La Carriere Wellington tunnels
I had read about a set of tunnels underneath the city of Arras, in northern France, that in the early 1990s were explored by a team of archaeologists. The tunnels had been created during WW1 to connect a series of mediaeval limestone quarries together with the intent of reaching enemy lines unseen.
The archaeological investigations uncovered a greater insight into the material and human efforts displayed by the British forces to turn the tunnels into an encampment capable of accommodating almost 24,000 men. These underground works were the biggest ever undertaken by the British troops in the field.
The museum is on the outskirts of town, and we had decided to walk the 20 minute route from the grand place, however we were a bit short of time, as we had realised we needed to be there 10 minutes before our scheduled tour. About halfway, as we were walking by a cab with still 10 minutes to walk, I decided to ask the cabbie if he could take us. Initially he just explained the way to me, but I asked if he would take us. ‘Oh, okay, jump in’, he said, ‘it’s not far, so I won’t charge you’. I’m really not sure there are many cabbies that would offer that!
We arrived in plenty of time for the tour, and set about picking up our earphones and hard hats, as it’s a mix of audio tape and human guide. The tour starts with a brief overview on the geography of the area and where the battles took place in the region. You then descend, via a lift, into the network of tunnels.
The tour uses film, music, audio and some props, throughout the various tunnels, to provide a very interesting and thoughtful presentation, that described the work and living conditions for the troops in the tunnels.
On April 9th 1917 at 6.30 a.m, after 6 months of intensive preparations, the Britsh troops ran out of one of 20 doors, leaving the safety of the underground quarries, to launch a surprise attack on the enemy’s positions. It was the biggest attack of its kind. This moment was recreated as part of the tour with sound and the moving shadows of the soldiers, it was extremely effective. It was a very worthwhile, and moving, visit.
This is the link to the museums website if you are interested in visiting or wish to learn more. https://en.carrierewellington.com/decouvrir-la-carriere