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Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..35e45fe --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #53762 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/53762) diff --git a/old/53762-0.txt b/old/53762-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 1d6a1f8..0000000 --- a/old/53762-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4648 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Somme, Volume 2. The Second Battle of -the Somme (1918), by Michelin & Cie - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Somme, Volume 2. The Second Battle of the Somme (1918) - -Author: Michelin & Cie - -Release Date: December 18, 2016 [EBook #53762] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SOMME, VOLUME 2 (1918) *** - - - - -Produced by Brian Coe, Brian Wilsden and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - ILLUSTRATED MICHELIN GUIDES - TO THE BATTLE-FIELDS (1914-1918) - - - THE - SOMME - - VOLUME 2. - THE SECOND BATTLE OF THE SOMME - (1918) - (AMIENS, MONTDIDIER, COMPIÈGNE) - - - MICHELIN & C^{IE}--CLERMONT-FERRAND. - MICHELIN TYRE C^O L^{TD}--81, FULHAM ROAD, LONDON, S. W - MICHELIN TIRE C^O--MILLTOWN. N.J. U.S.A. - - - - -HOTELS - - -AMIENS - - Hôtel du Rhin, 4, _rue de Noyon_. Tel. 44. - Belfort-Hôtel, 42, _rue de Noyon_. Tel. 649. - Hôtel de l'Univers, 2, _rue de Noyon_. Tel. 2.51. - Hôtel de la Paix, 15, _rue Duméril_. Tel. 9.21. - Hôtel de l'Ecu de France, 51, _place René-Goblet_. Tel. 3.37. - -[Illustration: - - Hôtel de la - Paix - - H. de l'Ecu - de France - - Hôtel de - l'Univers - - Hôtel du - Rhin - - Belfort - Hôtel -] - - -COMPIÈGNE - - Hôtel du Rond-Royal, _av. Thiers_. I Rond-Royal. Tel. 4.15. - Palace-Hôtel, _place du Palais_. I Palace, Tel. 1.15. - Hôtel de la Cloche, 27, _place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville_. Tel. 0.85. - Hôtel de Flandre, 2, _rue d'Amiens_. Tel. 36. - -[Illustration: - - H. de Flandre - Poste - H. de la Cloche - Palace-Hôtel - H. du Rond-Royal -] - - -_The above information, extracted from the_ MICHELIN TOURIST GUIDE -(1920), _may no longer be exact when it meets the reader's eye. -Tourists are therefore recommended to consult the_ MICHELIN TOURING -OFFICES, _81, Fulham Rd., London. S.W. 3, or 99, Boulevard Pereire, -Paris, 17^e_. - - - - -_AN INDISPENSABLE AUXILIARY_: - -The Michelin Map - - - _On sale - at booksellers - and - MICHELIN - stockists._ - -[Illustration] - - _For the - present - GUIDE, - take sheet - n^o =6=._ - - -_MOTORISTS_ - - _this map - was made - specially - for you._ - - - - -The "Michelin Wheel" - -BEST of all detachable wheels because the least complicated - -[Illustration] - - -_Smart_ - - It embellishes even the finest coachwork. - - -_Simple_ - - It is detachable at the hub and fixed by six bolts only. - - -_Strong_ - - The only wheel which held out on all fronts during the War. - - -_Practical_ - - Can be replaced in 3 minutes by =anybody= and cleaned still quicker. - - It prolongs the life of tyres by cooling them. - - -AND THE CHEAPEST - - - - - IN MEMORY - OF THE MICHELIN WORKMEN AND EMPLOYEES - WHO DIED GLORIOUSLY FOR THEIR COUNTRY. - - - THE - - SOMME. - - VOLUME II. - - THE SECOND BATTLE OF THE SOMME - - (1918) - - AMIENS--MONTDIDIER--COMPIÈGNE. - - [Illustration] - - - Compiled and published by - MICHELIN & CIE., Clermont-Ferrand, France. - - - _All rights of translation, adaptation or reproduction (in part or - whole) reserved in all countries_ - - -[Illustration: The Front Line, March 21, 1918. - -THE BATTLEFIELD.] - - - - -THE SECOND BATTLE OF THE SOMME. - - -At different periods during the War, important events took place in the -Plains of Picardy, in the region which extends between Amiens and St. -Quentin, Bapaume and Noyon, between the valleys of the rivers Ancre, -Avre and Oise. - -The Franco-British Offensive of July-September 1916, and the German -Retreat of March 1917, are described in the Michelin Guide "=The First -Battle of the Somme=, 1916-1917", which includes carefully prepared -itineraries, enabling the reader to cover the whole battlefield of that -period. - -The present guide describes the operations which took place in Picardy -in March-April 1918 (=The German Offensive=), and in August 1918 (=The -Franco-British Offensive=); in a Word, the ebb and flow of the German -Armies in 1918, from St. Quentin to Montdidier. - - -THE BATTLEFIELD. - -Driven from the banks of the Somme by the Franco-British Offensive of -1916, the Germans were compelled, in March 1917, to retreat, before the -menace of the Allied offensives on their flank. - -They then established themselves on the Hindenburg Line, and in -1917, in consequence of British attacks in the Arras sector and -before Cambrai, they unceasingly increased the number of their -fortified lines. This redoubtable position stretched to the west of -the Cambrai-La Fère road, via Le Catelet and St. Quentin, utilising -a series of natural obstacles, the most important of which were the -Escaut, the St. Quentin Canal and the marshy valley of the Oise. (See -the Michelin Guide "=The Hindenburg Line=".) - -But in the early days of 1918, having crushed Russia, Germany decided -to assume the offensive, using the Hindenburg positions as a kind of -spring-board, from which her mighty armies rushed forward to conquer -France. - -In February 1918, the British positions extended in front of the -Hindenburg Line, as far as the village of Barisis, opposite the Forest -of St. Gobain, to the south of the Oise. Three successive positions, -widely separated from one another, had been actively strengthened. -Moreover, the water-lines of the marshy valley of the Oise, the Crozat -Canal, the loop in the Somme, and the North Canal, formed so many -natural obstacles. - -The Picardian Plain, with its broad and gentle undulations, dotted here -and there with small woods, is closed, on the south, near the valley -of the Oise, by the wooded hills of Genlis, Frières and La Cave, and -to the west of the bend in the Oise, by the hills of Porquericourt -and the wooded _massif_ of Le Plémont, with its promontory, Mount -Renaud, to the south of Noyon. Further west, the high ground of -Boulogne-la-Grasse does not close the Plain of Santerre, which, between -the slopes of Le Plémont and Montdidier, communicates freely with the -Plain of Ile-de-France. The enclosed and wooded valleys of the rivers -Avre, Trois-Doms and Luce intersect the tablelands of Santerre. Further -north, stretches the old battlefield of 1916,--a chaotic waste of -winding trenches and barbed wire entanglements. - -In the Picardian Plain, beyond the bounds of the old battlefield, -were numerous country villages, with their cottages grouped around -the church. The long, straight roads, bordered with fine elms or -fruit-trees, stretched as far as the eye could reach. This rich -and prosperous region, with its vast fields of corn and beet, was -completely ravaged by the War. - - -GENERAL VIEW OF THE SECOND BATTLE OF THE SOMME (1918). - -The German Offensive: Formation of the Montdidier Pocket (March -21-April 24.) - -[Illustration: _Disruption of the British Front (March 21-22.)._] - -[Illustration: _Widening the Breach._] - -[Illustration: _The fall of Montdidier (March 27.)._] - -[Illustration: _The fixing of the new front-line._] - -The Allied Offensive: Reducing the Pocket as far as the Hindenburg Line -(August 8-September 25.). - -[Illustration: _The Offensive of August 8-12. Liberation of -Montdidier._] - -[Illustration: _Combined Offensives on the Somme and Oise, August -18-29._] - -[Illustration: _Combined Offensives on the Scarpe and Aisne, August -25-Sept. 8._] - -[Illustration: _In contact with the Hindenburg Line (September -10-25)._] - -[Illustration: GENERAL PÉTAIN.] - -[Illustration: FIELD-MARSHAL HAIG.] - -_In March 1918, the British and French Armies, under separate commands, -opposed the furious attacks of numerically superior and more powerfully -equipped enemy forces, grouped under the command of a single chief: -Ludendorff._ - - - - -THE GERMAN OFFENSIVE OF MARCH 21. - -The Opposing Forces--Their Material and Moral Strength. - -Towards the end of 1917, the abandonment of the Allies, by Russia, was -consummated by the Russo-German Armistice of December 20, followed by -the Peace of Brest-Litowsk, of February 9, 1918. As early as November -1917, Germany began to transfer her legions from the eastern to the -western front. Arriving, via Belgium, in ever-increasing numbers, -sixty-four new divisions were thus added to her Western Armies, already -one hundred and forty-one divisions strong, giving a total strength of -205 German divisions against the Allies' 177 divisions. - -The material resources, accumulated on the Russian front, were likewise -transferred to the western front. The enemy's artillery was reinforced -all along the line, the number of heavy batteries being doubled in many -of the sectors. - -[Illustration: LUDENDORFF. - -_From General Buat's_ "LUDENDORFF" (_Publishers: Payot. Paris._)] - -Besides this numerical and material superiority, Germany possessed -the additional advantage of a unique commander: Ludendorff, master -of the hour, at once absolute military chief and political dictator. -On the other hand, whilst the Allies were closely united by cordial -friendship, sealed on the field of battle, their armies were -independant units, separately commanded, each having its own reserves -concentrated behind its particular front. - -[Illustration: GENERAL PÉTAIN AMONG HIS "POILUS"] - -On February 3, 1917, the United States of America ranged themselves on -the side of the Allies, but their eventually powerful effort could not -make itself seriously felt before the summer of 1918. In March 1918, -four American divisions were in France, and a million more men were -expected by the following Autumn, but the Germans were convinced that -they would have the Allies beaten before then. - -The moral strength of the opposing forces constituted one of the most -important factors of victory. - -During 1917, after the Allies' Spring Offensives, a wave of lassitude -had lowered the fighting spirit of certain units of the French Army. -However, the _morale_ of the French Army had fully regained its former -high level, when the great German offensive of March 1918 was launched. - -The British Army had in the meantime perfected its training, and -acquired, in addition to experience, splendid fighting qualities. - -The Germans, badly shaken in 1916 by their failure at Verdun and by -the Allies' Offensive on the Somme, had, in consequence of Russia's -collapse, recovered all their former arrogant confidence and pride. - -But the Allies' blockade, despite Germany's ruthless submarine warfare, -tightened, and each day the menace of famine increased. - -Triumphal announcements of victory, and promises of an early German -peace appeared periodically in their press, yet still the war dragged -on. Something had to be done to end it