france

28 articles

Mar9

2019What is the first monument erected in honour of French soldiers who died while serving in external operations?

The city of Theix-Noyalo in Morbihan, Brittany, is home to the first monument in France dedicated to French soldiers who died during external operations (OPEX) since 1963. This landmark, inaugurated on 9 March 2019, offers a moving tribute to nearly 700 fallen service members by featuring a black marble stele inscribed "AUX SOLDATS FRANÇAIS MORTS POUR LA FRANCE EN OPÉRATIONS EXTÉRIEURES" beneath a stylized planisphere. Uniquely, the monument was financed solely by the Association nationale des Titulaires du Titre de Reconnaissance de la Nation (ANT-TRN) at a cost of €23,000 and stands near the town's memorials for the world wars. Its unveiling predates the national monument in Paris, making Theix-Noyalo the first city in France to honor OPEX soldiers with a dedicated monument on municipal grounds.

May8

2016How is it that there were more civilian deaths than military during the Second World War?

The Mémorial des civils dans la guerre, located in Falaise, Normandy, stands as the first museum in the world solely dedicated to civilians caught in the devastation of armed conflict. Highlighting the grim reality that over 30 million civilians perished—more than military personnel—during the Second World War, the memorial brings attention to this historic turning point in the nature of wartime suffering. Opened on 8 May 2016, the museum is uniquely situated near the birthplace of William the Conqueror, and features a remarkable archaeological find: the preserved remains of a home destroyed in an August 1944 bombing, discovered during construction and now integrated into its exhibitions. As we mark the 10th anniversary of the memorial, visitors are invited to explore three floors of history recounting occupation, resistance, and the unforgettable stories of survival and loss in cities like Saint-Lô and Le Havre, where civilian casualties reached staggering numbers.

Sep9

2015Where was the 1944 liberation of Paris decided?

The crucial decision to launch the liberation of Paris in 1944 was made at the Château du Bois-Gamats, just south of Laval on the banks of the Mayenne river in western France. Here, on 22 August 1944, General Philippe Leclerc received the long-awaited order from General Omar Bradley to lead his 2ème Division Blindée toward the French capital, shifting the course of the war in France. The château, which had served as a German headquarters until its liberation earlier that month, stands out as the very place where Paris's fate was sealed—today, a special milestone marker at its entrance commemorates this pivotal moment. This commemorative marker is one of the many “Bornes” along the historic 2nd Armoured Division Road, a route stretching over 1,145 kilometers and symbolizing the Allied advance from Normandy to the liberation of Western Europe.

Mar17

2008Who is officially recognized as the last surviving French combatant from the First World War?

Lazare Ponticelli, born in Italy and later naturalized as French, is officially recognized as France’s last surviving combatant of the First World War. His story is significant both as a living link to the generation of "poilus" and for his steadfast participation in annual remembrance ceremonies at the 'monument aux morts' until the year before his death in 2008 at the remarkable age of 110. Ponticelli requested that his state funeral be modest, with a memorial mass at Les Invalides honoring all his fallen comrades—emphasizing collective memory over individual glory. On March 17, 2008, this wish was fulfilled as President Nicolas Sarkozy led the nation in unveiling a simple stone tablet, inviting the youth of France to remember the sacrifices of the 8.5 million countrymen who served during the Great War.

Oct9

1994What international memorial is dedicated to reporters and journalists killed while carrying out their work since 1944?

In Bayeux, France, the Reporters’ Memorial stands as a powerful tribute to more than 2,000 journalists and reporters who have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1944. Established by the City of Bayeux and Reporters Without Borders, this site not only commemorates those lost to conflict and violence but also highlights the ongoing dangers faced by media professionals worldwide. Unveiled in phases beginning on 7 October 2006, the memorial features 27 engraved stelae and includes the names of eight Canadians among its honorees. The site’s unique landscape, interactive elements, and annual connection to the Bayeux-Calvados-Normandy Awards for War Correspondents make it a living testament to both remembrance and the ongoing fight for press freedom.

Jan1

1944Which British architect is known to have made a significant contribution to memorials and commemoration during the 20th century?

