Place | Europe: France, Nord Pas de Calais, Nord, Lille, Fromelles |
---|---|
Accession Number | RELAWM00496 |
Collection type | Heraldry |
Object type | Heraldry |
Physical description | Iron, Wood |
Location | Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Western Front 1916: Fromelles/Nursery Sector |
Maker |
Unknown |
Place made | France |
Date made | c 1916 |
Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Improvised sign, 'VC CORNER' : Fromelles, France
Wooden sign constructed from two wooden planks and braces fastened together with iron nails. There are faint pencil outlines and the number '3' in the top right hand corner. 'VC CORNER' has been written over the outlines together with a map reference, 'N2 c 9.0' which has been stencilled on in black paint.
The map reference on this sign, 'N2 c 9.0' refers to the position of VC Corner on the British 1:40,000 map series, sheet number 36. VC Corner was located at the cross roads of the D171 road and Rue Delvas in the village of Petillon. The village is one and a half kilometres north east of Fromelles.
While the origins of the sign's name are unclear it is thought to relate to the battle of Aubers Ridge, which took place near Fromelles and Petillon, in May 1915, when a number of Victoria Crosses were won by members of the British Army. However, as this particular crossroads was considered to be especially dangerous to the men waiting to advance on Aubers Ridge, the sign may refer to this fact instead.