all, whatever the cost, and so -the "Peace Offensive" was decided on. - -Although inferior in numbers and equipment, the Allies had acquired -moral superiority. - -[Illustration: DRIVEN FROM HOME BY THE GERMAN PUSH. (_Photo Imperial -War Museum_).] - - -The German Strategy and Tactics. - -In all the previous offensives, especially that of the Somme in 1916, -the artillery had been used, prior to the attack, to destroy the -adversary's defences. The great number of fortified works and their -ever increasing strength necessitated a proportionately longer and more -intense artillery preparation. Thus warned, the enemy were able to make -dispositions to counteract the effects of the attack, and to bring up -reinforcements. - -Moreover, the tremendous pounding of the ground greatly hampered the -advance of the storming troops, who were hindered at every step by the -enormous shell-holes and craters. - -Breaking away from past errors, and adopting and perfecting the methods -inaugurated the previous year before Riga, the German High Command -attacked by surprise, in March 1918, thereby securing a crushing -numerical superiority. The Allies were thrown into confusion, and -all attempts at resistance were unavailing, until the arrival of the -reserves. During this period of complete demoralisation, the enemy were -able to exploit their initial success to the full. - -The method employed was that of a sudden, violent shock, preceded by a -short artillery preparation, mostly with smoke and gas shells, the aim -of which was to put the men out of action, rather than to crush the -defences. To this end, huge concentrations of troops were effected, in -such wise that the masses of men could be thrown quickly and secretly -at the presumed weak part of the Allies' front. - -The semi-circular disposition of the front facilitated the enemy's -task, as the German reserves, grouped in the Hirson-Mézières region, -in the centre of the semi-circle, could be used with the same rapidity -against any part of the front-line from Flanders to Champagne. - -The point chosen by Ludendorff was the junction of the Franco-British -Armies. To separate these two groups, by driving back the British, on -the right, and the French, on the left; to exploit the initial success -in the direction of the sea, isolating the British and forcing them -back upon their naval bases of Calais and Dunkirk; then, having crushed -the British, to concentrate the whole of his efforts against the -French, who, unsupported and demoralized, would soon be driven to their -knees,--such was apparently the strategical conception of the enemy's -"Kaiserschlacht" or "Emperor's Battle". - - -The Opposing Forces. - -On March 21, three German armies attacked along a 54-mile front, from -the Scarpe to the Oise. - -In the north, the XVIIth Army (von Below) and the IInd Army (von -Marwitz) attacked on either side of the Cambrai salient, but the main -effort was made by the XVIIIth Army (von Hutier), which stretched from -the north of St. Quentin to the Oise. - -[Illustration] - -Facing these armies were: the right of the British 3rd Army (Byng), -extending from the Scarpe to Gouzeaucourt, and the British 5th. Army -(Gough), from Gouzeaucourt to south of the Oise. - -The British expected the brunt of the attack to fall between the river -Sensée and the Bapaume-Cambrai road, i.e. on the right of Byng's Army, -which was reinforced accordingly, whilst the sector in front of the -Oise, south of St. Quentin, against which von Hutier's huge army had -been concentrated, was only held by 4 divisions. - -More than 500,000 Germans were about to attack the 160,000 British -under Gough and Byng, whilst from the outset of the battle, large enemy -reserves swelled the number of the attacking divisions to 64, i.e., -more than the total number of British divisions in France. In all, no -less than 1,150,000 Germans were engaged in these tremendous onslaughts. - -During the five nights which preceded the attack, the German divisions -had been brought up secretly, the artillery having previously taken up -its positions and corrected its range, without augmenting the volume of -firing, so that nothing revealed the increased number of the batteries. - -The shock troops, after several weeks of intensive training, were -brought up by night marches to the points of attack. During the day, -they were kept out of sight in the woods or villages. At night, whether -on the march or bivouacking, lights and fires were strictly forbidden. -Aeroplanes hovered above the columns to see that these orders were -carried out. The ammunition parks and convoys were concealed in the -woods. Until the last moment, the troops and most of the officers were -kept in ignorance of their destination. - -These huge forces moving silently under the cover of night, -symbolized the enemy's might and cunning. "_It is strange_", wrote a -German officer in his note-book, "_to think of these huge masses of -troops--all Germany on the march--moving westward to-night_". - - - - -THE BATTLE. - - -On March 21, during this, the "Einbruch" or piercing stage, the -enormous enemy mass crushed, in less than 48 hours, the three British -positions situated in front of St. Quentin. Carrying the battle into -the open country beyond, the enemy transformed the "piercing" into a -break-through ("Durchbruch"). - -This sudden, powerful thrust was followed by a "tidal wave" of German -infantry which at first submerged all before it, but which, dammed by -degrees, finally spent itself, a week later, against the Allies' new -front. - - -THE DISRUPTION OF THE BRITISH FRONT. - -On March 21, at daybreak (4.40 a.m.) a violent cannonade broke out, -and for five hours the intensity of this drum-fire steadily increased. - -First, a deluge of shells, mostly gas, pounded the British batteries, -some of which were silenced. Then the bombardment ploughed up the first -positions, spreading dense clouds of gas and fumes over a wide zone. - - -"Michael" hour. - -Under cover of the smoke and fog, the German Infantry speedily crossed -No-Man's Land, and at 9.30 a.m. ("Michael" hour) penetrated the -British defences. - -[Illustration: GENERAL GOUGH. - -_Photo "Daily Mirror Studios"._] - -[Illustration: GENERAL BYNG. _Photo Russell, London._] - -The front assigned to each attacking division was only two kilometres -wide, the troops being formed into two storm columns of one regiment -each. The third regiment was kept as sector reserves, to develop -initial successes. - -The storm-troops, led by large numbers of non-commissioned officers, -advanced in waves, shoulder-to-shoulder, preceded by a rolling barrage -some 300 yards ahead of the first line. This barrage afterwards moved -forward at the rate of about 200 yards every five minutes. - -The waves advanced resolutely, protected first by the rolling barrage, -then by the accompanying artillery and _Minenwerfer_. Wherever the -resistance was too strong, a halt was made, allowing the neighbouring -waves to outflank the obstacle on either side, and crush it. - -The Germans straightway threw the greatest possible mass of infantry -into the Allies' defences. - -Amid clouds of gas, smoke and fog, the British in the advanced -positions were surrounded and overwhelmed, often before they had -realized what was happening. - -Nearly all their machine-guns, posted to sweep the first zone, were put -out of action. - - -The First Day (March 21). - -The first day of the attack, General Byng's Army from -Fontaine-les-Croisilles to Demicourt, withstood the shock steadily, the -Germans penetrating the first lines only. - -In the centre, before St. Quentin, and to the south, in front of -Moy and La Fère, General Gough's Army, overwhelmed by numbers, and -notwithstanding the courage of the men, was broken early in the attack. - -Opposite Le Catelet, the enemy storm divisions advanced 6 to 8 -kilometres, penetrating at noon the second-line positions along the -Epéhy-Le Verguier line. Further south, in front of Moy, they reached -Essigny-Fargnières. - -General Gough withdrew his right behind the water-line of the Crozat -and Somme Canals. - -[Illustration: _The Disruption of the Front. March 21-22._] - - -The Second Day--March 22. - -Tergnier fell, and the water-line was turned from the right. Still -favoured by the fog, the Germans crossed the Crozat Canal. Fresh -divisions harassed the British without respite, the losses, both in men -and material, being very heavy. - -Their reserves, greatly outnumbered, were quickly submerged, and the -third positions were lost after a desperate but ineffectual resistance. - -In spite of its stubborn resistance, the 3rd Army (Byng) was forced to -fall back, pivoting on its left, to line up with the retreating 5th -Army (Gough). - -The enemy advance developed rapidly. Within forty-eight hours, over 60 -German divisions (750,000 men) had been thrown into the battle, which -now raged in the open. - - -THE INTERVENTION OF THE FRENCH. - -[Illustration: _Arrival of the first French Divisions. (March 22)._ - -_Humbert's Army barring the road to Paris. (March 24)._ - -_Debeney's Army holding the enemy on the west. (March 28)._ - -PHASES OF THE FRENCH INTERVENTION.] - -The crushing of the right and centre of the British 5th Army opened a -large breach north of the Oise, through which, as early as March 21, -the Germans streamed south and west. The situation was critical, as the -enemy hordes, having broken through the fortified zone, threatened to -submerge all before them. Prompt intervention was imperative, in order -to retard the enemy at all cost. - -[Illustration: GENERAL PELLÉ REVIEWING THE TROOPS OF THE 5TH CORPS IN -1917.] - -As early as the evening of the 21st, General Pétain made dispositions -to support the British right. The 9th and 10th Div. (5th Corps) and the -1st Div. of unmounted Cuirassiers (Pellé), in reserve near Compiègne, -received orders to hold themselves in readiness. At the same time, the -staff of Gen. Fayolle's Army Group, and that of Gen. Humbert's Army, -prepared to take over the direction of the operations. - -The 125th Inf. Div. was pushed forward to the Oise, whilst the -22nd, 62nd, and 1st. Cavalry. Divn. (Robillot's Group) were rapidly -despatched to the weak points of the battle line. - -This newly formed group was placed under the command of Gen. Robillot -of the 2nd Cavalry Corps. - -Rushed up in lorries, the first French divisions were thrown into the -thick of the battle without waiting for their artillery. Heroism often -made good the lack of equipment and munitions. - - -THE BATTLE OF DISRUPTION. - -Once the fortified zone crossed, the German armies pushed westward -rapidly. - -On March 23, the French Cavalry Divisions were engaged, with their -armoured cars and groups of cyclists. Thanks to their great mobility, -the situation was repeatedly saved. Galloping from breach to breach, -the Cavalry, dismounting, stayed the enemy advance until the arrival of -the infantry. - -The armoured cars raided