Northumbrian Gunner: Wellington Caves

Friday, 23 September 2022

Op Piper - Wellington Caves

Situated beneath Arras are caves where 24,500 British Soldiers sheltered prior to the Battle of Arras in April 1917.

The caves had been underground quarries and their existence had been forgotten. They were discovered in October 1916 and developed by New Zealand tunneling companies.

The tunnels led to the front line, sometimes into no mans land. The assaulting troops remained in safety right up to the moment they started their attack on the German front line.

Northumbrian Gunner: Arras - Wellingon Caves

Arras Wellington Caves

Arras Wellington Caves
New Zealand Tunnelers Memorial

New Zealand Tunnelers

Arras Wellington Caves
Accommodation

Arras Wellington Caves
Kitchen

Arras Wellington Caves
Church Service

Arras Wellington Caves
Communication Tunnel

Arras Wellington Caves
Exit Tunnels

Saturday, 25 March 2017

Within Arras there were cellars beneath the Grande and Petite Places. These were used to provide accommodation for 13,000 troops. The cellars had been excavated in the 17th Century to provide building materials for the city, being effectively underground quarries. In October 1916 cave systems were discovered beneath Ronville and Sainte Sauveur. Work was carried out to enable 11,500 men to be accommodated. The tunnels would be connected by developing the Crinchon Sewer (8th high / 6ft wide) to link all of the caves / cellars. This provided the capability to accommodate 24,500 soldiers safely in the build up to the Battle of Arras.

Arras Caves and Subways

Work on the Tunnels was undertaken by the New Zealand Tunnelling Company, and the Wellington Tunnel can be viewed today.

Wellington Caves

Wellington Caves Spoil Trucks

Wellington Caves Model

Wellington Caves

The tunnels offered a full range of facilities. They were lit by electric lighting, water pipes were laid and gas proof doors installed.

Wellington Caves

Wellington Caves Spoil Truck

Wellington Caves Tunnellers Tools

Wellington Caves Signposts

Wellington Caves

Wellington Caves Altar for Church Service

Wellington Caves Accommodation

Wellington Caves Cooking Facilities

Wellington Caves Latrine

Wellington Caves Well

The St Sauveur Tunnel was able to link to 5 shafts in no man's land, the Ronville tunnel exits fell short after the Germans retreated to the Hindenberg Line.

Arras Caves and Subways
British / German Front Line

Wellington Caves Exit 10

Wellington Caves Exit 10

The Wellington Caves Museum contains a memorial dedicated to the men of the New Zealand Tunnel Company .

Wellington Caves
New Zealand Tunnel Company Memorial

The Wellington Caves Museum is the location of the Memorial de La Bataille D'Arras which lists the Divisions, the Brigades and Battalions that fought in the Battle of Arras.