Sir Edwin Lutyens, a renowned British architect, played a pivotal role in shaping memorials and cemeteries for British Commonwealth soldiers across Europe and beyond during and after the First World War. Celebrated for designing more than 600 works, Lutyens transformed how nations remember their war dead, crafting iconic landmarks like the Cenotaph in Whitehall (1919) and the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme at Thiepval. His innovative creation of the 'Stone of Remembrance' remains a defining symbol at Commonwealth War Graves Commission sites worldwide. Today, on the 82nd anniversary of his passing, his legacy endures as a cornerstone of 20th-century commemorative architecture.

Jun18

1940During the Second World War, which French leader appealed to its people to rally in support of the Resistance?

At the French military school of Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan in Brittany, a striking monument commemorates the call to resistance issued by General Charles de Gaulle on 18 June 1940. De Gaulle's BBC-broadcasted speech became a rallying point for the Free French, challenging the armistice announced by Marshal Pétain and inspiring new waves of resistance both inside and outside France. The monument, designed by Pierre-André Dufetel and unveiled in 1995, features a flame-shaped sword and the Lorraine Cross, symbolizing the enduring spirit of defiance ignited by de Gaulle’s words. On the 85th anniversary in 2025, visitors reflect on how a single wartime broadcast reshaped French history and forged a legacy honored by generations of cadets and citizens alike.

Feb21

1920What became of the other unknown soldiers that were considered for selection of a French 'Soldat Inconnu' in 1920?

In November 1920, eight unidentified soldiers from the Western Front were brought to Verdun to select the French 'Soldat Inconnu' for burial beneath the Arc de Triomphe in Paris—a powerful tribute to all those "Mort pour la France." While one was chosen to represent France's unknown dead, the seven remaining were reverently interred in the 'Section of the Seven Unknowns' (Carré des sept Inconnus) at Verdun’s Faubourg-Pavé cemetery. Their solemn procession through the city, attended by military, civil, and local communities, marked a unique act of national remembrance. Each grave is inscribed with "Soldat français inconnu mort pour la France," and since 2014, a Remembrance Flame burns there, honoring their sacrifice for generations to come.

Aug26

1918What is the significance of the Dury Canadian Memorial in France?

The Dury Canadian Memorial, located just south of Dury in France, stands as a testament to the Canadian Corps’ critical role in breaching the formidable Drocourt-Quéant Line during the Second Battle of Arras in 1918. This strategically vital victory helped turn the tide on the Western Front, marking a decisive moment in the final Hundred Days Offensive of the First World War. Remarkably, on September 2, 1918, seven Canadians were awarded the Victoria Cross for their bravery during these intense assaults, a day that also saw nearly 6,000 Canadian casualties. Today, the memorial’s striking 15-tonne granite block not only honors these sacrifices but also anchors the site as one of just eight Great War Canadian monuments of permanent remembrance in France.

Apr14

1917What is the significance of the Monchy-le-Preux Newfoundland Memorial?

The Monchy-le-Preux Newfoundland Memorial, situated on the eastern edge of the French village of Monchy-le-Preux, honors the extraordinary bravery of the Newfoundland Regiment during the First World War. On April 14, 1917, just ten Newfoundlanders held off massive German counter-attacks for four critical hours, preventing the loss of a vital position in Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig's spring offensive. The caribou monument, chosen for its placement by the Regiment, stands atop the ruins of a German strongpoint, gazing toward Infantry Hill where this legendary stand occurred. Remarkably, a British general later credited these ten men with saving up to 40,000 Allied lives, underscoring the unique and lasting significance of their actions.

Apr9

1917When did Vimy Ridge become a National Historic Site of Canada?

Vimy Ridge, located fourteen kilometres north of Arras in northern France, became a National Historic Site of Canada in 1996. This designation honors Canada’s significant accomplishment, sacrifice, and contribution during the First World War, particularly at the site of the pivotal 1917 Battle of Vimy Ridge. The 117-hectare memorial park—granted to Canada by France in 1922—features the iconic monument by sculptor Walter S. Allward and preserves original battlefield trenches, where even today, sheep graze the dangerous ground littered with unexploded munitions. As we mark the 108th anniversary of the battle in 2025, Vimy Ridge stands as a lasting symbol of remembrance for over 11,000 missing Canadian soldiers with no known grave.