the enemy's lines unceasingly and harassed -their troops with machine-gun fire. They were also used for bringing -up supplies to the first-line troops and for maintaining the different -liaisons. Their splendid work, with that of the Cyclist Corps, greatly -helped to stay the enemy thrust. - -The retreat of the British was also covered by detachments of cavalry, -mounted artillery, armoured cars and tanks, which vigorously attacked -the assaillants. - -The Air Service likewise rendered invaluable aid. - -On the evening of the 22nd, General Pétain gave orders for every -available bombing plane to be used to retard the enemy advance, until -reinforcements could be brought up. The air squadrons met a few hours -later at the assigned point, some of them having flown ninety miles. On -the way, they dropped their loads of bombs on German troops which were -crossing the Somme, north of Ham, thereby retarding the advance of two -enemy divisions which were preparing to outflank the British. - -On the 23rd, at noon, a hundred aeroplanes, skimming just over the -Germans' heads, wrought indescribable havoc and confusion in their -ranks. Priceless hours were thus gained. - -[Illustration: THE EFFECTS OF AERIAL BOMBARDMENT. - -_Photographed in the Ardennes, in October 1918. A German munition -train, bombed by aeroplanes, blew up, destroying the line and the -artillery limbers which were being loaded. The dead horses and broken -limbers are plainly visible. One may imagine the ravage caused by the -Allies' aerial bombardments among the enemy concentrations in the -Somme._] - - -Crossing the Water-line of the Crozat Canal, Somme and Tortille (March -23-24). - -[Illustration] - -Whilst Byng's Army withstood the enemy's onslaughts, that commanded by -Gough was dislocated by the powerful thrust of von Hutier's Army. - -On the =morning of the 23rd=, the remnants of the British 3rd and -18th Corps were thrown back across the Crozat Canal, among the French -divisions which were taking part in the battle between the Somme and -Oise, and with which they were assimilated. - -Further north, his divisions heavily depleted, and reinforcements -coming up only slowly, General Gough abandoned the strong -Somme-Tortille line, and continued his retreat westward, towards his -reserves in the old battlefield of 1916. - -The same day, the first French units to arrive were thrown between -Crozat Canal and the woods of Genlis and Frières, linking up, on their -right, with the 125th Division, detached from the left of the 6th Army, -and established astride of the Oise, in front of Viry. (_Sketch below_). - -The 1st Division of dismounted Cuirassiers (Brécart) vigorously -attacked the enemy, and succeeded in staying their thrust towards the -Oise. The 9th Division (Gamelin) barred the Ham-Noyon road, along a ten -mile front. On their left, the 10th Division (Valdant) held the zone -north of Guiscard. - -[Illustration: _The French Divisions were engaged from the Oise to -Nesle, before Noyon, which the British retreat left unprotected._] - -On the evening of the 23rd, the situation was critical. General Pellé's -divisions retarded the German advance in front of the Chauny-Noyon -region, which they were covering, but the enemy held Ham. In their -retreat, the British constantly bore to the north-west. - -The 1st Cavalry Division (Rascas), and the 22nd (Capdepont) and 62nd -(Margot) Divisions arrived, and were thrown into the battle between -Guiscard and Nesle, where they attempted to join hands with the French -10th Division on their right and with the British on their left. - -[Illustration: _Converging on Noyon, the Germans effected a breach -north of Nesle._] - -The same day, the German long range "Bertha" guns began to bombard -Paris, in the hope of spreading panic and disorder there. - -[Illustration: GENERAL HUMBERT.] - -On =March 24=, the crushing effect of the German thrust was further -accentuated by the arrival of new enemy divisions. - -Favoured by the fog, which entirely hid the valleys of the Oise and -Somme, their advance-guards swept the plain with machine-gun fire, in -their search for gaps and weak places in the thin French line. - -All the attacks converged towards Noyon. At 9 a.m., in the valley of -the Oise, the capture of Viry-Noureuil threatened Chauny, whilst in the -centre, Villequier-Aumont and Genlis Wood were taken. Overwhelmed by -numbers, the Cuirassiers, after firing their last cartridges, fell back -on Caillouel Hill. The divisions on the left took up positions south of -Guiscard. In spite of the unequal struggle, the fighting spirit of the -troops remained admirable. - -On the left of General Pellé's group, between Nesle and Guiscard, the -situation was still more desperate, as, having crossed the Somme, the -Germans now greatly intensified their thrust. The depleted British -units continued their retreat westward, leaving a gap north of Nesle. -The French 22nd Div. was hurriedly despatched towards Nesle, and -elements of the 1st Cav. Div. to the east of Chaulnes. - -On March 24, south of Péronne, the German IInd Army crossed with -difficulty the marshy valley of the Somme, then pushing on towards -Chaulnes, opened a gap at Pargny. - -North of Péronne, the enemy reached Sailly-Saillisel, Rancourt and -Cléry in the morning, and pushed west with 3,000 cavalry. In danger of -being turned, Byng's Army, which had abandoned the Havrincourt Salient -during the night of the 22nd, evacuated Bertincourt and retreated -westward. - -[Illustration: SHARPSHOOTERS AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.] - -[Illustration: FRANCO-BRITISH LINE OF INFANTRY IN WHICH "TOMMIES" -MINGLED WITH "POILUS" (_Photo Imperial War Museum_). - -_One of the gravest consequences of the retreat of Gough's Army was -the temporary severance of the French from the British. To restore and -consolidate the liaison was the constant aim of the French General -Staff._] - -_These units coolly withdrew, whenever they found themselves outflanked -and in danger of being cut off, often fighting furious rearguard -actions, and repulsing the enemy with heavy loss, each time a frontal -attack was attempted. (Field-Marshal Haig)._ - -On the contrary, we read in Ludendorff's Memoirs that _the German -XVIIth Army was exhausted, having suffered too heavy losses before the -Cambrai Salient on March 21 and 22_. - -[Illustration] - -During the night, the enemy continued to press forward in the fog, in -an attempt to rout the precariously installed and ill-supplied French -units, and to harass Gough's Army, in retreat towards the Santerre -Plateau. On this, Palm Sunday evening, Holy Week opened tragically. - - -The Fall of Noyon and the Fighting on the old Battlefield of the Somme. - -=The 25th, at daybreak=, fresh German divisions violently attacked the -exhausted French units, seeking to turn their left wing, and at the -same time crush General Pellé's group in the centre. - -In face of the increasing danger, General Pellé received orders to -"check the enemy advance, whatever the condition of the men might be". - -The 1st Inf. Div. (Grégoire), hastily brought up and reinforced by -the remnants of the British 18th Div. and of various French Divisions -picked up on the way, established itself on the hills which cover Noyon -to the north-east. They had scarcely taken up their positions, when -the Germans attacked, only to be repulsed. Further to the left, the -enemy were unable to debouch from Crisolles, but on the French right, -the 55th and 125th Div., which had been fighting incessantly since the -22nd, were forced back across the Oise, near Brétigny. Pushing on, the -Germans captured BabÅ“uf, but a British counter-attack forced them to -fall back slightly. - -[Illustration] - -The battle continued to rage and the danger of being outflanked -became more and more acute. Catigny and Beaurains fell, leaving -Noyon unprotected on the north-west. In the course of a fierce -counter-attack, the 144th Inf. Reg. succeeded in recapturing these -villages, but the German hordes still pressed on, opening a gap -between Beaurains and Genvry, through which they poured, following the -little valley of the Verse which slopes down towards Noyon. The troops -defending the northern and north-eastern approaches to that town were -now threatened with being surrounded. - -General Pellé endeavoured to stop this fresh gap with the few -units left at his disposal, and organized a new line of support on -Porquericourt Hill and Mont Renaud (_sketch, p. 18_), at the same time -urging the troops which were fighting to the north of Noyon to "hold -out a few hours longer, each hour being worth a day". - -One French division, and units of a second division, comprising some -British remnants, were now fighting against odds of four to one. - -[Illustration: - - _The enemy threatened Noyon, through the valleys of the Oise and - Verse. To the north of Nesle, the Montdidier road was open._] - -[Illustration: - - _Fall of Noyon. Gen. Pellé's Group organized positions on - Porquericourt Hill and Mont-Renaud. Gen. Robillot's forces fell back - on Roye._] - -On the =evening of the 25th=, they fell back in good order, on Noyon. -The 57th Inf. Reg. resisted all night in the town, to enable the final -line of resistance to be organized. - -At midnight, the front line passed in front of Porquericourt Hill -and Mont Renaud, at Pont-l'Évêque, thence following the Oise. It was -along this line that Gen. Pellé's Corps had orders to hold the German -advance, and bar the road to Paris. - -General Humbert declared on the evening of the 25th: _The troops of the -5th A.C. and of the 2nd C. of unmounted Cavalry are defending the very -heart of France. The consciousness of the grandeur of their task will -point out the path of duty to them._ - -This day (25th) was still more tragical on General Humbert's left. -At daybreak, a violent battle broke out around Nesle, the town being -abandoned at 11 a.m. - -Spread over a too wide front, from Nesle to Guiscard, the troops under -Gen. Robillot had orders to maintain the liaison on their right with -Gen. Pellé's forces (retreating southward) and on the left with the -depleted British units which were falling back to the north-west. The -gap widened, and the enemy pressed through. The situation was highly -critical, the road to Montdidier being now open. - -[Illustration: GENERAL FAYOLLE, IN COMMAND OF THE HUMBERT-DEBENEY ARMY -GROUP] - -Despite their desperate resistance and the untiring activity of the -1st Cav. Div. and 2nd Corps--units of which galloped from breach to -breach to re-establish the liaison and retard the enemy onrush--General -Robillot's group fell back towards Roye. - -[Illustration: MARCH 25. - -THE ROAD TO AMIENS OPEN TO THE ENEMY.] - -South of the Somme, the situation was still more critical. The remains -of the British 18th and 19th Corps withdrew to the line Chaulnes-Frise, -which they were, however, unable to hold. - -Their retreat continued to the line Proyart-Rosières. No more reserves -were expected for four days. Should the Germans succeed in crushing -these exhausted units the road to Amiens would be open. - -About six miles behind the Proyart-Rosières front, there was an old -French line, partly filled in, on the Santerre Plateau, between the -Somme (at Sailly-le-Sec) and the Luce (at Demuin). - -A battalion of Canadian Engineers was ordered to restore it. However, -there were no troops to hold it, and as its abandonment would have -imperilled Amiens, Gen. Gough decided to muster an emergency detachment -of engineers, miners, electricians, mechanics, staff personnel, -pupils and instructors from the schools of the 3rd and 5th Armies, -and American sappers, in all about 2,200 men. This detachment, under -Maj.