Bullecourt museum

[Nicolas G.]

Dear Pals,

When I mentioned last summer the threat on the Red Château in Villers-Bretonneux maybe I was a little too late. So I believe it could be worth to anticipate about another one I realized when reading that very interesting article:

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/11/...9547368513.html

Inside there is a very interesting account of a battlefield tour made by an Australian but what matter the most is the fact that the private museum of Mr Letaille in Bullecourt may disappear in the future.

It is very cynical to right it – and I am not at ease on that – but M. Letaille is old and it seems clear that after him his huge collection and his little museum may end… The village have no means to receive the collection. That what one can find in the article (and for many of us who know the place and people you will learn that Mme Letaille died recently). I have no more information for the moment and also no idea on bonds for a solution. But maybe some pals could on their own or together.

For info, that museum is very worth to visit. I went twice and was deeply impressed by the warm welcome made by the gentleman and the way he explains with passion what he displays, his passion since years and huge work etc. He is the former of Bullecourt and a retired farmer (what explain many finds and available buildings for artefacts. It remains me also another thread as he was responsible of a monument dedicated to Bullecourt MIA (the cross in the fields) etc. etc.

Regards,

Nicolas

PS When I was student I remember a visit we made with fellows to a certain Louis Cargnan [sic.] maybe nicknamed by Aussies and specialists “crazy Louis” as the guy was very special. And indeed it was! When he died all his collection and its display vanished – as far I understood… Do some of you remember that guy in Ytres north of Péronne near Cambrai?

[Chris_Baker]

M. Jean Letaille is a wonderful gentleman, and his collection is a real treasure. I first met him this way...

Several years ago now, I was on my own, touring the Arras area while on one of my various visits following the footsteps of the 1st South Staffords. I stopped in Bullecourt and parked my car at the church. I was planning to go on a bit of a walk, and was just taking a photo of the lovely memorial in the church grounds. Up drives a tractor...chap jumps out...now I speak reasonable French and was about to say hello when he motions me to follow his tractor, so I do so, and drive about 200 metres round the corner. We drive into his yard. He jumps out again - in his overalls, etc - and proceeds to show me his museum. He then takes me into his house, where Madame Letaille had prepared coffee. He then takes me to Bullecourt Mairie - a tiny place, full of wonderful - mostly Aussie - souvenirs. For of course my mysterious French farmer is none other than the mayor of Bullecourt too. I never did get my walk done that day!

I've been back several times since, and he has never been anything but unfailingly courteous and enthusiastic. It will be a tragedy if this collection and museum disappears. It will be an even greater one when Jean is no longer among us.

What say the Forum members mount a campaign to save the museum?

[paul guthrie]

I say hell yes! Perhaps we should work with WFA, so many of us who participate a lot are members and Chris a two time chairman.

[Paul Reed]

What say the Forum members mount a campaign to save the museum?

With respect, who says it is in danger? None of you speak with any knowledge of any plans he and the village may have for the future.

Jean is still very much in mourning for his wife, and I personally would see something like this as intrusive at this time. Anyone who knew/knows them well, would realise this. He is an old and valued friend of mine, and I know I wouldn't wish my private life to be discussed like this - the Bullecourt Museum is a private, not a public museum, let us please not forget that.

For the record Crazy Louis's collection ended up in the care of the town of Bapaume and was on display there for a while. I believe it is back with his brother now, who is a priest.

[andigger]

I am willing to help in any respectful way.

Andy

[Auimfo]

Paul,

'Save' is possibly the wrong word. Perhaps 'ensure it is maintained in accordance with Mr Letaille's wishes' would be better.

I have the actual newspaper article in front of me (written by Ross McMullin who wrote an excellent biography of Brig Gen Pompey Elliott). In the article Mr Letaille is quoted in saying that he is concerned about the museum's future and that it's survival is dependent on a paid custodian being located. He is also disappointed that the only interest from Australia was a suggestion that the exhibits be moved to the Australian War Memorial. I too would be against this unless it became the only option other than losing them altogether.

Obviously, the future of the museum is of great concern to Mr Letaille and the sooner we act to resolve this then the sooner he will be able to enjoy the peace of his twighlight years - and well deserved they are.

Having never travelled to the Western Front, I have never met Mr Letaille, but I do not need to meet him to know that he has my undying respect. As an Australian, I am constantly amazed by these wonderful people who, for no other reason, decide to honour the memory of my countrymen who gave their lives far from their homeland. Words cannot express my heartfelt gratitude for Mr Letaille and those like him.

If I am able to repay his wonderful kindness in any small measure, I would be more than willing to do so.

Please do not think that members are prying into his private life. I believe that we are simply trying to repay the honour to which he has bestowed upon our fellow countrymen for all these years.

The article suggests a scheme whereby Australian students, researchers, historians, trainee diplomats, soldiers or other accredited personnel provide a rotating pool of custodians and guides for the museum. Apparantly there is something similar run by Canadians at the Vimy Ridge memorial. Does anyone know more about this and do you think it is a viable option? I imagine this would require the involvement of the Australian Gov't through it's Veteran's Affairs department.

Tim L.

[Auimfo]

P.S. Thanks again Nicholas for the 'heads up'. Hopefully this time we will have a positive result.

Tim L.

[bluedog]

Chris

What an excellent idea regarding the Forum members long term

goal of saving the Bullecourt Museum.

As an Australian friend of M. Letaille and the late Mde Letaille,I

have visited their home on a number of occasions and it would be

a tragedy if their Museum closed.

May I suggest that the Forum or the WFA contact M. & Mde Durand

of Hendecourt, very close friends of the Letaille's for further information

on M. Letaille

Peter