A single stone column. That’s all that remains of a much grander memorial. This is the Memorial Albert Ball. It stands in a field near Annoeullin. Just a short distance from Lille.
Captain Albert Ball. A name whispered with reverence. He was a British fighter pilot. A true ace. He achieved 44 victories before his untimely death at the young age of 20. His skill was unmatched. Even the Red Baron himself acknowledged his prowess. Calling him the best English flying man.
Ball’s life was extraordinary. He started in the Sherwood Foresters. He was dissatisfied with his home posting. He funded his own flight training. He joined the RFC in 1916. He excelled. Ball quickly racked up victories. He was celebrated as a national hero. Receiving the Distinguished Service Order three times. He also earned the Military Cross. After a period at home he longed for combat. He returned to France in 1917. He joined 56 Squadron. Flying Nieuport 17s and SE5s. He even suggested improvements to the SE5s.
The circumstances of his death remain unclear. Some claim Lothar von Richthofen was responsible. Others believe vertigo was the cause. His plane crashed in this field. The Germans gave him a military funeral. His grave is in the Annoeulin cemetery. It’s the only non-German burial there.
His father. Sir Albert Ball purchased this land. He erected the original memorial. It was a larger structure. More elaborate than the solitary column you see today. A triangular garden marked the shape of the downed aircraft. A concrete path led to the nearby cemetery. The current memorial is simpler. But the inscription remains. It speaks of his loving memory. His glorious fight. His tragically young age.
The land still belongs to the family trust. Nottingham High School acts as the guardian of the Memorial Albert Ball. Though the path is gone visitors can still come here. They can pay their respects to this exceptional airman. A true hero. A poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the First World War.