-Gen. Carey, was ordered to hold an eight-mile front and bar the -road to Amiens. - -North of the Somme, the Germans attacked from Ervillers to the river; -the British left stood firm, whilst on the right, the hinge formed by -Byng's Army, likewise resisted. Further south, the Germans captured -Maricourt, and broke through the curtain of British troops, which -lost contact with one another. The Ancre was crossed, and Byng's -right, pivoting on Boyelles, fell back on the line Bucquoy, Albert, -Bray-sur-Somme. - -General Pétain issued a stirring appeal to the men: - -_The enemy is attacking in a supreme effort to separate us from the -British, and open the road to Paris. At all cost, he must be held. -Stick to the ground, stand firm, reinforcements are at hand. United, -you will fling yourselves on the invader. Soldiers of the Marne, Yser -and Verdun, the fate of France is in your hands._ - -From all parts of the front, French divisions poured in. Long lines of -motor-lorries sped along all the roads converging towards Montdidier. -The high spirits and fine bearing of the men reassured the anxious -population, who, for several days past, had heard the guns drawing -nearer, and seen the endless stream of refugees fleeing before the -invader. - -General Debeney arrived with his staff from Toul, to take command of -the 1st Army (in formation), divisions of which arrived each day. - -[Illustration] - -The 77th. Inf. Div. (d'Ambly) was added to the 3rd Army (Humbert). The -operations of these two armies, whose task it was to bar the road to -Paris and cover Amiens, were co-ordinated by Gen. Fayolle. - - -The Push towards Montdidier and Fall of Roye. - -The Push towards Amiens and Fall of Albert. - -On the =26th=, Gen. Pellé's group occupied Mont Renaud--a natural -rampart protecting the valley of the Oise. - -Determined to force a passage at all cost, the enemy attacked with -fresh troops. - -_The present positions must be held at all cost. The honour of each -commanding officer is at stake_, proclaimed Gen. Pellé. Trenches were -dug, and Mont Renaud organised. The road to Compiègne was barred and -the hills to the south and south-west of Noyon became the pivot of the -defences. Repeatedly attacked, Mont Renaud changed hands several times, -finally resting with the French. The exhausted 10th Div. fell back on -the _massif_ of Le Plémont, where the 77th Div. had just taken up its -positions. - -However, although Gen. Humbert's right checked all enemy advance, Gen. -Robillot's group and the first units of Gen. Debeney's Army, on the -left, were unable to hold their ground in the Picardy Plain. Forming -but a thin line, the enemy's powerful thrust opened gaps in places. - -Units of the 56th and 133rd Inf. Divns. and of the 4th and 5th Cav. -Divns. under Gen. de Mitry, were pushed forward, with orders to -establish the liaison, on their right, with the 22nd Div., and on their -left, with the British who were falling back on the Santerre Plateau. -This liaison was necessarily weak, as the troops had to be deployed. -Fighting day and night for every inch of ground given up, these -splendid troops succeeded in retarding the enemy's advance until the -arrival of reinforcements on the line of the Avre. - -[Illustration: _The Germans attempted with their left to turn General -Humbert's Army, strongly established at Le Plémont. Roye fell._] - -The exhausted 22nd Div. fell back, carrying with it the 62nd on its -right. Roye, outflanked from the south and attacked on the north, was -lost. A breach, opened between the 22nd and 62nd Div. was filled by -an emergency detachment hastily got together on the spot by General -Robillot. - -On the evening of the 26th, the front was established on the line -Echelle-St.-Aurin, Dancourt, Plessis-Cacheleux. - -[Illustration: ROYE. THE PLACE D'ARMES AT THE END OF THE WAR.] - -General Humbert made a strong appeal to his men: _Let all commanding -officers firmly resolve to accomplish their duty to the extreme limit -of sacrifice, and imbue their men with the same spirit._ - -North of the Somme, the Germans took Albert--an important junction--but -were checked further north, by the left wing of Byng's Army. - -[Illustration: THE MONT RENAUD.] - - -Allied Unity of Command. - -Events had forcibly demonstrated the urgent necessity for Allied unity -of command. On March 26, a War Council, composed of M.M. Poincaré, -Clemenceau, Lord Milner, Haig, Pétain and Foch, empowered the latter to -_coordinate the action of the Allied Armies on the Western Front_. - -"At the moment when Foch was to take precedence of Pétain and Haig, -what was the position of the armies, as regards the directives of the -High Command? In other words, how was the Anglo-French battle being -directed? The position is defined in the General Orders of Pétain and -Haig, the former of whom prescribed: - -"To keep the French forces grouped, to protect the Capital; _essential -mission_; - -"To ensure the liaison with the British; _secondary mission_; - -"The latter prescribed that everything possible should be done to avoid -severance from the French; - -"Should this be unavoidable, _to fall back slowly, covering the Channel -Ports_. - -"If we place these two orders side by side, _their divergence strikes -us painfully_. It is patent that the instructions of the two great -chiefs had not the same object in view, and did not tend towards the -same end. One was thinking of Paris, the other of the Channel Ports. -Each would evidently consecrate the bulk of his forces and resources to -what he considered the essential task. To sum up: on the German side, -there was only one battle; _on the Allies' side, there were two: the -battle for Paris, and the battle for the ports_. Had this situation -continued, our defeat was certain. - -[Illustration: BRITISH AND FRENCH REINFORCEMENTS IN A VILLAGE. (_Photo -imperial War Museum_).] - -"Foch's first thought, from the moment he took over the direction, -was to cause this disastrous divergence to cease. To the two -commanders-in-chief he prescribed the maintenance, at all cost, of the -liaison between their armies. The accessory thus became the essential. -The vital point was to ensure the junction between the Allied Armies, -and to that end, to cover neither Paris, nor Calais, but Amiens. The -battle which, till then, had been double, became single, i.e. _the -Battle for Amiens_. - -"Such was the strategical idea which, during the following days, Foch -strove to materialise. Motoring from G.H.Q. to G.H.Q., he impressed the -same thing upon all; on Haig, Pétain, Gough, the latter's successor, -Rawlinson, Fayolle, Debeney and Humbert. By dint of repetition, this -idea was to be deeply impressed into the minds of the executants. - -"To ensure liaison, to keep the troops where they were, to prevent -voluntary retreat, above all, to avoid effecting relief during -the battle, to throw the divisions into the line of fire, as they -arrived--such were the orders which were constantly on his lips during -the days which followed". (_La bataille de Foch_, by Raymond Recouly). - -On March 28, General Pershing offered Foch the direct and immediate -help of the American Forces: _I come to tell you that the American -people would consider it a great honour for our troops to take part in -the present battle. I ask this of you in my name and theirs. At this -time, the only question is to fight. Infantry, artillery, aviation, all -we have is yours._ - -Henceforth, the battle was directed from Foch's headquarters, -temporarily installed at Beauvais. Twice a day, couriers maintained -communications between Foch and the British and French G.H.Q's. - -[Illustration: LINE OF BRITISH AND FRENCH SHARPSHOOTERS. (_Photo -Imperial War Museum_).] - - -The Fall of Montdidier. - -The Growing Resistance on the Wings. - -[Illustration] - -By the =27th=, the German attacks had lost much of their earlier sting. -The French, whose resistance was stiffening steadily, harassed the -enemy unceasingly. - -Their infantry, now thirty-six miles from their base, could only be -revictualled with great difficulty. The Allied airmen bombed their -convoys and the railway stations incessantly. - -Their artillery had difficulty in keeping up with the infantry, and the -latter were not always efficiently supported. - -Meanwhile, the Allies steadily organized their defences. Gen. Pellé's -group, with strong positions on the bastions of the ÃŽle de France, -repulsed the enemy's repeated assaults. - -Five attacks on Mont Renaud were broken. - -From Canny to the Oise, the Allies stood firm. - -[Illustration: _Montdidier fell, but in face of the Allies' increasing -resistance, the enemy could advance no further._] - -[Illustration: GENERAL DEBENEY.] - -Held on this front, the enemy deviated towards Montdidier, overwhelming -Gen. Robillot's forces, which fell back on Rollot. The Germans reached -Montdidier, Piennes, Rubescourt and Rollot. A wide breach was thus -made between Gen. Humbert's left and the right of Gen. Debeney's Army, -then taking up its positions on the tablelands before the valley of the -Avre. - -[Illustration: GENERAL RAWLINSON. - -_Photo Russell, London._] - -It was a tragic moment. Gen. Debeney telegraphed to Gen. Fayolle: -_There is a gap of nine miles between the two armies, with nobody -to fill it. I ask General Fayolle to have troops brought up in -motor-lorries and despatched north of Ployron, to resist at least the -passing of the Cavalry._ - -[Illustration: _March 26-27._ - -_British reinforcements arrived north of the Somme. The Germans -converged towards Montdidier._] - -A few hours later, two divisions of Humbert's Army filled the breach. - -Exhausted by their terrible losses, the enemy were brought to a stand. - -East of Rollot, the essential portions of the massif of -Boulogne-la-Grasse were strongly held. - -Behind the Avre, trains and lorries were bringing up the divisions of -Debeney's Army. - -The British received reinforcements, and stayed their retreat in the -outskirts of Albert. - -The thrust against their line was now less violent, the enemy forces -converging towards Montdidier. - -Gen. Rawlinson replaced Gen. Gough. - -[Illustration: THE ANCRE AT ALBERT.] - - -The Battle for Amiens. The Allies consolidate their front and -counter-attack. - -[Illustration] - -After the fall of Montdidier, the fourteen divisions of von Hutier's -army converged towards the pocket to the south-west. - -Seven other divisions, marching against the British front between the -Somme and Arras, suddenly turned south. On the 28th, 80,000 Germans -made for the gap, through which 160,000 men of von Hutier's army -were already pressing. In all, 240,000 men were about to attack on a -seventeen-mile front. - -General Humbert's left maintained an aggressive defensive. - -On =March 28=, they counter-attacked. The 4th Zouaves captured -Orvillers and Boulogne-la-Grasse, threatening the enemy on the flank at -Montdidier. Seeing the danger, the Germans retook part of the conquered -positions. The moral effect was, however, considerable, indicative as -it was of the Allies' determination to re-act. - -[Illustration: BARRICADE AT THE ENTRANCE TO MERVILLE-AU-BOIS. - -(_6 kms. to the west of Moreuil_).] - -On the 29th, these counter-attacks were continued, thus mobilising -many enemy units on this front, which were preparing to attack on the -Avre. - -[Illustration: FRENCH ARTILLERY IN MOREUIL.] - -During these two days, General Debeney, further north, was -concentrating his forces along the front of Le Quesnel, Hangest, -Pierrepont, Mesnil-Saint-Georges, Rubescourt. _There can be no -question,_ he declared, _of crossing to the left bank of the Avre_. - -[Illustration: _On March 29, the Germans were firmly held at the bottom -of the pocket._] - -The Germans attacked at dawn on the 28th. To the west of Montdidier, -Mesnil-St.