Insight Vacations Discovers Historic Battlefields
THE NEED
Learning from the lessons of past conflicts and wars is important to Insight Vacation staff and guests. By supporting the burgeoning field of Battlefield Archaeology we are directly supporting a greater understanding of the impetus and impact of war on our history.
THE OBJECTIVE
Through Lead Sponsor Insight Vacations, The Foundation is working with the Australian Department of Veterans Affairs, Centre for Battlefield Archaeology (CBA) at the University of Glasgow. The CBA is currently investigating the site of the 1918 Battle of Mont Saint-Quentin, just outside the picturesque market town of Peronne, on the Somme. The focus of the investigation is the St. Quentin Wood, which was the scene of heavy fighting between Australian and German troops in August/September 1918. The battle played a key role in the final defeat of the Germans on the Western Front and although it has left behind clear physical traces, it has yet to be subject to any form of archaeological investigation.
THE IMPACT
The project has begun to examine the trenches, and the extent of archaeological deposits within the trench system. A topographic survey of the site is also underway, which will be the first stage in opening up the site for visitors as part of a display by a WWI museum in nearby Peronne. The long term vision is for the project to become part of a heritage trail with on-site interpretation and artifacts on display in an associated visitor centre.
In 2010 and 2011 the CBA worked on the site of WWI trenches close to the French village of Mametz in the Somme, of particular historical interest as research had indicated that the location was used for a top secret British WWI weapon. The weapon was delivered to the site during WWI just before a bombardment appears to have destroyed key parts of the weapon, leaving it out of action before it could be installed.
The device destined for the trenches of Mametz was a Livens Flame Projector invented by Captain William H. Livens. Evidence of these weapons has been restricted to photographs and documents; the aim of the 2010 project was to see if any physical remains could be found. The surface work began to build up a picture of daily life in the trenches while excavation of the subterranean features revealed several pieces of the destroyed secret Livens Flame Projector. These pieces will soon be placed on display in the local museum.
Project Details
- 2011 dig scheduled for fall 2011
- Dig site is on the Somme at Perrone, France
- Event being studied is the 1918 Battle of Mont Saint-Quentin
- Site is significant for its role in the end of WWI
- Long term vision for the site is the development of a heritage trail with on-site interpretation
Project Partners
Centre for Battlefield Archaeology at Glasgow University
Established on 2006, the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology is the first facility of its kind and has earned a reputation as a center of excellence for the growing study of the archaeology of battlefields and other archaeological manifestations of human conflict.
The Centre for Battlefield Archaeology includes some of the most experienced battlefield archaeologists in the UK. The team seeks to research and provide direction as to the heritage management of the sites internationally
Insight Vacations
‘The Art of Touring in Style' is the philosophy at the heart of Insight’s range of vacations. Smaller group sizes, coaches with greater comfort, selected hotels in desirable locations, leisurely paced itineraries, more included sightseeing, delicious dining and more personalised service bring new perspectives to escorted tours and cruises in Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa and USA & Canada.