A Celtic cross stands tall. It marks the 16th Irish Division Memorial. This isn’t just a monument. It’s a story etched in stone. A story of courage sacrifice and loss.
The 16th Irish Division a force born in September 1914. Formed from the ranks of Irish volunteers. They were part of Kitchener’s New Army. Initially their training was chaotic. They lacked experienced officers and equipment. Imagine these men volunteers thrust into the horrors of war.
They arrived in France in December 1915. Their journey wasn’t easy. They faced battles on the Somme at Guillemont and Ginchy. These were brutal fights. Thousands of Irishmen fell. The battles at Messines and Langemark followed. The relentless fighting continued. Casualties mounted.
By June 1918 the division was decimated. The losses were staggering over 28000 men. They were sent back to England to refit. Many non-Irish battalions joined their ranks. Their return to France in August 1918 marked a transformation. The division was largely no longer Irish. The spirit of the original Irish volunteers however remained.
This memorial a Celtic cross. A poignant reminder of the sacrifices made. It stands as a symbol of remembrance. It speaks to the unwavering bravery of the 16th Irish Division. Their story one of incredible hardship. A testament to their resilience. A story that deserves to be heard. This memorial is a quiet tribute to those who fought and died. Their sacrifice shaped history. Their memory lives on in this place. Remember their names. Remember their story. Remember their courage.