-Georges was captured. The 166th Division, which had just -detrained, stayed the thrust at Grivesnes and Plessier. A battalion -of the 5th Cav. Div. fighting on foot, recaptured Mesnil and -Fontaine-sous-Montdidier. - -At the junction with the British, the attack was more violent. -Capturing Hangest, the Germans slipped along the valley of the Luce, -driving back the British. The resistance of the latter stiffened, -however, and they maintained their positions on the right bank of the -Avre. - -On the 29th, the enemy renewed the attack with fresh divisions, -especially at Demuin and Mézières, where the defenders were driven back -along the Avre. However, Gen. Debeney's Army was now completed by the -arrival of the 127th, 29th and 163rd Divisions. Its junction with the -British, was strongly reinforced. - -Before Arras, astride the Scarpe, the British fell back into line with -Byng's Army, repulsing several violent attacks. (_Sketch, p. 26_). - -On the evening of March 29, the enemy were firmly held at the bottom of -the pocket, the sides of which stood firm. - - -The General Attack at the bottom of the Pocket and the holding of the -German Advance. - -[Illustration] - -On =March 30=, the Germans launched a general attack along a -thirty-mile front, from Moreuil to Noyon, against the armies of Humbert -and Debeney. This was their last effort in the southward push. - -In many places, the French heavy artillery had not yet taken up its new -positions. The battle was therefore mainly one of infantry. To the Air -Service fell the task of making good the deficiency, and throughout -the battle, bombs were rained upon the railway-stations, columns of -German infantry, and enemy supply convoys, whilst the fighting section, -skimming over the enemy masses, riddled them with machine-gun fire. - -In front of Humbert's Army, the French lines were practically intact. -Homeric combats were delivered at Le Plémont, Plessis-de-Roye and -before Orvillers. - -In the region of Orvillers-Sorel, the 38th Div. repulsed four assaults -delivered by the 4th Div. of the Prussian Guards. - -The attack against the front of Debeney's Army was delivered with equal -fury. - -[Illustration: THE ENEMY'S FINAL EFFORT SOUTHWARDS. - -_March 30-April 5._] - -On its right, not an inch of ground was lost. All assaults on -Mesnil-Saint-Georges were repulsed. The 6th Corps maintained -practically all its positions intact, except before Hill 104, where a -slight withdrawal was necessary. - -On the left wing, the 36th Corps (Nollet) was forced to give way, and -fell back on the Avre. Moreuil was lost in the evening of the 30th. - -=March 31= was marked by extremely violent local actions, especially at -Mesnil-St-Georges and Grivesnes, without appreciable result for either -side. - -[Illustration: MONTDIDIER IN GERMAN HANDS. - -_The Palais de Justice (see p. 99). Across the street a German -Notice-Board._] - -On the evening of the 31st, the French front, practically intact, -passed west of Moreuil, skirted the high ground on the left bank of -the Avre, running thence west of Cantigny, round Montdidier, along the -suburbs of Orvillers, through Roye-sur-Matz, Le Plémont and the hills -to the south of Noyon, where the Germans had been unable to gain a -footing. - -=April 1st.= The enemy sounded the French lines at Rollot, south-east -of Montdidier, but were smartly checked by a vigorous counter-attack. -Three attacks in front of Grivesnes were likewise repulsed. - -April 2 and 3 were fairly quiet, being the prelude to the final effort -against Debeney's Army. - -=April 4th.= At daybreak, an intense artillery preparation began, -extending from the north of Hangard to the south of Grivesnes. At 7.30 -a.m., the attack was launched with unheard-of violence. - -Against this front, only nine miles wide, fifteen divisions--seven of -which were composed of fresh troops--attacked ten times in the course -of the day. - -Before Grivesnes, four attacks were repulsed, whilst all the enemy's -efforts against Cantigny and Hill 104 broke down. Further north the -Germans captured Mailly-Raineval, Morisel and Castel. - -The next day (=April 5th=), counter-attacks checked the Germans, -prevented them exploiting their success north of Montdidier, and drove -them back into Mailly-Raineval and Cantigny. - -On the following days, fighting took place at different points, which -changed hands several times, but these actions were of a local nature -only. - - -The Results of the German Offensive of March 21. - -The great German attack was over. The roads to the south-west were -barred, as those to the south, at Noyon, had been, and Gen. Debeney was -able to address the following order to his troops: - - _Soldiers of the 1st Army_, - -_You have carried out your arduous task well._ - -_Your tenacious resistance and vigorous counter-attacks have broken the -onrush of the invader, and ensured the liaison with our brave Allies, -the British. The great battle has begun. At this solemn hour, the whole -country is with us. The soul of the Mother-land uplifts our hearts._ - -On April 4, the great battle--of which the battles for Amiens, -Montdidier and Compiègne were only episodes--came virtually to an end. - -For ten days, after breaking the Allies' front, the Germans were -able to change the war of positions into one of movement, but by a -tremendous effort the French Army threw itself across their path and, -as at Verdun in 1916, checkmated them. - -This warfare in the open did not give the results expected by the -enemy, who failed either to separate the Allies, or to rout them. -On the contrary, by bringing about Allied unity of command, they -strengthened the hands of their adversaries, to their own undoing. - -Although the Germans captured Montdidier, they failed to reach either -Amiens or Compiègne, and whereas the British, at first severely shaken, -fully recovered, whilst only a portion of the French reserves were -engaged, the enemy used up a considerable part of their finest troops -and shock divisions, mown down in tens of thousands along the road to -Paris, by the Allies' machine-guns and field artillery. - -By March 31, ninety enemy divisions had been engaged, twenty-five of -which had to be withdrawn on account of excessive casualties, some of -them (e. g. the 45th Reserve, certain units of the 2nd Guards and 5th -Infantry) having lost 50% of their effective strength. The casualties -of the 6th, 195th, 4th, and 119th divisions attained 75%. At the very -lowest estimation, the Germans lost at least 250,000 men. - -The Kronprinz had promised his men that the Easter bells would ring -in the long-expected peace, but Easter Sunday found the Allies more -closely united than ever, awaiting with confidence the end of the -battle, and determined to win through to victory. - -The check of April 4 saw the end of von Hutier's reserves. All the -divisions of the XVIIIth Army had been engaged, most of them with heavy -casualties. Unwilling to take any of the divisions from the army group -under the Bavarian Crown Prince--reserved for the proposed offensive in -Flanders--or the inferior and less trained troops on the Champagne and -Lorraine fronts, the German High Command, realising that the struggle -must develop into one of attrition, like the first battle of the Somme, -gave up for the time being all idea of an offensive on the Somme-Oise -front. - -A document of the German XVIIIth Army refers to the operations prior to -April 6 under the name of "The Battle of Disruption" and to those which -followed, under the name of "The Fighting on the Avre and in the region -of Montdidier-Noyon." - -The divisions forming von Hutier's shock troops were withdrawn fairly -quickly. By the end of May, only two out of the twenty-three divisions -which, on March 21, had formed the XVIIIth Army, were still in line on -the Moreuil-Oise front. - -[Illustration: BRITISH BATTERIES IN ACTION IN THE OPEN. (_Photo -Imperial War Museum_).] - -[Illustration: BRITISH TROOPS GOING UP THE LINE NEAR ALBERT. (_Photo -Imperial War Museum_).] - -[Illustration: AMIENS. SHELL BURSTING IN THE RUE DE BEAUVAIS. - -(_Photo Imperial War Museum_).] - - -The Trench Warfare Period. - -From April onwards, trench warfare began again. The Allied front was -reformed, consisting of a continuous line of hastily dug trenches and -rapidly constructed works, held by resolute troops, whose _morale_ was -intact and whose fighting spirit had never been better. - -Once more the heavy artillery came into requisition, for the -preparatory pounding of the adversaries' positions. - -In April-May, sharp engagements frequently took place at certain -points. On the Luce, in the region of Hangard, on the Avre, from -Thennes to Mailly-Raineval, at Grivesnes, on the west bank of the Matz, -and around Orvillers-Sorel. Of these, the attack of April 24, by its -violence and scope, constituted a veritable offensive against Amiens. - - -The Attack of April 24 on Villers-Bretonneux. - -_See sketch below._ - -[Illustration] - -The plateau of Villers-Bretonneux dominates the ground between the Avre -and the Somme. - -It was held by the British. Slightly to the south, in Hangard Woods, -close to Hill 99, was the point of junction of the Allied Armies. - -[Illustration: ONE OF THE 11IN. GUNS WHICH BOMBARDED AMIENS.] - -The enemy's main effort was made at this point, as being the weakest. - -The