Sep15

1916Which monument in France is dedicated to all the men from the Tank Corps who fell during the Great War?

The Tank Corps Monument at Pozières, France, stands as a tribute to all the men of the British Tank Corps who fell during the Great War. Unveiled on 22 July 1922 by Lieutenant General Sir Thomas Morland, this memorial marks the site where tanks were first used in combat during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette on 15 September 1916, forever changing the nature of warfare. The monument features four scale models of original tanks and is uniquely enclosed by a fence made of genuine tank gun barrels and driving chains, a nod to both the technological innovation and the sacrifice of those who served. Today, it continues to draw visitors eager to reflect on its history and the dramatic impact of armored vehicles in World War I.

Aug13

1916What is the significance of Mouquet Farm, France to the Australian Imperial Forces in 1916?

Mouquet Farm, located just west of Pozières in France, became a crucial battleground for the Australian Imperial Forces during six weeks of intense fighting in 1916. The attempts to seize this German stronghold were seen as instrumental to the Allies' larger objective of capturing Thiepval, but despite mounting 19 separate attacks by three Australian divisions, the farm remained in German hands until later British advances. Over 50,000 Australians took part in the assaults, suffering more than 11,000 casualties specifically in the battles for Mouquet Farm. Now commemorated by a memorial plaque unveiled in 1997, the battlefield stands as a somber tribute to the extraordinary endurance and sacrifice of the Australian troops during the Somme offensive.

Aug4

1916Why is the soil in Pozières, France so important to the Australians?

The ridge at Pozières, France, is hallowed ground for Australians, marking the site of the windmill where some of the fiercest fighting of World War I’s Somme campaign took place. Between July and August 1916, Australian troops captured this crucial position from well-entrenched German forces in a battle that cost over 23,000 Australian casualties, with more than 6,700 killed or dying of wounds. The ground here was fought over so relentlessly that Charles Bean, Australia’s official historian, called it “a ridge more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth.” In a lasting tribute, soil from Pozières was mixed into the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier in Canberra in 1993, connecting the sacrifice on this distant battlefield to the heart of the nation.

Jul19

1916What does the term Cobber represent to Australian troops?

The 'Cobbers' Memorial stands at the Australian Memorial Park in Fromelles, France, a poignant site that honours the Australian soldiers who fought and died during the catastrophic Battle of Fromelles in 1916. This memorial is significant for symbolising the unwavering camaraderie and bravery of Australian troops, encapsulated in the term “cobber”—meaning mate—especially as they risked their lives to rescue wounded comrades from No Man’s Land. Unveiled in July 1998 for the 80th anniversary of World War I’s end, the bronze statue immortalises the heroism of Sergeant Simon Fraser, who famously returned under fire to save fellow soldiers after hearing a call for help: “Don’t forget me, cobber.” Each year, on July 19, Australians reflect on the over 5,500 casualties suffered in a single night, a toll nearly equal to the combined losses in the Boer, Korean, and Vietnam Wars.

Jul5

1916What military unit was known as Canada's Black Battalion during the First World War?

The No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force—Canada’s famed Black Battalion—was authorized in Pictou, Nova Scotia during the First World War. Created to overcome the challenges of segregation, it became the first and only all-Black battalion in Canadian military history, providing vital labor to the war effort overseas. Remarkably, more than half of its members hailed from Nova Scotia, and its chaplain, Captain Reverend William A. White, was one of the only Black commissioned officers in the entire British Empire. Today, the granite monument at Market Wharf in Pictou stands as a national historic site, commemorating the unit’s enduring legacy and 109 years since its formation.

Jul1

1916What is the significance of the Battle of the Somme for the Newfoundland Regiment?

The Battle of the Somme holds deep significance for the Newfoundland Regiment, whose brave soldiers faced unimaginable loss at Beaumont-Hamel, France, on July 1, 1916. While most Canadians mark Canada Day, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians observe Memorial Day to honour the nearly 90% of their regiment who became casualties in a single morning. Of the 800 men who advanced, only about 68 answered roll call the next day, leaving an indelible mark on the province's history. Today, the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial—a striking bronze caribou atop Newfoundland granite—stands as a testament to their sacrifice and resilience.

