Achiet-le-Grand during WW1
I have lived in the village of Achiet-le-Grand with my British wife, Dawn, since 1988. Dawn worked for four years at Avril Williams’ tea room, Ocean’s Villers, and now works at the Thiepval Visitor Centre. Listening to Avril and her guests back then is what first made me interested in the First World War.
My interest in local history grew after visiting a war cemetery with my friends Teddy and Phoebe Colligan, who looked after the Ulster Tower from 2001 to 2011. Seeing the many different badges on the gravestones, including those of 36 airmen, they inspired me to research the village’s history during the war.
Finding info on lesser-known WWI sites is tough, so I welcome anyone who wants to share details, photos, diaries, or soldier stories about Achiet-le-Grand. As the former chairman of the closed Somme Remembrance Association, I am very proud of the projects our members achieved together.
Philippe DROUIN