French line started at Anchin Farm, west of Moreuil, followed the -western and northern outskirts of Castel, joined up with Hill 63 on the -right bank of the Avre, took in Hangard, and linked up with the British -near Hill 99, to the south of Hangard Wood. From this point the British -line crossed the plateau between the Avre and the Somme, between -Marcelcave and Villers-Bretonneux, and passed the eastern outskirts of -Hamel. - -At 5 a.m., after an artillery preparation lasting an hour, the German -infantry attacked. - -After a desperate struggle, the enemy captured Villers-Bretonneux. -Hangard fell during the night and Cachy was threatened. - -The next day, a Franco-British counter-attack won back the most -important part of the lost ground. Villers-Bretonneux, Hangard and -Hangard Wood were recaptured and held, in spite of all the subsequent -efforts of the enemy, who finally abandoned this sector in favour of -Flanders. - -[Illustration: FRENCH TRENCHES IN THE SUBURBS OF CACHY (_see p. 59_).] - - -Ludendorff's Opinion. - -In his "Memoirs", Ludendorff wrote: _The battle ended on April 4. -It was a brilliant feat of arms and will always be so considered -in history. What the British and French had been unable to do, we -accomplished in the fourth year of the war._ - -_Strategically, we did not attain what the events of March 23, 24 and -25 justified our hoping for._ - -_That we failed to take Amiens, which would have rendered the -communications of the enemy forces astride the Somme extremely -difficult, was especially disappointing._ - -_Long distance bombardment of the railways could not be considered an -equivalent._ - -[Illustration: FRENCH 6IN. BATTERY IN ACTION AT ROCQUENCOURT. - -(_7 miles to the west of Montdidier_).] - -[Illustration: GERMAN HEAVY GUN AT FAVEROLLES (_2 miles east of -Montdidier_). - -_Captured on August 9, 1918, during the offensive of General Debeney's -Army. (See p. 42)._] - -[Illustration: CLEMENCEAU AT THE G.H.Q. OF A BRITISH DIVISION IN 1918. - -(_Photo Imperial War Museum_).] - -[Illustration: A GERMAN TANK TRAP. _Australian and American soldiers -examine the charges of explosive with which this trap was fitted. One -of them is looking through a German periscope. (July 11, 1918)._] - - - - -THE ALLIES' OFFENSIVES IN PICARDY. - -August-September 1918. - - -After the German Offensive of March. - -After the check of their offensive in Picardy, the Germans attempted, -by means of secondary offensives, to attain those results which they -had failed to obtain in the first instance. - -On April 9, they attacked in Flanders, from Béthune to the north of -Ypres, in the direction of the Channel Ports, but failed to take Ypres, -or to reach Hazebrouck. (_See the Guide_: =Ypres=.) - -On May 27, the front of the Chemin des Dames was attacked by surprise, -the enemy reaching the banks of the Marne. (_See the Guide_: =The -Second Battle of the Marne=). - -From June 9 to 18, their efforts were turned against the salients -of the Aisne and Rheims. On June 11, they captured the _massif_ of -Thiescourt, but were held before Compiègne. In front of Rheims the road -was barred by the French Colonial troops. (_See the Guide_: =Rheims=.) - -Lastly, seeking a prompt decision at all cost, and hypnotised by -Paris, the Germans planned a still more formidable offensive: the -"Friedensturm" or Peace Battle. However, the French High Command were -not taken unawares. The scope and time of the offensive were known, and -the Germans failed. - - -The Strategy and Tactics of the Allies. - -The hour of the counter-offensive was about to strike. The Allies had -overcome the crisis due to the shortage of men. The British Army had -been reorganized. The American forces had greatly increased in numbers. -The fighting spirit of the French was higher than ever. The material -strength of the Allies was satisfactory, and included large numbers of -the new offensive arm: the tank, destined to relieve and support the -infantry, and combat the German shock troops. - -Lastly, the Allies were now grouped under a single chief: Foch, who -knew where and when to strike. - -_The Allied Armies_, he declared, _have arrived at the turning of the -ways; in the thick of battle they have regained the initiative, and -their strength enables them to retain it; the principles of war command -them to do so. The time has come to abandon the defensive attitude -necessitated till now by numerical inferiority, and to take the -offensive._ - -_The action of the Commander-in-chief of the Allied Armies will, in -future, aim at maintaining his hold on the German Commandment, giving -him no respite which would allow him to recover and reconstitute -his forces. To that end, separate surprise attacks will be made -successively, as rapidly as possible, so as to augment progressively -the disorganization of the enemy's armies and the confusion of the -German Commandment, until the day of the general offensive, and of the -final attack which will crumble up the whole of the adversary's front._ - -A comparison of this conception of Foch's with that of Ludendorff -brings out all its suppleness and power. - -The counter-offensive by the armies of Mangin and Degoutte in the -Château-Thierry pocket, begun on July 18, was scarcely over, when the -Second Battle of the Somme broke out. - -[Illustration: THE ALLIED MILITARY CHIEFS. - -_From left to right: PÉTAIN, HAIG, FOCH and PERSHING._] - -In this new battle of the Somme, the retreat of the German armies on -the Hindenburg Line, in August-September 1918, was effected under the -pressure of four successive thrusts: - -I.--The operations carried out simultaneously by the British 4th Army -and the French 1st and 3rd Armies against the Albert, Montdidier, -Lassigny salient, to clear the Paris-Amiens railway. (_Pages 38-45._) - -II.--The British offensive north of the Somme, coinciding with the -French offensive between the Oise and the Aisne. (_Pages 46-49._) - -III.--The British offensive on the Scarpe and the French offensive on -the Ailette. (_Page 50._) - -IV.--The Franco-British offensive against the advanced defences of the -Hindenburg line. (_Page 51._) - - - - -I.--THE ATTACK ON THE SALIENT OF ALBERT-MONTDIDIER-LASSIGNY. - -August 8-13, 1918. - -Preliminary Operations of July. - -Throughout July, the Allies carried out different local operations, in -order to improve their positions and prepare for the coming offensive. - -As early as July 4, Australians supported by Americans, had begun to -advance between Villers-Bretonneux and the Somme, by capturing the -village and wood of Hamel. - -On July 9, after a brilliant attack between Castel and the north -of Mailly-Raineval, the French captured Castel, and on the 23rd, -Mailly-Raineval, which brought them nearer the Avre. - -These different actions, and the flattening of the Cantigny salient by -the American 1st Div. on May 28, had warned the enemy. - -On August 2, the Germans fell back on the Ancre, and on the 3rd to the -Avre. The bulk of their forces were withdrawn east of these rivers, -leaving only light forces on the west bank. - -On the Marne, Ludendorff had just suffered a severe defeat. From -July 18 to August 4, his armies had been driven back from the Marne -to the Vesle, where they organized new positions. (_See the Guide_: -=The Second Battle of the Marne=.) In the belief that this effort -had temporarily exhausted the Allies, Ludendorff was planning new -operations in Flanders, when he was surprised by a new and powerful -Allied Offensive. From that point, the initiative remained with Foch. - - -The Front Line and the Opposing Forces. - -[Illustration: _The Front Line on August 8, and the Opposing Forces._] - -On August 8, the front line passed west of Albert, east of -Villers-Bretonneux, then followed the left bank of the Avre, and the -Doms stream, west of Montdidier, running thence towards the Matz and -the Oise, via Assainvillers, west of Cuvilly and Chevincourt. - -From north to south, the enemy front was held by the IInd Army (von -Marwitz) (10 Divns. in line from Albert to Moreuil), and by the XVIIIth -Army (von Hutier) (11 Divns. from Moreuil to the Oise). - -These two armies, with 21 divisions in line, engaged 17 other divisions -during the course of the battle, i.e. 38 divisions in all. - -[Illustration: THE AMERICANS ATTACKING CANTIGNY (MAY 28, 1918). - - _Photographed from, an accompanying aeroplane. At the top of photo: - Cantigny village. At bottom of photo: Tank tracks. The white dots and - dashes spread over the photo are the American Infantry. Two larger - dashes about three-quarters of an inch below Cantigny, on the right, - are tanks._] - -The undermentioned forces were grouped under the command of -Field-Marshal Haig: - -The British 4th Army (Rawlinson), comprising the 3rd Corps (3 -divisions), the Australian Corps (4 divisions), the Canadian Corps (4 -divisions), and 3 divisions of British Cavalry, 2 brigades of armoured -cars and 1 battalion of Canadian Cyclists in reserve. - -The French 1st Army (Debeney), comprising the 31st Corps (4 divisions), -9th Corps (2 divisions), 10th Corps (3 divisions), 35th Corps (4 -divisions), and the 2nd Cavalry Corps in reserve. - - -The Franco-British Attack of August 8, 1918. - -These armies attacked on August 8, along a 15-mile front, from the -Ancre to the Avre. - -"_At 4.20 a.m., after three formidable cannon-shots,--the signal for -the opening of the attack,--the rolling barrage broke out before the -Australian and Canadian troops, who immediately dashed forward. At the -same time, the heavy and light tanks, armoured cars and motor-lorries, -loaded with supplies and ammunition, set out. At certain points, the -cavalry, followed by the artillery and the aeroplanes, guarded or -speeded up the advance. The enemy were taken completely by surprise. -The troops and staffs were taken prisoners before they realized what -had happened. One after another, the villages were surrounded and -captured. Forging ahead of the infantry, the cavalry and tanks spread -panic everywhere._" - -The British advanced rapidly in the direction of Rosières, along both -sides of the Amiens-Chaulnes railway. - -Towards evening, the advanced line passed through Mézières, Caix and -Cerisy. Everywhere, except at Morlancourt, north of the Somme, where -the enemy resisted desperately, the Germans were routed. - -More than 13,000 prisoners, a general and the staff of an army corps, -and 300 guns had fallen into the hands of the British by 9 a.m. - -[Illustration: _August 8._] - -Along the front of Debeney's Army, the artillery preparation was short -but violent, (45 minutes). The infantry attacked about five o'clock -i.e. after the British. The ground, divided for the greater part by the -valley of the Avre, was more difficult, and General Debeney counted -rather on manÅ“uvering, than on surprise. - -The attack began on a front of 2½ miles, south of the Amiens-Roye -road, debouching from the valley of the Luce towards ground suitable -for the tanks, the troops being gradually engaged on their right, along -the Avre. - -At 8 a.m., two divisions turned Moreuil Wood, from the north-east and -south-west. On the Avre, another division captured Morisel, whilst to -the south of Moreuil a battalion crossed the river. Moreuil, turned -from the north and south, fell. South of Moreuil, two fresh divisions -crossed the Avre, opposite Braches, opening up a way for the troops who -had to fight on the plateaux. - -At the end of the day, after an advance of about five miles, the -French reached the line Braches, La Neuville-Sire-Bernard, and joined -hands with the British near Mézières. 