Apr8

1915Which military decoration did France create during the Great War to recognize acts of bravery on the battlefield?

The French Croix de Guerre was created on 8 April 1915 to recognize acts of exceptional bravery during World War I, becoming France’s most iconic military decoration of the Great War. Born from a need to formally honor soldiers mentioned in despatches for gallant deeds, the award quickly became a symbol of heroism for both French and Allied troops. The medal’s distinctive green and red ribbon and array of stars and palms signified the scale and type of courage displayed, and by 1920, over 1.2 million Croix de Guerre had been awarded—including to military units, towns, and even the heroic carrier pigeon Cher Ami, who saved 194 lives in 1918. This enduring symbol of valor marks its 110th anniversary in 2025, a testament to the widespread sacrifice and spirit of the First World War.

Feb14

1879What famous sculpture in Paris unites 'Marianne' and the national anthem of France?

At the base of the iconic Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile in Paris stands 'Le Départ des Volontaires de 1792,' more widely known as 'La Marseillaise,' a dramatic sculpture by François Rude. This masterpiece unites the personification of 'Marianne'—the spirit of the French Republic—with the fervor of France's national anthem, commemorating the volunteers who rallied to defend France during the Revolution. Created between 1833 and 1836, the high-relief shows Marianne as a winged warrior, embodying Liberty and urging her compatriots into battle. The sculpture’s dynamic energy and symbolism make it a unique testament to France’s enduring quest for liberty, still celebrated today on anniversaries like February 14, the day La Marseillaise became the official anthem in 1879.

Nov3

1870Which 19th century historical monument in France is the symbol of freedom and heroic resistance and took more than 130 years to have it officially inaugurated?

The Lion of Belfort stands as a colossal symbol of freedom and heroic resistance in Belfort, France, overlooking the town since its completion in 1880. Sculpted from pink Vosges sandstone by Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, this monumental lion commemorates the 103-day siege endured by Colonel Pierre Denfert-Rochereau and his troops during the Franco-Prussian War. Remarkably, although beloved as a national icon for generations, the monument was not officially inaugurated until 2011—131 years after its unveiling. Today, the Lion continues to inspire patriotism and pride, marking key anniversaries, including the 155th year since the siege began and 145 years since its presentation.

Jan1

1862Who was named the first matron of the Canadian Army Medical Corps and was also Canada's first recipient of the Royal Red Cross?

Georgina Fane Pope, born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, became the first matron of the Canadian Army Medical Corps and the first Canadian to receive the prestigious Royal Red Cross. Renowned as "Canada’s Florence Nightingale," she led military nurses in the South African War and later played a pivotal role in training over 3,100 nurses for service during the First World War. In 1903, Pope’s exceptional bravery and leadership were recognized as she became the first Canadian decorated with the Royal Red Cross, established by Queen Victoria. Her enduring legacy is celebrated in monuments, museum exhibits, and even a commemorative coin marking her 150th birthday.

Jan22

1852Which French military decoration is called the "medal of the brave" or "the jewel of the armies"?

The Military Medal (Médaille Militaire), established by Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte in Paris on 22 January 1852, is France’s highest military honor for non-commissioned officers and soldiers, known as “the medal of the brave” or “the jewel of the armies.” Renowned for recognizing courage and devotion, it has been awarded to more than a million individuals, including 950,000 during the First World War—most posthumously. A striking detail is the monument at the Hôtel national des Invalides, inaugurated in 1925, which features a tribute “A LA GLOIRE DES MÉDAILLÉS MILITAIRES MORTS AU CHAMP D’HONNEUR” and continues to be the site of annual remembrance ceremonies, most recently illuminated in 2017 to keep their legacy shining for future generations.

May31

1809Which of Napoléon Bonaparte's generals did he nicknamed the "Achilles" of the Grande Armée?

