Historical Information

This memorial commemorates the endeavours of the men of the Tunnelling Companies of Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, who during the Great War lived, fought and died underground in France and Flanders.  It was unveiled on the 19th June 2010.

It is erected in special remembrance of Sapper William Hackett VC of 254 Tunnelling Company RE, and Private Thomas Collins of the 14th Battalion, The Welsh Regiment, who both still lie forty feet beneath the field in front of this memorial.  As you look through the ‘T’ on the monument your gaze is directed towards the area of the Shaftsbury Gallery in the field beyond.