3,300 prisoners, including three -regimental commandants, were taken. - -[Illustration: GERMAN BATTERY CAPTURED BY THE BRITISH, WHO IMMEDIATELY -TURNED IT ON THE ENEMY. - -_The third gun is still pointing towards the Allies' lines. (Photo Imp. -War Museum)._] - -"_It was a black day for the German Army_" wrote Ludendorff, "_the -blackest of all the war, except September 15, which saw the defection -of Bulgaria, and sealed the destinies of the Quadruple Alliance_". - -[Illustration: GERMAN ARTILLERY POSITION IN SUNKEN ROAD. (_Photo Imp. -War Museum_).] - - -From August 9 to 12. - -On =August 9-10=, the British thrust and the French manÅ“uvre developed. - - -THE BRITISH ADVANCE. - -Between Albert and the Amiens-Roye road, the Canadians and Australians -harassed the enemy without respite, and advanced several kilometres, -capturing Bouchoir, Méharicourt, Rosières, Lihons and Proyart. - -North of the Somme, in co-operation with American troops, they captured -Morlancourt village and plateau to the south-east, where the enemy -resisted desperately. - -On the =11th=, in spite of stubborn resistance, the British reached the -Dernancourt crossroads, about a mile west of Bray, Chilly, Fouquescourt -and the western suburbs of Villers-les-Roye. - -On the =12th=, they drove the enemy for good out of Proyart. On the -=13th=, they reached the suburbs of Bray-sur-Somme and the crossroads -of Chuignolles. The front now ran along the old German lines of the -Somme Battlefield of 1916, where the enemy, thanks to a number of -strong points of support, succeeded in staying the advance. In five -days, the British had scored a fine victory, their forces (13 infantry -divisions, one regiment of the American 33rd Division, 3 divisions of -cavalry, and 400 tanks) defeating 20 German divisions, advancing 12 -miles, and capturing 22,000 prisoners and 400 guns. - -[Illustration: - - _The Allies Advance from the morning of August 8 (dash line) to the - evening of the same day (dot-and-dash line). The thick full line shows - the front on August 12._] - - -The French ManÅ“uvre. Liberating Montdidier. - -Meanwhile, General Debeney, by a series of turning movements, brought -about the fall of important sections of the German front, without -frontal attacks. - -Constantly extending his attacks along the Avre, the approaches to the -river on the north and north-east, as far as the confluence with the -Doms stream, were cleared, whilst his hold on Montdidier, from the -north-east, gradually tightened. - -[Illustration: BRITISH CAVALRY NEAR ALBERT. (_Photo Imperial War -Museum_).] - -On =August 9=, the French line was advanced as far as the station of -Hangest-en-Santerre, on the Albert-Rosières-Montdidier railway. - -In order to force the enemy to abandon Montdidier, without a frontal -attack, General Debeney began a turning movement at about 4 p.m. -A secondary attack was launched in the direction of Roye, between -Domelieu and Le Ployron. The station of Montdidier and Faverolles -Village on the Montdidier-Roye line, were reached that evening. - -Throughout the day, the French airmen bombed Roye undisturbed by the -enemy's planes or air-defence guns. - -By =evening=, the 1st Army had taken 5,000 prisoners. From Faverolles, -they threatened to join up with the men who had advanced north, via -Davenescourt, and to cut off the Germans in Montdidier. - -The latter was evacuated in great disorder the same night and on the -following morning, only a few machine-gunners being left behind to -retard the French advance as long as possible. - -On =August 10=, at noon, the French entered the ruined town, and -advanced rapidly eastward, beyond Fescamps, on both sides of the road -to Roye. In the evening, they reached the line Villers-les-Roye (where -they joined hands with the British) and Grivillers. - -On the =11th=, they captured the park and village of Tilloloy. By -the evening of the =12th=, the 1st Army had taken 8,500 prisoners -(including 181 officers), 250 guns, numerous minenwerfer, 1,600 -machines-guns, and huge quantities of stores. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -PHOTOS, _p. 44_: - -[Illustration: (1) _Australian Sergeant examining a German -Machine-gun captured by the 15th Brigade._] [Illustration: (2) _Near -Warfusée-Abancourt, August 8. Infantry of the Australian 1st Division -advancing on Harbonnières, after a tank had cleaned up a line of German -Machine-guns which was holding them._] - -[Illustration: (3) _The Shelters of the above line of -machine-guns--light constructions compared with the powerful trench -organisations, yet strong enough to require tank treatment._] - -PHOTOS ABOVE: - -[Illustration: (1) _Australians in German trench, with field-guns just -captured (August 1918)._] - -[Illustration: (2) _British lorries in Villers-Bretonneux (August 17, -1918)._] - - - - -II.--THE BRITISH OFFENSIVE NORTH OF THE SOMME AND THE FRENCH OFFENSIVE -BETWEEN THE OISE AND AISNE. - -August 18-29. - - -The first phase of the Battle of Picardy was ended, but a great new -effort, between the Somme and the Scarpe, was being prepared. - -Between the Aisne and the Oise, Mangin's Army attacked the plateaux on -August 18th, advancing to the Ailette on the 23rd. (_Sketch above_). - -[Illustration: - - _The Attack between the Oise and Aisne by the Armies of Generals - Mangin and Humbert, August 18-23._] - -Following up this advance, Humbert's Army continued its offensive -vigorously on the 21st, conquered the northern slopes of Le Plémont, -crossed the Divette, and occupied Lassigny. (_Sketch above_). - -By their advance, these two armies threatened the right of the German -XVIIIth Army, established on the Chaulnes-Roye line. - -At the same time, Byng's Army attacked between the Ancre and -Croisilles, whilst Rawlinson's left attacked north of the Somme. -(_Sketch above_). - -At dawn, on =August 21=, the 4th and 6th Corps of Byng's Army attacked -between Miraumont and Moyenneville. - -Supported by tanks, they captured the advance defences in brilliant -style. - -The fighting was particularly severe around Achiet-le-Grand and Logeast -Wood, where, however, the advance continued steadily. The Arras-Albert -railway which was the enemy's principal line of defence, was reached, -2,000 prisoners being taken. - -After this preparatory attack, the offensive was launched on =August -22=, along a thirty-two mile front, between Lihons and Mercatel. - -South of the Somme, the Australians captured Herleville and Chuignes, -with 2,000 prisoners. Rawlinson's left crossed the Ancre, took Albert, -and advanced its front to the hills east of the Albert-Braye road, -capturing 2,400 prisoners. - -[Illustration: _The Attack between the Somme and Scarpe by Byng and -Rawlinson, August 21-29._] - -But the hardest blow was struck further north by Byng's Army. Advancing -beyond the principal line of defence (the Arras-Albert railway), the -4th and 6th Corps took Gomiécourt, Ervillers, Boyelles, many guns, -and more than 5,000 prisoners, then pushed on towards Bapaume and -Croisilles. The 6th Corps, astride the Arras-Bapaume road, marched on -Bapaume, threatening to cut off the Germans who were hanging on to the -Heights of Thiepval. The latter, attacked at the same time further -south, fell. Bray-sur-Somme was also captured. - -The battle continued from the 25th to the 29th, the enemy's resistance -stiffening steadily. - -Counter-attacking, the Germans defended this old battlefield of 1916, -strewn with obstacles, with great desperation. - -On the =29th=, Bapaume fell, and the Germans retreated from the north -of that town to the Somme, on the line Cléry, Combles, Frémicourt, -Bullecourt, and Heudecourt. - -[Illustration: - - _The German Retreat, south of the Somme, under the double menace of - the British and French Advance._] - -Threatened by the British to the north of the Somme, and by the French -on the banks of the Oise, the Germans began their retreat in the bend -of the Somme. Closely pursued by the British 4th Army and the French -1st and 3rd Armies, they withdrew to the river, from Péronne to Ham. - -Chaulnes and Nesle were occupied by the Allies. - -"_On the same ground which had seen their stubborn defence, the British -troops went up to the attack with untiring vigour and unshakeable -determination, which neither the difficulty of the ground, nor the -obstinate resistance of the enemy could break or diminish_." (Haig). - -[Illustration: GERMAN LONG-RANGE GUN CAPTURED BY THE AUSTRALIANS AT -PROYART.] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: _Photo Imperial War Museum._] - -PHOTOS, p. 48: - -[Illustration: (1) _The 2nd German line near Albert, occupied by the -British._] - -[Illustration: (2) _The Railway Station at Albert, a few minutes after -the German retreat._] - -[Illustration: (3) _Railway destroyed by the British artillery, during -the advance on Bapaume._] - -PHOTO ABOVE: - -[Illustration: _Albert, seen from the interior of the Church, the day -the town was liberated (Photo Imp. War Museum)._] - - - - -III.--THE OFFENSIVES ON THE SCARPE AND AILETTE. -August 25-September 8, 1918. - - -Pursuing his plan of offensive, Foch extended the field of operations. -Writing to Field-Marshal Haig, he said: _Continue your operations, -leaving the enemy no respite, and developing the scope of your actions. -It is this increasing breadth of the offensive, fed from the rear and -strongly pressed in front, without limitation of objective, without -consideration for the alignment and too close liaison, which will give -us the greatest results with the least losses.... The armies of General -Pétain are going forward again in the same manner._ - -[Illustration] - -At the time Mangin's Army was preparing to crush the enemy's front -between the Aisne and St. Gobain, Horne's Army, on the Scarpe, attacked -the salient east of Arras. - -On =August 25=, the Canadians, astride the Scarpe, and the left of -Byng's Army captured the difficult positions of Monchy-le-Preux, -Guémappe and RÅ“ux, bringing their line into contact with the -redoubtable position of Quéant-Drocourt, a ramification of the -Hindenburg Line. - -On =September 2=, the Canadians attacked, progressing rapidly along the -Arras-Cambrai road. Penetrating the German lines to a depth of 6 miles, -they reached Buissy. - -[Illustration] - -On the night of August 30, the Australians, in the centre, furiously -attacked and captured the formidable bastion of Mont-St-Quentin. On -=September 1=, they entered Péronne, after desperate fighting. To flank -this attack on the north, Bouchavesnes and Frégicourt were captured. - -Further south, on the Oise, Humbert's Army, in spite of the enemy's -resistance, took Noyon and the high ground dominating the town. -Advancing from the Ailette, towards Chauny, Mangin's left reached the -outskirts of St. Gobain Forest, in the old lines of March 1918. - -Outflanked on the north, towards Cambrai, and on the south along -the Oise, in the direction of La Fère, and violently attacked at the -same time in the centre at Péronne, the Germans retreated towards the -Hindenburg positions. The British and French forces drove back the -enemy rear-guards, which were unable to hold the line of the Tortille -and the Canal du Nord. - -On =Sept. 8=, the Allied front ran west of Arleux and Marquion, through -Havrincourt, Épéhy and Vermand, then followed the Crozat Canal. - - - - -IV.