Discover Longueval

Longueval is a destination for travellers who want to put memorials and sites of military history at the heart of their stay. Several places focus on different national perspectives. The South African Memorial commemorates South Africa’s participation in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. The Indian Memorial in Longueval commemorates the participation and sacrifice of Indian troops in the service of the British Empire. These distinct dedications offer clear thematic starting points if you would like to explore different national memories.

Memorials and cemeteries

A total of 160 South Africans are buried at Delville Wood Cemetery, including eight who served in imperial units. A further 65 South African burials there are unidentified. Opposite the South African Memorial is a military cemetery where 5,523 soldiers are buried; 3,593 of them are unidentified. In Longueval, the South African Memorial and the Commonwealth cemetery are recognised as World Heritage Sites.

Nearby Caterpillar Valley Cemetery preserves another link to New Zealand: it contains 125 graves of New Zealand soldiers. The New Zealand National Memorial was built at a site designated as the New Zealand Division’s final objective during the First Battle of the Somme. The battle lasted from 1 July to 18 November 1916. The cemetery and memorial therefore offer different historical points of reference: the graves of soldiers at one, and a memorial erected at a designated objective at the other.

Museum and Delville Wood

The museum in Delville Wood was built around the Cross of Consecration. Visitors can learn more about South Africa’s participation in the major conflicts of the 20th century. An architectural focal point and an opportunity to explore the subject in greater depth come together here: the Cross shapes the site’s architectural character, while the museum provides an introduction to South Africa’s history in the 20th century.

There is a specific instruction for visiting Delville Wood: stay on the paths, as many live shells remain in the forest. Check local conditions before your visit.

Routes and a commemorative event

Routes also offer different ways to experience Longueval. The Circuit du Souvenir passes through Longueval and then continues towards Albert. The 58-kilometre cycling route Les chemins de la grande Guerre dans la Somme (Boucle A) runs across the First World War battlefields of the Somme and includes Longueval. The two descriptions have different points of emphasis: the Circuit du Souvenir continues towards Albert, while Boucle A is a cycling route with a specified length and a connection to the battlefields. If you plan to use the cycling route, check route conditions before setting out.

A commemorative event is held in Longueval each year around Anzac Day. If you would like to plan your trip for this period, check the exact event dates. This recurring date provides a different point of reference for planning your trip than choosing a memorial or route: the event date takes centre stage.

Discover more destinations: Tours-En-Vimeu, Cramont, Cocquerel, Ponches-Estruval, Fressenneville, Gueschart, Beauquesne, Béthencourt-Sur-Mer

For the broader travel overview: Somme.