The Virgin of Albert, 1917 (c)

Photograph, World War One, Western Front (1914-1918), 1917 (c).

The Golden, or Leaning, Virgin is visible on top of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Brebieres' tower. This statue of the Virgin Mary and Child was knocked sideways by German artillery in January 1915 and secured in that position by the French. A superstition subsequently arose that the war would end only when the statue fell. It was finally shot off by British artillery in 1918 as the Germans advanced into Albert during their Spring Offensive.

From a collection of 164 British, French and Belgian official photographs.