Le Quesnoy and Cambridge celebrate 25 years as sister cities
Relationship renewed at poignant ceremony in Northern France
As the historic sister city relationship between Le Quesnoy and Cambridge reaches a 25-year milestone, a heartfelt re-signing ceremony of the formal connection between the two towns and the sole Franco-New Zealand sister city relationship.
Le Quesnoy’s special bond with New Zealand was etched into history when Kiwi soldiers famously liberated the French town from German occupation in November 1918, during the final days of World War I.
In a remarkable feat of military ingenuity and courage, New Zealand troops scaled the town’s imposing walls by ladder, determining not to bombard the town and thereby preserving civilian lives and the historic architecture that still stands today.
This heroic action has remained an enduring symbol of sacrifice and friendship between the two communities for over a century.
The resigning of the sister city accord was attended by dignitaries from both communities, with Cambridge councillor Alana MacKay describing the experience as deeply moving.
“It was a pleasure to visit our sister city and to celebrate 25 years of friendship between Cambridge and Le Quesnoy. We were overwhelmed by the history of the war and the liberation, the beauty of the town, and the residents’ wonderful hospitality,” MacKay said.
“I believe that our ancestors, those who lived in Le Quesnoy, and those who liberated it, would be heartened that the bonds of friendship that began in 1918 continue to thrive today. It was an honour and a privilege to visit Le Quesnoy in their memory. May our friendship live on for many years to come.”
Le Quesnoy mayor Marie-Sophie Lesne emphasised how deeply the liberation story is woven into the town’s identity.
“The sacrifices of New Zealand soldiers will be remembered forever in Le Quesnoy,” said Madame le Maire.
“This sister city relationship not only commemorates our shared past but strengthens our commitment to sharing these stories with future generations.”
The ceremony took place alongside commemorations for the 110th anniversary of Anzac Day at the New Zealand Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata, which plays an active role in celebrating the friendship between two towns on opposite sides of the world. The Museum includes an immersive experience recounting the creation of the sister city relationship, and continues to have a Cambridge-connection in its leadership, with Waipā District Council Deputy Mayor Liz Stolwyk as a member of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. Stolwyk attended this year’s commemorations alongside MacKay and several other members of the Cambridge delegation, which also included a class of students from Cambridge High School.
Te Arawhata has become a place of pilgrimage for families discovering stories about relatives who served on the Western Front.
“The Museum is a special place where New Zealanders and visitors from around the world can honour those who served and lost their lives during wartime,” said Museum Director Elizabeth Wratislav.
“We’ve witnessed countless emotional moments as visitors explore their personal connections to this history and this place.”
Wratislav said the Museum continues to inspire family members to learn more about their relatives’ wartime experiences and postwar lives, creating an ever-growing tapestry of interconnected stories.