The Lochnagar Crater was created by a large mine detonated beneath the German front line by the British Army’s 179th Tunnelling Company Royal Engineers, at 7:28am on July 1st, 1916.
The explosion marked the beginning of the Battle of the Somme and was the largest of 19 mines, placed beneath the German front line to assist the British infantry advance. It is the largest man-made mine crater from the First World War on the Western Front.
At the Lochnagar Crater, we strive to conserve this unique Great War site as well as remembering and honouring the men and women of all nations who have suffered in war – and those who suffer still.
Once the bloodiest square mile on the Western Front, it is now a hallowed place dedicated to actively promoting Peace, Remembrance and Reconciliation.
At our annual Ceremonies, we remember all the men and women who were denied their future, leaving their peacetime lives behind, never achieving their potential, with their hopes and dreams unrealised.
At our annual remembrance ceremonies, in July and November, we always seek to involve the local community as well as welcoming visitors from around the world.
On July 1st 1916 the explosion of a mine beneath the German front line created a huge crater.
Months of tunnelling under hard conditions preceded the detonation.
The tunnelling started in November 1915. Almost 300 metres of tunnel had to be dug to reach the German front line.
The explosion of the Lochnagar mine signalled the start of the Battle of the Somme. The 34rd Division went “over the top” to outflank the strong points of La Boisselle that guarded the route to Bapaume.
Only little progress would be made that day, at enormous cost. July 1st 1916 became the bloodiest day in the history of the Great War.
As the front line moved forward, the Lochnagar Crater served as a temporary burial ground, sometime shelter and later after the war, simply a memory of a day in the past. And so it remained for decades.
In 1978 the Crater was purchased by Richard Dunning to save it from being filled in; the beginning of a new journey to become the iconic place it is today.
Visit this remarkable site of the Great War. Find out how to get there, where to park and please mind our Code of Behaviour as an individual, a family, a group or a school class.
Take a look at the site of the Crater, its landmarks and memorials at your leisure before you actually go there.
See the Crater in 3D, explore the Lochnagar Labyrinth and get acquainted with our Memorials.
There is so much more to see at the Somme besides the Lochnagar Crater.
Take a look at other interesting places you might visit and get some tips on your stay.
The Lochnagar Crater Foundation relies entirely on donations.
LEST WE FORGET: Help us preserve this historic site for future generations.
The Commemorative Plaques on our walkway honour those who dedicated their life, health and happiness to this “War to end all wars”, regardess of origin or creed, no matter in what capacity.
Show your commitment to our cause by signing up for a yearly donation.
You will be kept informed of our work and activities and you will be invited for our gatherings at the Crater.
