Stunning photos of autumnal red maple trees lining a highway are a moving commemoration to Canadian soldiers who gave their lives overseas during the two World Wars.
Many motorists are unaware that they are passing through a sacred war memorial on the A3 in Hampshire, England.
The 418 maples, Canada’s national tree, were planted near Liphook to mark the lives of the 418 Canadian servicemen who trained locally and were stationed at Bramshott, in five temporary army camps established by the Canadian Army on each side of the A3.
Associated with the five military camps named for the five Great Lakes, there was also a large hospital caring for sick and wounded soldiers, especially in preparation for, and in the aftermath of, D-Day, which helped the allied forces win WWII.
Each tree is twinned with a soldier’s grave. Those who lost their lives in the World War I are buried in Bramshott Churchyard and St Joseph’s Catholic Church, in Grayshott. The soldiers who died in World War II were laid to rest at Brookwood Military Cemetery, in Surrey.
Mark Chambers took the photos last weekend at sunrise and sunset on October 22.
“I have been visiting and photographing the area, which is very near to where I live, for the last three or four years now and I have gradually learnt more about the significance of the trees,” said the 29-year-old.
The maple trees were imported directly from their native Canada to replace the line of sycamores that were previously planted there as a reminder to the lost soldiers, but removed after they became a road hazard.
A plaque accompanying the original living monument to the Bramshott Canadian soldiers on the A3 was installed after World War II ‘as a continued memorial to those who gave their lives in defense of freedom’.
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The last of the maples were planted by visiting representatives of the Canadian Veterans’ Association and Royal British Legion, as well as government officials on Canada Day in June of 1995.
A scarlet maple leaf is the iconic symbol on the Canadian flag, known for its bold, red design. The use of these trees not only adds a seasonal crimson tribute but also serves as a representation of Canada’s role in the World Wars and the close ties between Canada and the United Kingdom.
A pedestrian underpass opened in 2008, allowing people to cross the motorway to pay their respects and marvel at the trees.
Mark, who bought his camera during lockdown as a “creative outlet during those isolated times”, also wrote about the commemoration in his blog.
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