Archaeological Monument Cambrai Memorial to the Missing, The memorial stands at one end of Louverval Military Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, which was founded by Commonwealth troops in April 1917 on the site of Louverval Chateau in northern France.

Cambrai Memorial to the Missing

Cambrai Memorial to the Missing - France
Cambrai Memorial to the Missing is located in Doignies, France.
Cambrai Memorial to the Missing monument was established on 4 August 1930.

Primary threats to Cambrai Memorial to the Missing :

The memorial stands at one end of Louverval Military Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, which was founded by Commonwealth troops in April 1917 on the site of Louverval Chateau in northern France.

Historical facts of Cambrai Memorial to the Missing :

The Cambrai Memorial to the Missing, also known as the Louverval Memorial, is a significant historical monument located in the village of Louverval, near Cambrai in northern France. It commemorates the soldiers who fought and lost their lives during the Battle of Cambrai in World War I. The memorial holds great importance in honoring the sacrifice of those who perished and offers a place for remembrance and reflection.
The Battle of Cambrai, which took place from November to December 1917, was a major engagement during the First World War. It marked the first large-scale use of tanks in warfare, demonstrating their potential as a formidable weapon. The battle witnessed intense fighting between the British and German forces, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
The Cambrai Memorial to the Missing was unveiled on 4 August 1930 by Field Marshal Sir William Robertson, who had served as the British Chief of the Imperial General Staff during the war. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, a renowned architect responsible for several war memorials, the memorial takes the form of a large, elegant stone structure.
The memorial features a central obelisk that stands over 14 meters tall, surrounded by colonnades on either side. The obelisk is adorned with a bronze wreath and inscriptions that pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the battle. The colonnades, with their intricate arches and pillars, contain the names of over 7,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom and South Africa who went missing during the Battle of Cambrai.
The names of the missing soldiers are listed in alphabetical order, providing a poignant reminder of the individual lives lost in the conflict. The absence of their bodies and graves serves as a solemn reminder of the devastating toll of war and the lasting impact it has on families and communities.
The Cambrai Memorial also includes a small chapel within its grounds. The chapel, known as the "Feraud Chapel," is dedicated to Captain Andre Feraud, a French pilot who died during the battle. The chapel provides a space for visitors to reflect and offer prayers, further enhancing the memorial's significance as a place of remembrance and contemplation.
The memorial is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, an organization responsible for commemorating the war dead from the Commonwealth nations. The site is meticulously cared for, with beautifully maintained gardens and pathways, creating a serene and respectful environment.
Every year, on November 20th, the anniversary of the start of the Battle of Cambrai, a commemorative ceremony takes place at the memorial. The event includes wreath-laying, readings, and moments of silence to honor the fallen soldiers.
The Cambrai Memorial to the Missing stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifice made by countless soldiers during the Battle of Cambrai. It serves as a place for families, friends, and visitors from around the world to pay their respects and remember the courage and dedication of those who fought. The memorial's architectural beauty, combined with its historical significance, makes it an important landmark in commemorating the human cost of war and promoting a message of peace.