Mametz Wood Memorial, War memorial in Carnoy-Mametz, France
The Mametz Wood Memorial is a war memorial in Carnoy-Mametz featuring a red dragon sculpture of steel mounted on a stone base. The artwork overlooks the former battlefield and displays Welsh inscriptions along with regimental crests from several infantry units that took part in the offensive.
The memorial commemorates the battle in the wood during 1916, which claimed tens of thousands of soldiers and marked a turning point in Western warfare. The Welsh Division played a key role in this bloody transition, which fundamentally changed the character of the war.
The site bears the names of soldiers who fell here, with Welsh inscriptions and regimental emblems marking the regiments that fought in this battle. Local Welsh communities visit the memorial to remember the bonds formed between their nation and this French landscape.
The site sits on high ground with good views across the surrounding landscape and is straightforward to reach. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven and becomes slippery after rain.
The dragon sculpture was created in 1987 by artist David Petersen and depicts the creature tearing through barbed wire. The image represents the strength and determination of the Welsh soldiers who fought against impossible odds.
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