Improvised sign, 'VC CORNER' : Fromelles, France

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
Description

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.

History / Summary

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.