Somme Battlefields Forum

[PaulReed]

One of the largest areas of preserved mine craters on the British sector of the Western Front is seriously under threat; I happened to pass by the field which the British called 'The Glory Hole' today; it was an area of mining activity prior to the Somme in 1915/16. There is an extensive collection of different sized craters inside, in a very good state and in some cases remnants of trenches inbetween.

I was alarmed to see a commericial sign up indicating that a substantial house is about to be constructed on this site; perhaps the first of many. Another is being built in an adjacent field.

I fear that as - seemingly - permission to build has already been granted by the mairie in Ovillers (la Boisselle is part of the commune of Ovillers la Boisselle), then it may already be too late?

I am going to contact the Conseil General de la Somme, but I suspect their wheels may move slowly.

I cannot believe that a site of such historical importance can be allowed to go in the 90th anniversary year of the Somme.

Below - general view towards the Glory Hole, taken today.








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Somme Battlefields Website: http://www.somme-1916.com/

[PaulReed]

Just as an update, thanks to Jon Haslock who lives in la Boisselle, the photo below shows they are aiming to build from the edge of the next housing plot to the edge of the craters - thus not on the craters themselves. While not brilliant news, it does mean the whole site will not - for now - be built on. But it does mean development is gradually encoaching on it. More news when I have it.


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Somme Battlefields Website: http://www.somme-1916.com/

[Peter Beckett]

Paul,
as per the GWF has there been any other news regarding preservation, etc

Peter
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In Memory of William Leyland Pte 20237, 7th City Pals Battalion, Manchester Reg wounded at High Wood 14th July 1916.

[PaulReed]

No further news at the moment - more when I have it. The above is the latest update.
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Somme Battlefields Website: http://www.somme-1916.com/

[SLI]

Hi Paul

Thanks for bringing the potential threat to the Somme heritage to our attention. I know there are a million and one views and perspectives on not being able to wrap these areas in cotton wool, but there are some things which trancend this and are worthy of preservation at all costs.

I do not have your vast (and well respected might I add) knowledge both of military history or the local area, but even an uneducated sole such as myself can see the dangers of losing places like this.

The old adage out of sight out of mind has a horribly dangerous resonance to my mind if we loose places such as this.

Sites like this are what engenders "Remeberance" to loose such memorials is to forget. To forget is to repeat the mistakes of the past !

Please keep us upto date with what is happening Paul as I for one (and I can only speak for myself) am extremely grateful to you for flagging this as an issue.

Your dedication, knowledge, integrity and character are an inspiration to uneducated (but willing) souls such as myself.

Best Wishes

James
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In memory of those who fell in the Great War from

Chippenham, Wilts
&
Street, Somerset

[PaulReed]

Latest update is the ground has been cleared of trees, but work is still going on to try and save the site - or as much of it that is possible. I cannot say anymore at present, but will post more as and when I can.
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Somme Battlefields Website: http://www.somme-1916.com/

[willy]

Hi Paul, as i said on GWF keep up the good work, i will do what i can.
willy
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In memory of Able Seaman George T Snelling Hood Battalion RNVR Died 13 April 1918, Rrmembered with honour Lonsdale Cemetery, Authille

[willy]

Hi Paul, as i said on GWF keep up the good work, i will do what i can.
willy
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In memory of Able Seaman George T Snelling Hood Battalion RNVR Died 13 April 1918, Rrmembered with honour Lonsdale Cemetery, Authille

[PaulReed]

Thanks - your comments appreciated.
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Somme Battlefields Website: http://www.somme-1916.com/

[Peter Beckett]

Paul,
Simon Jones posted this on the GWF on Mar 7th

Following a meeting between Sir Frank Sanderson and representatives of the Conseil Général de la Somme, I understand that the Préfet has issued a prohibition notice (procès contradictoire) to halt building on the Glory Hole. This was issued in view of the danger of subsidence owing to the large number of tunnels beneath the craterfield. It has been stated that the Ovillers Mairie included a disclaimer against liability for subsidence when issuing planning permission and that this was actually illegal. I gather that it may take several years for the landowner to appeal against this.

I am hoping for a report tomorrow on the state of building work but it would be useful if anyone in the area could post up to date photographs.

My own hope is that the surviving part of the Glory Hole will be purchased by the Conseil Général.

I will inform the forum if I hear of further developments.

Sounds like good news

Peter
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In Memory of William Leyland Pte 20237, 7th City Pals Battalion, Manchester Reg wounded at High Wood 14th July 1916.

[PaulReed]

I can only repeat the above; this news broke while I was in Ypres this week. Excellent news indeed.
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Somme Battlefields Website: http://www.somme-1916.com/

[Sly 1916]

Hello,
I just want to say that the conseil général of the Somme is showing concern about it, I have met someone last month at the Somme's CDT (sort of main tourist office) who told me what was the situation.
But now the news seems to be good, as Paul said...

Sly

[PaulReed]

Thanks to contacts in France, I have an update on the situation at the Glory Hole.

From a site preservation point of view sadly the Amiens authority has granted permission that in its opinion the land is now fit to build on, and tomorrow, Wednesday 15th November, the mayor of La Boisselle, M Margotin, is expected to sign the permission through.

It is anticipated that this permission will indeed be granted and thus any objectors will have two months to lodge their objections.

Some of the key figures involved in getting the work stopped in the first place have been alerted, and will be acting on this information. However, from the impression I get locally and in the Somme press, unless money is found to buy the site, the French will think we are not interested enough to put our money where our mouths are, and the site will be developed: and possibly lead to similar development in other areas.

If I have any further news I will post it here.
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Somme Battlefields Website: http://www.somme-1916.com/

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