Amiens Cathedral

Lest We Forget

1914

The Allied Commander Pays The Highest Tribute To The Australian Forces.

On November 7th 1920 the remains of an Australian soldier and a French soldier were buried in the Amiens Cathedral. The Bishop of Amiens and Marshal Foch expressed themselves thus:-

The Bishop of Amiens:- "We bow to you, Messieurs les Australiens, for the magnificent deeds that you did in those days, now happily at an end, for your country and for France, and for the victory of hope and sanity. The soil of France is transfigured to a new divinity by your sacrifices. In the whole of history we cannot find an army more marvellous in it's bravery, and in the war there was none that contributed more nobly to the final triumph".

Marshal Foch:- "We intend today in Amiens to express to you and the Commonwealth of Australia our gratitude......Our aspirations and our will had to be agreed, they could not be too closely allied. Although our task was never easy, it was made less difficult by the patriotism and the passionate valour of the Australians which served as an example to the whole world. That wonderful attack of yours at Villers Bretonneux was the final proof, if any were needed, that the real task of the High Command was to show itself equal to it's soldiers. You saved Amiens. You saved France. Our gratitude will remain ever and always to Australia. (Note the use of the Australian Red Ensign).

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