Jean Lannes, famously nicknamed the "Achilles" of the Grande Armée by Napoléon Bonaparte, was a key general whose fearless leadership shaped the fate of the French Empire. Born in Lectoure in 1769, Lannes rose from humble beginnings to become a Maréchal d'Empire, distinguishing himself in pivotal battles such as Arcole and Montebello. His close companionship with Napoléon and his legendary bravery — documented by his multiple battlefield wounds and his ultimate sacrifice at Aspern-Essling in 1809 — set him apart as a symbol of frontline valor. Lannes was the first Maréchal d'Empire to die in combat, and his remains rest in the crypt at Les Invalides in Paris, commemorated to this day for his extraordinary contributions.

Dec2

1805What monument was erected in Paris in honour of what is considered Napoléon's greatest military victory?

The Colonne Vendôme, standing proudly in the Place Vendôme of Paris, was erected in 1810 to honor Napoléon's monumental triumph at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. This iconic monument, inspired by Rome’s ancient Trajan Column, became a symbol of military glory, resilience, and changing eras in French history. Uniquely, its bronze bas-relief was cast from 1,200 captured enemy cannons, spiraling up the granite shaft to recount the dramatic victories and homecoming of the Grand Army. Today, more than 217 years since its completion, the restored column remains an enduring testament to Napoléon's legacy and France's evolving heritage.

Apr4

1791What is the significance of the Panthéon on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in Paris?

The Panthéon on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in Paris stands as a neoclassical masterpiece designed by architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot, originally built between 1764 and 1790 to honor Sainte-Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. Its transformation from church to national mausoleum during the French Revolution marked a dramatic shift in its significance, housing the remains of France’s most celebrated thinkers, leaders, and heroes. The Panthéon’s first interment occurred on 4 April 1791 with the revolutionary orator Mirabeau—only for his body to be removed amid scandal three years later, illustrating the memorial's turbulent history. Today, seventy men and five women are entombed within its crypt, embodying the ideals and diversity of the French Republic.

Jun1

1775What was the first major battle fought by Americans in World War I?

The first major battle fought by American troops in World War I erupted in June 1918 at Belleau Wood, a dense forest near Château-Thierry, France, just 53 miles from Paris. This fierce, twenty-six-day clash marked the Americans’ debut on the Western Front and proved pivotal in halting the final German advance toward Paris, setting the stage for the Allied counter-offensive that would end the war. During the battle, U.S. Marines fought so tenaciously that the Germans nicknamed them "Teufel Hunden," or "Devil Dogs," a legacy still honored at Belleau Wood each Memorial Day. The Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, at the base of the hill where the battle raged, now marks the graves of 2,289 Americans lost in the fighting, with the names of 1,060 missing inscribed inside its memorial chapel.

Aug15

1769Was Napoleon Bonaparte born French and was he really short?

Napoleon Bonaparte, born in Ajaccio, Corsica in 1769, became one of Europe's most influential military leaders and Emperors. His rise from artillery officer to ruler of an empire affecting 70 million people reshaped the continent’s history and left a lasting legacy. While famously thought to be short, Napoleon was actually of average height for his time at 1.70 m (5 feet 7 inches)—a myth created in part because his Imperial Guard towered over him. The Church of La Madeleine, not his final resting place, became a unique site for anniversary tributes, boasting the only Parisian church mural to feature Napoleon himself in its grand cupola.

Aug12

1737Which Army pharmacist introduced the potato as a food source for humans in France in 1772?

Antoine Augustin Parmentier, a pioneering Army pharmacist based in Paris, is celebrated for introducing and popularizing the potato as a human food source in France in 1772. Amid widespread suspicion and legal bans against the "pomme de terre," Parmentier's scientific experiments and public advocacy helped overturn superstitions and alleviate food shortages. His creative efforts included hosting dinners with figures like Benjamin Franklin and enlisting the support of Louis XVI, who granted him land—guarded by soldiers during the day but opened for locals to "steal" potatoes at night, accelerating the tuber's acceptance. Today, his legacy lives on not only in scientific institutions and Parisian place names—like Avenue Parmentier and the Parmentier Métro station—but also in the humble potato left on his monument in Père Lachaise Cemetery.