Monday Monuments and Memorials – Australian National Memorial, Villers–Bretonneux, France

Australian National Memorial, Villers–Bretonneux, France – entrance to tower

Australian National Memorial tower, Villers–Bretonneux, France

Australian National Memorial in Villers–Bretonneux Military Cemetery, France

This Friday, 25 April, is ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand, a national day of remembrance for their nationals killed in WW1 and subsequent wars. The Australian National Memorial in Villers–Bretonneux Military Cemetery, near Fouilloy, France, is the focus of Australian commemorations on the Western Front.

Monday Monuments and Memorials – Lt Jean Brillant, VC, MC, Villers Bretoneux Military Cemetery, Fouilloy, France

Lt Jean Brillant, VC, MC, Villiers Bretoneux Military Cemetery

Jean Baptiste Arthur Brillant was born on 15 March 1890 at Assametquaghan, Quebec, the son of Joseph Brillant and Rose-de-Lima Raiche. He died of wounds on 10 August 1918 in France. His tombstone at Villiers Bretoneux Cemetery reads:

Lieutenant Jean Brillant, VC, MC, 22ieme En. Canadien français, 10 aout 1918, age 28 ans.

Fils de Joseph Brillant. Enrole volontairement à Rimouski, Province de Quebec. Tombe glorieusement sur le sol de ses aieux. Bon sang ne peut mentir.

Translation: Son of Joseph Brillant. Enlisted voluntarily at Rimouski, Province of Quebec. Fell gloriously on the soil of his ancestors. Good blood cannot lie.