Monument commémoratif dit des Basques

English translation

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History

The Monument des Basques, located between Hurtebise and Craonne, was erected in memory of the 36th Infantry Division composed for the most part of conscripted men from the Basses-Pyrénées. It fought on several occasions on the Chemin des Dames and was regarded as a martyred division because of the extent of the losses it suffered. In September 1914, the 36th ID attempted to maintain French positions on the crest of the Chemin des Dames but in vain. From 4 to 6 May 1917, it stormed the Californie plateau and succeeded in occupying it. The losses were such that two brigades had to be disbanded for lack of personnel. After a short period of rest, the 36th ID returned to the line and suffered a heavy German counter-attack on 3 and 4 June 1917. The Monument des Basques was erected on the initiative of war veterans from south-western France. Public subscriptions and subsidies from Basque communes financed its construction. The monument was inaugurated on 30 September 1928. Forest, the architect, and Grange, the sculptor, were war veterans. They used stone from Souppe, a material used in the construction of the Arc de Triomphe and the Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre. At the base of an obelisk 14 metres high, wreaths of laurel bear the names of the departments of origin of the soldiers of the 36th ID. The lateral faces are ornamented with the division's monogram. At the foot of this stele, a Basque in traditional costume gazes upon the theatre of the glorious feats of arms of the 36th ID.