Northumbrian Gunner: Op La Boisselle - Glory Hole La Boisselle

In August 1914 the German First Army passed though La Boisselle as they advanced towards Paris. After the Battles of the Marne and Ancre a Race to the Sea developed as German and Allied Armies trying to outflank each other.

On 28 September 1914 German and French forces clashed at La Boisselle. After intense fighting the Germans captured the village and began to build a defensive line.

La Boisselle Fighting September 1914

La Boisselle Tyneside Scottish RAA September 2025

In December 1914 French engineers began to tunnel beneath the ruins of La Boisselle. German engineers were also at work underground. Each side detonated mines causing cratering around the edge of the village creating the area known as the Glory Hole.