Basilica of Our Lady Brebieres, Albert, France

The Golden Virgin dome was damaged during the Battle of Albert in 1914. Both France and Germany had troops in and around ALbert. The dome was suspected as being a French observation tower that became a target and the church was shelled extensively. The Madona and Child atop the dome was knocked over sideways. As the British troops marched by, a rumor quickly became legend that if the child fell to the ground the war would be lost with victory going to Germany. Engineers went atop to cable lash the child so it would never fall. Stories of this nature will always add mystic and interest to anyone today wishing to visit. This is another of the many wonders of war time.