during World War I. It is located adjacent to the town of Bourlon (about 10km west of Cambrai, France).
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[edit] Description
This memorial was one of six that were created from a common design. The center is a large granite block with the inscription:
| “ | THE CANADIAN CORPS ON 27TH SEP. 1918 FORCED THE CANAL DU NORD AND CAPTURED THIS HILL. THEY TOOK CAMBRAI, DENAIN, VALENCIENNES & MONS; THEN MARCHED TO THE RHINE WITH THE VICTORIOUS ALLIES | ” |
[edit] Monument Design
Following the Great War each country created projects to commemorate their losses. These war memorials were constructed throughout the 1920s and 30s. The Canadian Government held a competition for the memorial designs. There were two unique memorials created; the Vimy Memorial and the Brooding Soldier of the Saint Julien Memorial. The remaining memorials were based on the same basic design of a granite block in the centre of a circular patch of grass. The memorials of this design all commemorate battles on the Western Front in Belgium(2) and France (4).
[edit] IMPORTANT NOTE
The ministry of Veteran's Affairs website indicates: "The historic trees of Bourlon Wood Memorial, that survived the ravages of war, now require major attention to ensure safe conditions for visitors, and a healthy future for the trees. For the public's safety, the memorial site will be closed until the work is completed. The Memorial is scheduled to reopen to the public in May 2007."
