Contalmaison

Contalmaison (French pronunciation: [kɔ̃talmɛzɔ̃]) is a commune in the Somme department in Hauts-de-France in northern France.

As with many towns in this part of France, Contalmaison saw a great deal of fighting during World War I and was one of the allied objectives in the first Battle of the Somme.

The advance from the British line in front of Albert, was led by the 34th Division, a New Army formation recruited in Edinburgh, Northumberland, Grimsby and Cambridge.

The village is notable for its McCrae's Battalion Great War Memorial which honours the fallen of the 16th Royal Scots.

Designed by the historian Jack Alexander, the 'Contalmaison Cairn' was unveiled in November 2004, completing a project first proposed by veterans of the battalion in 1919.

entrance to Contalmaison Chateau cemetery