Villers-au-Flos
Location
Villers-au-Flos is a village approximately four kilometres south-east of Bapaume. From Bapaume take the D 917 in the direction of Peronne. After three kilometres, at Beaulencourt turn left onto the D 11 in the direction of Villers-au-Flos. On arrivinig in the village turn right at the crossroads and then left into Rue le Comte. The cemetery is sign posted and is accessed via a pathway leading between houses.
| GPS | N | E | OSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decimal | 50.082422 | 2.903084 | Map |
Historical Information
In this war cemetery lie 2,449 German war dead of the First World War.
The German military cemetery of Villers-au-Flos was created by German troops in October 1914 during the first fighting in the Somme. In March 1918 when German troops re-occupied the area further burials were made until August 1918.
After the war, the French military authorities brought in approximately 800 more German casualties from the surrounding communities, especially Bapaume. The monument that stood in Bapaume’s cemetery was also relocated to Villers-au-Flos
The inscription reads :
Wir neigen das Haupt vor unseren Toten Die furchtlos und treu ihr Leben boten. Was sterblich war brachten wir hier zur Ruh, Ihr Geist zog befreit der Heimat zu.
“We bow before our dead, those fearless and faithful who offered their lives. That which was mortal was brought here to rest, your spirits drawn to the homeland.”
and :
Den in der Umgebung von Bapaume gefallenen Kameraden zollt seinen Dank durch dieses Denkmal das XIV. Reservekorps 1914 – 1918
“This monument is dedicated to the fallen of the XIV Reserve Corps who died in the vicinity of Bapaume 1914–1918.”
In 1978 following agreements between the two governments the original wooden crosses were replaced by metal ones.
Died on 3rd August 1916
Died on 4th August 1916