Finding a Trench Map Reference (newcomer reference)

[WhiteStarLine]

I notice that newcomers to the forum often ask where they can get a trench map that shows a specific location, such as Bethune or Bois de Ploegsteert. Often they don't know whether it is in France or Belgium. Here is a resource I hope proves useful - a freely downloadable spreadsheet showing 4,500 regions, towns, woods or streams. Each has its latitude, longitude, link to Google Earth and trenchmap reference. There are also a handful of chateaus & farms. Once downloaded, it can be sorted or searched.

I've tested every grid square but not every entry, so let me know of any errors / omissions or improvements.

It is a trifle large to upload, so visit my GWF folder (thanks Bernard for this tip!) at https://docs.google....1hqcTVKNFU/edit. Here is a sample:

Edit: I've incorporated Keith's suggestion below and removed the '.au' from the Google Maps hyperlink. The file is around 350KB and opens in Excel. A PDF version sits in the same folder.

[Gully Ravine]

Bill Thanks for sharing this very useful reference list. For UK users, I suggest editing column G to remove '.au'. Keith

[Tom Lang]

This is a truly, invaluable resource.

Thank you.

Kindest Regards,

Tom.

[Chris_Baker]

Terrific. Well done and thank you.

[ypres]

Yes, a great resorce cheers. Jim.

P.S. Can't seem to get the hyperlinks too google to work any ideas please, thankyou.

[sjustice]

Thank you for sharing this valuable information. Another win for the forum membership.

Cheers,

Simon

[johnreed]

I have also produced a Gazetteerof the Western Front which incorporates all Farms, Hamlets, Villages, Towns, Cities and prominent features fond on Trench Maps of 1914-1918.

it features 14,488 locations,frive colums comprising of Location Name, Map Sheet Number, Map Sheet Name, Position in Lat. & Long. Map Square where it is located.

John

[WhiteStarLine]

P.S. Can't seem to get the hyperlinks too google to work any ideas please, thankyou.

Hi Jim, either download the whole file and click on a blue hyperlink within Excel, or follow these steps using the town of Belloy as an example:

Select the location of interest:

Depending on your browser setup, a new tab in the browser should display the street map:

You can now change to a satellite image if required:

Feel free to PM me or post any questions you have.

Cheers, Bill

[ypres]

You are Bill, a star! Thanks. JIM

[Griffner]

This is stellar! Many thanks.