Bellenglise (French pronunciation: [bɛlɑ̃ɡliz]) is a commune in the department of Aisne in Hauts-de-France in northern France.

Geography

The village lies close to the N44, in a loop of the St. Quentin Canal, nine kilometres north of St. Quentin.

Brigadier General J V Campbell addressing troops of the 137th Brigade from the Riqueval Bridge over the St. Quentin Canal, 2 October 1918

History

About two kilometres to the north is the Riqueval souterrain.

On the 28 August 1914 the French 10th Regiment of Territorial Infantry opposed a German invading force. The French unit was essentially from the local Département, with its depot in St Quentin. Despite a fierce defence, the French line gave and a battalion (1000 men) of the unit was taken prisoner.

The famous picture of the British 137th Brigade, gathered on the canal bank at Riqueval Bridge, for a pep talk after the crossing of the St. Quentin Canal, was taken nearby.

Population

Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1968 426—    
1975 517+2.80%
1982 479−1.08%
1990 441−1.03%
1999 410−0.81%
2007 389−0.66%
2012 383−0.31%
2017 381−0.10%
Source: INSEE[3]
Plaque at the entrance to the cemetery. It reads 'French memory. Military Square. Graves of soldiers who died for France.'

Sites and monuments

  • The commune cemetery, with its military square just to the left of the entrance, where are buried soldiers who died for France.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Répertoire national des élus: les maires". data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises (in French). 2 December 2020.
  2. ^ "Populations légales 2021". The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 28 December 2023.
  3. ^ Population en historique depuis 1968, INSEE

External links