Description
Object description
tree section containing embedded bullet, with inscription in pencil 'LONE TREE'
Physical description
tree section & label
cross-section of a tree trunk bearing embedded bullet in centre of section and inscription (in pencil) 'LONE TREE'.
Label
Reputedly associated with the Battle of Loos, this item is linked to a card label bearing the inscription: 'A section of the Lone Tree which stood in 'no man's land' at Loos September 25th 1915 which was a favourite target for German artillery, and for this reason was later cut down. Note bullet embedded in section of tree.' This relic is in turn associated with the First World War service of A S Dolden who served in the 1/14th Battalion London Regiment (the London Scottish) on the Western Front whose experiences formed the basis of his published memoir 'Cannon Fodder'. His manuscipt diaries for the period 1915-1918 (and other papers) relating to his service are held by the IWM's Department of Documents.
The original 'Lone Tree' was located north of Loos between the villages of Hulluch and Vermelles. On 25th September 1915, at the beginning of the Battle of Loos, the tree lay in 'no man's land', in front of British 1st Division's proposed line of advance. A significant 'locating feature' references to the tree were included on British trench maps; it undoubtedly proved a valuable marker for German defensive fire. The bullet-riddled tree was felled after the battle and reportedly proved irresistible to souvenir hunters. Under the auspices of the Western Front Association a replacement tree was replanted in the appropriate spot (and a small memorial erected) on the eightieth anniversary of the Battle of Loos, 25 September 1995.
History note
Reputedly associated with the Battle of Loos, this item is linked to a card label bearing the inscription: 'A section of the Lone Tree which stood in 'no man's land' at Loos September 25th 1915 which was a favourite target for German artillery, and for this reason was later cut down. Note bullet embedded in section of tree.' This relic is in turn associated with the First World War service of A S Dolden who served in the 1/14th Battalion London Regiment (the London Scottish) on the Western Front whose experiences formed the basis of his published memoir 'Cannon Fodder'. His manuscipt diaries for the period 1915-1918 (and other papers) relating to his service are held by the IWM's Department of Documents.
The original 'Lone Tree' was located north of Loos between the villages of Hulluch and Vermelles. On 25th September 1915, at the beginning of the Battle of Loos, the tree lay in 'no man's land', in front of British 1st Division's proposed line of advance. A significant 'locating feature' references to the tree were included on British trench maps; it undoubtedly proved a valuable marker for German defensive fire. The bullet-riddled tree was felled after the battle and reportedly proved irresistible to souvenir hunters. Under the auspices of the Western Front Association a replacement tree was replanted in the appropriate spot (and a small memorial erected) on the eightieth anniversary of the Battle of Loos, 25 September 1995.
Written on wood
LONE TREE
Typewritten on label
A SECTION OF THE LONE TREE WHICH STOOD IN "NO MAN'S LAND" AT LOOS SEPTEMBER 25th 1915 WHICH WAS A FAVOURITE TARGET FOR GERMAN ARTILLERY, AND FOR THIS REASON WAS LATER CUT DOWN. NOTE BULLET EMBEDDED IN SECTION OF TREE.
