Cerisy: The Village of Three War Cemeteries

The village of Cerisy was affected by the war from August 1914 onwards, but remained outside the line of fire. From then on, it served as a rear-area village, gradually developing into a major logistics hub. Hospitals were set up, soldiers were sent there to be billeted, and a railway station was established to facilitate the transport of supplies, in addition to the transport by boat made possible by the river.

The village played a special role during the Battle of the Somme in 1916, particularly in the evacuation of the wounded. A hospital was set up. The three military cemeteries in the town bear witness to the human cost of that battle.

Cerisy was liberated by the Australians as early as 8 August 1918. The advance of the troops was made particularly difficult by German fire coming from Chipilly. The three tanks that took part in the liberation of the village were in fact destroyed by German artillery positioned in the neighbouring village. The village was finally taken from the rear by troops advancing towards Morcourt, forcing the Germans to retreat.