Bellicourt American Monument

Overview

The Bellicourt American Monument is nine miles north of St. Quentin (Aisne), France. Erected above a canal tunnel built by Napoleon I, it commemorates the achievements and sacrifices of the 90,000 American troops who served in battle with the British Armies in France during 1917 and 1918. Engraved on the rear facade of the memorial is a map illustrating the American operations; on the terrace is an orientation table.

The 27th and 30th Divisions came to the vicinity after fighting Belgium earlier in September 1918. The St. Quentin Canal Tunnel passes beneath Bellicourt and Bony. It was part of the Germans’ formidable Hindenburg Line, which was broken by the American troops in a brilliant offensive in September 1918. The Bellicourt Monument lies above the tunnel.

The 30th and 27th Divisions went into the line in adjoining zones of action on September 24 and 25 respectively, under tactical control of the Australian Corps. After actions in succeeding days, they participated in the main Allied offensive beginning on September 29.

Both the 27th and 30th Division engaged in heavy fighting with many casualties. Australian troops passed through the American divisions and continued the offensive. The 27th and 30th divisions were relieved from the vicinities of Bellicourt and the area west of Bony on September 30, 1918. American casualties from fighting in this region are interred at the Somme American Cemetery near Bony, a mile to the northwest.

 

Location: France

Photos

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Cemetery Information

Visiting Hours

The Bellicourt Monument is located outside. It is one mile north of the village of Bellicourt, France.

Contact Us

Bellicourt Monument
Bellicourt
France

Directions

GPS Coordinates: 49° 58' 31" N , 3° 13' 55" E

The Bellicourt Monument is nine miles north of St. Quentin (Aisne), France on the highway to Cambrai, France and one mile north of the village of Bellicourt, France. The monument is just three miles from Somme American Cemetery.

Travel via Car:
The Bellicourt Monument is on the west side of highway D1044, just north of Bellicourt.

Travel via Airplane:
Bellicourt American Monument is about 100 miles northeast of Paris.

News & Events

Download this infographic to see where ABMC sites are located throughout the world.

Experience the history of World War I, “The Great War,” through an interactive timeline and map.

More than 500,000 Americans lost their lives in World War I and World War II defending democracy on soil and water far from the United States. The sacrifice of these men and women will be honored during ceremonies at America’s military cemeteries overseas, where more than 200,000 of these individuals are buried and memorialized.

Memorial Day–the federal holiday in which we honor our veterans and remember those who died while in the armed services–originated in the aftermath of the Civil War.

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