Australian Corps Memorial Park, Le Hamel, France

The Australian Corps Memorial Park at Le Hamel, France, will be closed to visitors from February 2008 for a period of approximately 6 months.

Due to unsatisfactory methods used in the original construction, as well as the harsh climatic conditions of northern France and acts of vandalism, it has become necessary to redevelop the Park.

Construction works are scheduled to commence in February 2008 and it is anticipated that the redevelopment will be completed in mid-2008. In the interests of safety, the site will remain closed to the public throughout this time.

The works being undertaken are essential to ensure the Memorial Park once again befits its important commemorative role. Thank you for your patience while this work is completed.

If you have any queries regarding the closure please email wargraves@dva.gov.au

Le Hamel is a small village south of the Somme river, some 6km from Villers-Bretonneux and was the site of one of the AIf’s most successful battles, fought on 4 July 1918.

Under the command of General Sir John Monash, this Australian planned victory reflected the pattern for successful Allied operations for the remainder of the war on the Western Front.

The Australian Corps Memorial Park was dedicated in 1998, on the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Le Hamel. A Germen trench, the remains of which now form part of the Park, was the final objective of the attack on 4 July 1918. This trench line was also part of the starting line for the major allied offensive of 8 August 1918, which led to the Armistice of 11 November 1918.