Ulster Tower, The Somme

This looked like a fairytale tower to me, although the reason for its origin was any but fairytale like. It was built to honour the men of the 36th (Ulster) division after their decimation in the Battle of the Somme. Trees around it were planted by survivors and the tower was a replica of Helen’s Tower in County Down where the men had trained.

Cobbers – WW1 photo

This is the monument to the Australian soldiers who died in the Battle of Fromelles. Set up as diversionary tactic from the planned Battle of the Somme, Fromelles was as big a disaster. Again, men were led by donkeys.
There are stories of soldiers risking their lives to bring back injured comrades from the battlefield while the shooting was still going on. One soldier called to a rescuer, “Don’t forget me, cobber.”
Of all the memorials on the Western Front, this is my favourite in its simplicity.

Sometimes the only muse you need is what you see