MORTUARY OF DOUAUMONT
(A War Fund authorised by Ministerial decree dated 3/12/19)
On the battlefield of Verdun, millions of men engaged in a battle of giants; 400,000 French soldiers fell there on a front of 20 kilometres.
A fund has been established with the object of erecting a Mortuary in the centre of the battlefield, at a point whence the whole field may be viewed.
The site chosen is situated between the Fort of Douaumont and the Thiaumont redoubt (See [pages 96-99] of this Guide).
The Patrons are Marshal Foch, M. Raymond Poincaré, and His Excellency, the cardinal Dubois.
The executive Committee, under the honorary presidency of Marshal Pétain, is presided over by S. G. Mgr Ginisty, Bishop of Verdun, General Boichut, commanding the 12th Infantry Division, the Commandant of Verdun, General Valantin, formerly commanding the town and forts of Verdun and the Hauts-de-Meuse.
The names of all subscribers will be registered in a golden Book to be kept in the basilica. At the top of the list will be the names of the Founder members who have subscribed 500 francs or more. On the inside walls of the monument will be carved inscriptions which families may wish to place in memory of their dead.
An artistic diploma by Georges Scott is sent to every subscriber of 20 francs, on which there is a reproduction of Marshal Pétain's autograph and an acknowledgement of the subscriber's interest in the memorial (Photo. herewith).