Northumbrian Gunner: Op La Boisselle

Thursday, 11 September 2025

Op La Boisselle - Basilica Albert

The Basilica of Our Lady of Brebieres in Albert was built between 1885 to 1897. The main feature was a statue of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child mounted on a dome covered with gold leaf. The 76 metres tall tower could be viewed for many miles from around the surrounding countryside.

Basilica of Our Lady of Brebieres in Albert

Albert form Ibis Hotel

In August 1914 the German First Army passed though Albert as they advanced towards Paris. After the Battles of the Marne and Ancre, a Race to the Sea saw German and Allied Armies trying to outflank each other. By the end of September the french Army had secured Albert and the German front line formed 5km to the west.

The Germans worried that the church would provide an excellent observation post for the French shelled the Basilica. On January 15th 1915 they succeeded in hitting the building, the main damage being to dislodge the statue to the near horizontal.

Basilica Albert Leaning Virgin

The British took over the Somme sector from the French in August 1915.

British Troops move through Albert

British Artillery moves through Albert

On 21st March 1918 the Germans launched their Spring Offensive, Operation Michael , in the Somme Sector. The Official History records "About 4.30 P.M. the Germans began pouring troops into Albert. Albert is the enticing objective of the 3rd Marine and 54th Reserve Divisions. In the second and third hours of the afternoon the pursuers appear at the foot of the last heights before Albert, and the tower of the cathedral, with the twisted iron of its summit hanging downwards, stands out against the western sky".

Albert was abandoned by the British who withdrew to Henencourt. By 07.30 pm Albert was in possession of the Germans. The Germans were now able to dominate the ground from the tower of Albert.

In April 1918 it was reported that the infantry were suffering heavy loss from machine gun-fire from the Basilica tower. The 57th Siege Battery, part of the 89th Brigade Royal Garrison Artillery, equipped with 8 inch (203mm) howitzer, was tasked to silence the gun.

The war diary of the 89th Brigade RGA records;

15/4/16 - During day ……. (57 S.B.) 10.26 to 12.18 pm 72 rounds ALBERT CHURCH - 5 ok's on tower, but not brought down. Shoot stopped owing to poor visibility. (Enemy machine gun used to fire from the tower)

16/4/16 - During day 57 S.B. continued to shoot on ALBERT Cathedral & at 3.36 pm the tower fell. 179 rds were fired in all at the Cathedral, 17 ok s being obtained.

Basilica Albert under fire

Basilica Albert destroyed tower

Basilica Albert damage

Basilica Albert damage

Basilica Albert damage

The Basilica Albert was rebuilt after the First World War from 1927 to 1931 under the direction of the original architect's son.