Vailly sur Aisne French National Cemetery
Location
Vailly-sur-Aisne is a small town within the Department of the Aisne, on the north bank of the Aisne River. It is 13 kilometres east of Soissons and 18 kilometres south of Laon. Leaving from Centre Ville in Soissons, take the first right hand turning, following the sign Toute Directions, which is then followed by a left turn, signposted Laon. Follow the river and cross over at the first bridge, still following the road signs for Laon. At the next road junction continue straight over, again following the signs for Laon. After a total of 3 kilometres turn right at the signpost indicating the direction of Vailly-sur-Aisne, which will be on the D925 road. Stay on this road for the remainder of the journey. The Cemetery is adjacent to the road on the left side shortly after entering the town.
| GPS | N | E | OSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 49.408575 | 3.510185 | Map |
Historical Information
Situated next to a Dressing Station the cemetery was created in 1917 during the fighting on the Chemin des Dames.
Following the Armistice a number of further burials were brought in from other cemeteries.
There are now 1,576 burials within the cemetery including seventeen from the Second World War.
The British Cemetery is immediately alongside
Within it you will find Captain Theodore Wright VC and the
first British General killed during the war
Opposite the entrance to the cemetery you will find a memorial to Sergent Félix Jacquinot of the 120e Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpins (Alpine Light Infantry). He was killed on the 8th July 1917
Other cemeteries in the area
The Chemin des Dames
This area is at the western end of the Chemin des Dames which was the scene of an immense battle in 1917.
There are numerous monuments as well as British and French Military cemeteries throughout the area. The British had also fought here in 1914 and 1918. There is a monument to the 1st Loyal North Lancashires at Cerny en Laonnois and one to the 2nd Bn Devonshire Regiment at La Ville aux bois les Pontavert.
The Plateau de Californie at Craonne is only a short drive away and offers superb views over the countryside as well as acting as a monument to the futility of the French assault and its heroism.