Adelaide Cemetery

About

The Adelaïde Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux, is a First World War military cemetery located on the territory of Villers-Bretonneux, in the Somme department, east of Amiens.

Location: This cemetery is located at the west entrance of the municipality on the D1029.

In March 1918, the German army launched its Spring Offensive from the vicinity of Saint Quentin to conquer Amiens. Villers-Bretonneux was captured by tanks and German infantry on 23 April. This will be their final point of advance since, the next day, thousands of Australian soldiers, who had come to strengthen the British army, regain possession of the ruins of the city. On April 24, 1918, the first tank battle in history took place between Villers-Bretonneux and Cachy, and between three British Mark IV and three German A7V. The area was the scene of numerous fighting from April until mid-August 1918, when Villers-Bretonneux was defiantly liberated. This cemetery in Adelaide began in early June 1918 and continued to be used until the Allies resumed their lead. After the Armistice...