Opening in 1938, Villers Bretonneux is the main memorial in France to Australian military personnel killed on the Western Front during World War I.

As part of the monuments general maintenance program and in preparation for the centenary commemorations, CAN undertook DOFF (steam) cleaning of the 36m tall memorial tower and 2 pavilions, the repointing of 400 metres of open joints to the tower facades using colour matched mortar, the redecoration of several windows within the tower and the application of a biocidal wash to tower and pavilions.

By adopting rope access the maintenance works were conducted in the most sympathetic way possible allowing visitors, many of whom had travelled from Australia, the maximum possible access to the tower whilst minimising the visual impact of the required maintenance project.

All works were completed on time and to the delight of our client and Australia Government officials who visited site to observe the maintenance works.

Duration:       4 weeks

Client:            Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Location:       Australian National Memorial, Villers Bretonneux, Fouilloy, France