Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Cuise-la-Motte Memorial was erected in 1923 to honour the memory of 22 soldiers of the 102nd Regiment of Infantry (R.I.) and 236th Regiment of Colonial Artillery (R.A.C.), who died during the battle of Mount Crocq on September 12, 1914. This fight, which took place in the early months of World War I, marks a tragic episode of clashes in the region. The monument, classified as a Historical Monument since 1998, is distinguished by its triangular structure and its 22-stone mound, each with the name of a missing soldier. A statue of hair, made of polychrome plaster, emerges from the monument, symbolizing the sacrifice of the fighters.

Designed by the Parisian marbrier Henri Edeline, the monument rests on a triangular base, a form that could evoke stability or trinity, although this interpretation is not explicitly documented. The materials used—cut stone for names and plaster for hair — reflect the craft techniques of the time. The choice of a hairy polychromy, a realistic and colorful representation, contrasts with the sobriety of the stones, emphasizing both the humanity of the soldiers and the gravity of their loss. The monument is today the property of the commune of Cuise-la-Motte, in the department of l'Oise, in the Hauts-de-France region.

The classification of the monument by decree of 17 November 1998 bears witness to its heritage and memorial value. Although its exact location is approximate (please note 5/10), it remains a place of recollection and a local symbol of the Great War. Its official address, 9001 Rue de l'Eglise, places the monument at the heart of the village, strengthening its anchor in collective memory. Available sources, including Monumentum, confirm its status as a protected monument and its commemorative function, without providing more details on contemporary ceremonies or uses.

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