Festubert facts for kids
Festubert is a small town, also known as a commune, located in the northern part of France. It is found in the region called Nord-Pas-de-Calais and is part of the Pas-de-Calais department. Festubert is a quiet place today, but it has a very important history, especially from World War I.
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Understanding a French Commune
A commune in France is like a small local government area. It's the smallest division of land for administration. Think of it as a town or a village with its own local council and mayor. These communes manage local services and represent their citizens. Festubert is one of many thousands of communes across France.
Where is Festubert Located?
Festubert is situated in the Hauts-de-France region, which used to be called Nord-Pas-de-Calais. This area is in northern France, not too far from the border with Belgium. It's part of a flat, agricultural plain. This location made it a significant spot during past conflicts.
Festubert's Role in World War I
Festubert played a very important part during World War I. It was the site of a major battle in May 1915.
The Battle of Festubert (1915)
The Battle of Festubert was fought by the British and Canadian armies against the German army. It took place from May 15 to May 27, 1915. The goal for the Allied forces was to try and break through the German lines.
Why was this battle important?
- Learning New Tactics: This battle was one of the first times the British army tried a new way of attacking. They used a lot of artillery (big guns) to bombard the enemy's trenches before their soldiers attacked.
- Heavy Fighting: The fighting was very intense. Soldiers faced difficult conditions, including muddy trenches and strong enemy defenses.
- Sacrifice and Remembrance: Many soldiers lost their lives during this battle. Today, there are several war cemeteries and memorials in and around Festubert. These places help us remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought there.
Remembering the Soldiers
Many memorials stand in Festubert to honor the soldiers who fought and died there. These include:
- The Festubert Memorial: This memorial remembers over 12,000 soldiers from the British and Indian armies who have no known grave.
- Various Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries: These are peaceful resting places for soldiers from different countries who died in the area.
Life in Modern Festubert
Today, Festubert is a peaceful rural commune. Its economy is mainly based on agriculture. The people who live there enjoy a quiet lifestyle. While it's a small place, its historical significance means it's visited by people interested in World War I history.
See also
In Spanish: Festubert para niños
