| Accession Number | C00473 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Glass original half plate negative |
| Maker |
Barnes, Ernest Charles |
| Place made | France: Picardie, Somme, Albert |
| Date made | July 1916 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Collection related to the service of 704 Ernest Charles Barnes
Description
A street in the French town, dominated by the tower of the Basilica of Notre Dame de Brebieres with its 'Leaning Madonna', well known to all soldiers who fought on the Somme. The local people believed that when the Madonna fell, the war would end. In their great spring offensive of 1918, the Germans captured Albert and the 'Leaning Madonna' was brought down by shell fire. (From the collection of 704 Driver Ernest Charles Barnes who served with the 1st Field Artillery Brigade, 21st Howitzer Brigade and 2nd Field Artillery Brigade.)