Hi,
Received from the Southend WFA branch chairman- Peter Last- I thought this might be of interest.
"A Poignant Reminder of the First World War Soon to Disappear?
The large red cross on a white circular background, in the photograph, is one of a pair that straddles the entrance to a building in the small town of Aix-Noulette, just five minutes from the autoroutes which lead to the battlefields of Loos, Arras and the Somme. (picture can be seen here)
For the past 90 years, these crosses have been inexorably fading, to the point where one has all but disappeared and the other is now very pale. The soft stone walls also display names, and other inscriptions, carved by Canadian soldiers during the war.
Sadly, the building on which the crosses are painted has also deteriorated and it is now considered dangerous. Therefore, it will be demolished this year.
The building was brought to my attention by a local First World War enthusiast, and friend, Francis Roger, who learnt from the town historian that it had been a ‘malterie’ involved in the beer-brewing process since 1892. Significantly, she was able to add that there were large cellars beneath it, which were used initially for the treatment of French casualties.
The C.W.G.C. website description of the nearby communal cemetery extension would appear to indicate the existence of medical units in Aix-Noulette, as it says “The Cemetery Extension was begun by French troops early in 1915, and the two French plots are next to the Communal Cemetery. It was taken over by the 1st and 2nd Divisions in February, 1916, and used by fighting units and Field Ambulances until October, 1918.” It would seem logical that any French casualties who succumbed to their wounds at the malterie would have been buried here. Similarly, as British units had taken over the cemetery from the French, it is probable that they also would have inherited the malterie from them.
At the time of going to press, it has not been possible to confirm whether British medical units did move into these cellars, but the CWGC register certainly records that the cemetery was being used for burials of British soldiers in February 1916.
What is known is that Canadian units started to move into the area in October 1916, after their bloody experiences in the Somme battles. During their extended stay, they would achieve magnificent victories in April 1917 at Vimy Ridge, and in August of that year at Hill 70. It is in the official orders for the latter offensive that we first come across a recorded reference to Aix-Noulette being used for the handling of casualties.
Specifically, under the heading ‘Medical Arrangements – 2nd Canadian Division’, it states that one of the two Main Dressing Stations to be used will be at Aix-Noulette. It further qualifies this by giving a map reference - and describing the location as a brewery!
The War Diary of the unit based here, the 6th Canadian Field Ambulance, records, in its entry for the first day of the Battle of Hill 70, that 491 casualties were cleared through the station1.
Francis Roger’s subsequent enquiries at the Aix-Noulette Mairie elicited a letter from the Mayor, M.Alain Lefebvre, himself. Although he confirmed that the building would be demolished this year, his letter went on to emphasise that it was the will of the town to do everything possible to save the crosses, which he said were a reminder of its historic past. As a first step, he added that the towns technical department is to fabricate a protective transparent plaque which will be placed over the surviving red cross.
In recognition of these sympathetic and very encouraging gestures, the chairman of our association, Bruce Simpson, is writing a letter to thank the Mayor and the people of Aix-Noulette.
The above announcement reflects the situation as at January 9th, 2008, thanks to a deadline extension by the Bulletin editor. I hope to have further news of the fate of the crosses, for inclusion in the June/July magazine.
In the meantime, if you are interested in seeing this rare, or even unique, piece of our Great War history for yourself, I would encourage you to do so as soon as possible - for obvious reasons – but please note that access to the building is strictly forbidden. Directions from the A26 Autoroute are as follows:- Exit at junction 6 and follow signposts for ‘D301 Bruay’, ‘D937 Bethune’ and then take the fork signposted ‘D937 Arras’. This main road will lead you into Aix-Noulette. Turn right at the corner, where there is a sign for ‘Auto Ecole Michael’, into Rue des Marroniers. After 300 metres, turn right again and you will see the cross(es) on the wall on your immediate right, i.e. the building is on the corner. If you do visit this place, you might think it appropriate to leave a poppy or two there. Such evidence of British interest in the site will help to justify the support of the local community in preserving this memorial to the badly-wounded French, British and Canadian soldiers who were brought to Aix-Noulette, including those who now lie in the large Communal Cemetery Extension. (To visit these men, re-trace your steps to the main D937 road, turn right and then left, immediately after the church, into the Rue de Bully. The cemetery is 400 metres along on your left, behind the Communal Cemetery.)
N.B. If any member has any information, or suggestions, relating to other medical posts, or units, in Aix-Noulette, I will be very pleased to hear from them. Conversely, if anyone planning to visit this place requires further information, or updates, they are welcome to get in touch with me. My contact details can be found in the ‘Branch Meetings and Contacts’ section of this magazine, under ‘Southend-on-Sea Branch’."