Cambligneul then and now - The Long, Long Trail

Cambligneul lies west of Souchez and the Vimy Ridge, near the village of Camblain-l’Abbé.

The photograph was taken just outside the church of Saint-Kilien, which lies on Rue Principale in the centre of Cambligneul. Photo courtesy of Google Maps.

The 2/3rd North Midland Field Ambulance’s war diary reports the visit of King George V. It had just been withdrawn into the rear area after sustaining serious casualties (most captured as prisoners of war) in facing the German offensive which began nine days previously, and had arrived in Cambligneul late on 29 March 1918:

10.50am. His Majesty the King visited the village, the unit paraded outside the billets informally. His Majesty spoke at length to the OC unit about recent casualties and appeared greatly moved whilst referring to them.

Extract from the Ambulance’s war diary. Crown Copyright. National Archives piece WO95/3018.

Links

Gazetteer of the Western Front