Ovillers-la-Boisselle Facts for Kids

The Lochnagar Crater Memorial

The coat of arms for Ovillers-la-Boisselle

Ovillers-la-Boisselle is a small village, also known as a commune, located in northern France. It is part of the Somme department in the Hauts-de-France region. This quiet area has a very important place in history, especially because of events that happened here during World War I.

Ovillers-la-Boisselle: A French Village with a Big History
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Ovillers-la-Boisselle: A French Village with a Big History

Ovillers-la-Boisselle is a commune in France. A commune is like a small town or village with its own local government. It is found in the Somme department, which is a part of the Hauts-de-France region. This area is known for its green landscapes and farming.

Where is Ovillers-la-Boisselle?

The village is located in the northern part of France. It's about 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of the city of Albert. The region has a mild climate. This makes it good for growing crops.

A Look Back: World War I

Ovillers-la-Boisselle was a very important place during World War I. It was right on the front lines of the Battle of the Somme. This battle was one of the largest and bloodiest battles in human history. It took place from July to November 1916. Many soldiers from different countries fought here. These included British, French, and German forces.

The Battle of the Somme in Ovillers-la-Boisselle

The village saw intense fighting. Soldiers lived in trenches. They faced constant danger. The land around Ovillers-la-Boisselle became a battlefield. It was filled with craters and destroyed buildings. The battle aimed to break through German lines. However, it resulted in huge losses for all sides.

The Lochnagar Crater

One of the most famous landmarks near Ovillers-la-Boisselle is the Lochnagar Crater. This huge crater was formed on July 1, 1916. This was the first day of the Battle of the Somme. British soldiers dug a tunnel under German lines. They then placed a massive amount of explosives there.

How the Crater Was Formed

The explosion created a crater about 91 meters (300 feet) wide. It was also about 21 meters (70 feet) deep. It is one of the largest man-made craters from the war. Today, it is a memorial site. Visitors can see the scale of the explosion. It reminds everyone of the power of war.

Remembering the Past

Today, Ovillers-la-Boisselle is a peaceful village. However, it still holds many memories of the war. There are several memorials and cemeteries nearby. These places honor the soldiers who fought and died there. The Lochnagar Crater is a key site for remembrance. It helps people understand the sacrifices made during World War I.

The village and its surroundings serve as a powerful reminder. They show the impact of war on people and places. They also teach us about the importance of peace.