--THE OFFENSIVES AGAINST THE OUTWORKS OF THE HINDENBURG LINE. -September 10-25. - - -The Germans had reached the advanced defences of their famous -Hindenburg Line, consisting of the old British lines lost in March. -These formidable positions protected the ramparts of the Hindenburg -Line, said to be impregnable. - -On =September 10=, the British 3rd and 4th Armies (Byng and Rawlinson) -attacked between Havrincourt and Holnon. - -[Illustration] - -The 4th Army took Vermand, the western outskirts of Holnon Woods, and -gained a footing in Épéhy and Jeancourt. On the 13th, after desperate -fighting, it captured the woods and village of Holnon. - -The 3rd Army crossed the Canal du Nord, south of the Bapaume-Cambrai -road, turned the positions from Havrincourt to Gouzeaucourt, and -captured the greater part of them, the enemy resisting desperately. - -The same day (Sept. 12), the American 1st Army captured the whole of -the St. Mihiel Salient, with 15,000 prisoners and 200 guns. (_See the -Guide_: =The Battle of St. Mihiel=.) - -On the =18th=, a general attack was launched by the British 3rd and 4th -Armies, in liaison with the French 1st Army. All the enemy's positions -between Gouzeaucourt and Holnon were captured, with 10,000 prisoners -and 150 guns. - -To the south, Debeney's Army took over the front of Humbert's -Army--transferred to the sector of the 10th Army--the latter, due -to the shortening of the front, being sent to Lorraine, for a new -offensive. - -Debeney's Army, extending south of the Oise, attacked, and after -capturing Dallon Spur, Castres and Essigny-le-Grand, reached the valley -of the Oise, from Vendeuil to La Fère. - -[Illustration: PEACE AFTER STRIFE. LIFE IN THE RUINS. - -_Méharicourt, between Chaulnes and Caix, in 1919._] - -Disorganized and exhausted, their ranks depleted, the enemy were now -incapable of attempting a counter-offensive. - -To avoid this continuous, exhaustive battle, the Germans sought refuge -in positions which they believed to be impregnable, and where they -hoped to rest, reorganize and reconstitute their reserves. - -This was an imperious necessity, as from July 15 to September 25, 163 -of their divisions had been engaged, 75 of them two or three times. - -On September 26, despite a reduction of 120 miles in the length of the -front, they were forced to maintain practically the same number of -divisions in line as on July 15, owing to their decreased effective -strength and fighting value. - -Moreover, to keep these forces effective, ten divisions had to be -dissolved, and the battalions of fifty others reduced from four to -three companies. Large numbers of men were called up from the works, in -order to husband their last resources--the 1920 recruits. - -Everywhere, the Allied armies were in contact with the Hindenburg Line, -ready for the grand assault against the formidable positions from which -the enemy had set out on March 21 for Paris and victory. - -[Illustration: _The above photograph represents an assemblage of the -maps on which the Staff of the French 20th Corps traced the front from -day to day._ - -_By bringing out the two lines of July 15 and November 2 (exactly -reproduced), and by adding a few unimportant touches inside and the -spike of the helmet, one of the Staff draughtsmen obtained this curious -figure of Germania on her knees._ - -_With the help of the inset sketch-map, it is easy to trace the -salients of Ypres, Arras, Montdidier, Château-Thierry (crossed by the -Vesle), Rheims, Verdun, and St. Mihiel._] - -In six weeks, by repeated, inter-related attacks, vigorously executed -without respite, the Allies had flattened out the salient from St. -Quentin to beyond Montdidier and Albert, produced by the German push. - -The end was near. To avoid a military disaster without precedent in the -world's history, the enemy soon afterwards sued for an armistice and -peace. - -[Illustration: _Ginchy (between Bapaume and Péronne) bombarded by the -British (July 11, 1916)._] - -[Illustration: _Ginchy, ten days later (July 21, 1916)._] - -[Illustration: _Ginchy, two days before its capture by the British -(Sept. 7, 1916)._] - -ILLUSTRATING THE PROGRESSIVE DESTRUCTION OF A VILLAGE BY ARTILLERY. - -_Taken from the Michelin Guide_: "THE FIRST BATTLE OF THE SOMME." - -[Illustration: MODERN WAR WEAPONS. - -_A heavy trench-mortar of the 3rd Australian Medium Trench-Mortar -Battery in action at Ville-sur-Ancre, on May 29, 1918, when the German -front line was only 400 yards beyond this farm-house._] - -[Illustration: PÉRONNE IN 1918. THE GRANDE PLACE. CAPTURED GERMAN GUNS. - -_Taken from the Guide_: THE FIRST BATTLE OF THE SOMME.] - -[Illustration: AMIENS, DURING THE GERMAN OFFENSIVES OF 1918. - -(1) _Fire at the Saint-Frères Works, April 23, 1918._ - -(2) _Platforms at the Gare du Nord, May, 1918._ - -(3) _One of the Warehouses at the Goods Station._ - -(4) _One of the buildings at the Saint-Frères Works._ - -(5) _The Rue de la Hotoie._ - -(6) _The Rue des Jacobins and the Passage du Commerce connecting it -with the Rue des Trois Cailloux._] - - -_To visit AMIENS_, - -centre of the itineraries for BAPAUME and PÉRONNE ("THE FIRST BATTLE -OF THE SOMME") and MONTDIDIER and COMPIÈGNE ("THE SECOND BATTLE OF THE -SOMME"), see the MICHELIN Illustrated Guide: - -"=AMIENS, before and during the War.=" - -[Illustration: FROM AMIENS TO COMPIÈGNE - -Lunch at Montdidier. - -_The roads to be followed are shown by heavy lines. Detailed sketch -maps are incorporated in the text._] - - - - -AMIENS TO COMPIÈGNE - -_See route-map, p. 57._ - -From Amiens to Villers-Bretonneux - -=via Longueau, Gentelles and Cachy=. - - -_Leave Amiens by Exit V_ (Michelin Tourist Guide) (_Rue Jules-Barni, -Chaussée Périgord and N. 35_). _Cross the railway twice (l.c.) or if -preferred, take the road on the right under the railway._ =Longueau= -_is soon reached._ - -The road from Amiens to the crossing over the river Avre, before -reaching Longueau, follows the left bank of the Somme. Market-gardens -famous for their fertility and known locally as "_hortillonnages_" -lie in the valley, especially around Camon. Formerly, the river-side -_seigneurs_ above Amiens, met once a year for wild swan-shooting in the -valley of the Somme. The custom died out in the 18th century, poaching -having by then exterminated the swans. - -[Illustration] - -It was at Longueau that the Roman roads from Amiens to Rheims and -to St. Quentin crossed the river Avre. Gallo-Roman tombstones were -discovered in 1848, while excavating near the first bridge at Longueau. -In 1590, the Leaguers held the village to ransom, and the Spaniards -burnt it in 1636. - -_Beyond Longueau, leave the Montdidier road on the right, and keep -straight along the road to Roye for 4½ kms. Take the second road on -the left, to_ =Gentelles=. Gun emplacements, shelters and trenches are -met with on both sides of the road. Gentelles Wood is on the right. -(_See sketch-map, p. 59_). - -_Pass through Gentelles village_, entirely destroyed. _1½ kms. -beyond Gentelles stands_ a partly destroyed monument to the memory of -the French who fell in the Franco-German War of 1870 (_photo below_). - -[Illustration: MONUMENT TO THE FRENCH DEAD OF 1870, AT ENTRANCE TO -CACHY.] - -_Leave the monument on the right, and enter_ =Cachy= (completely -ruined). - -[Illustration: RUINS OF CACHY CHURCH.] - -_At the fork beyond Cachy, take the middle road, between the Woods -of Aquenne and Abbé, in which are_ trenches, wire entanglements -and shelters. _Coming out into the main road from Amiens to -Villers-Bretonneux_ (G.C. 201), _take same on the right. (See -sketch-map, p. 62)._ - -[Illustration] - -_After passing over the railway_, =Villers-Bretonneux= _is reached_. - -[Illustration: VILLERS-BRETONNEUX.--RUINS OF THE VILLAGE AND CHURCH.] - -[Illustration: VILLERS-BRETONNEUX. THE CHURCH, IN MAY 1918.] - -Formerly a country village, the cotton-spinning industry later -transformed it into a small town. The war has left it in ruins. (_See -p. 61._) - -[Illustration: VILLERS-BRETONNEUX. CHURCH IN NOV. 1918.] - -[Illustration: STREET IN VILLERS-BRETONNEUX AFTER RECAPTURE OF THE -VILLAGE.] - - -From Villers-Bretonneux to Moreuil, -via Demuin, Hill 104, Mézières and Villers-aux-Érables. - -_Leave Villers-Bretonneux by the road to Demuin, on the right_ (G.C. -23). - -_See route-map, p. 62._ - -_From Hill 98, 1 km. beyond the railway, near the junction with the -road leading to Cachy, and close to a Franco-British cemetery, there -is_ an extensive view of the battlefield around Villers-Bretonneux. - -[Illustration: FRANCO-BRITISH CEMETERY NEAR HILL 98. _In the -background_: VILLERS-BRETONNEUX.] - -[Illustration] - - -The Battle of 1870. - -It was around Villers-Bretonneux that on November 27, 1870, part of -the battle known as the "Battle of Amiens", was fought between the -Prussians and the French Army of the North. - -The French troops, about 10,000 in number, under the command of General -Farre, were deployed from the railway (between Villers-Bretonneux and -Marcelcave) to Cachy and Gentelles (on the Boves road), and on the -high ground dominating the valleys of the Somme, Luce and Avre. The -Prussians, under General Manteuffel, far more numerous and better -equipped with artillery than the French, debouched from the valley of -the Luce and the roads from Péronne and Roye to Amiens, the battle -opening on the two wings. - -The enemy partly took Cachy and approached Gentelles, but were driven -back towards the river Luce, after the brilliant capture of Domart Wood -by the French. Cachy, partly abandoned by the French after desperate -resistance and heavy losses, was afterwards cleared of the enemy with -great dash. - -Unfortunately the French line from Cachy to Villers-Bretonneux was -too weakly held to stay the Prussians, who got the upper hand in the -afternoon and forced the French back. To the enemy's forty guns the -French could only oppose sixteen (four batteries), and they were, -moreover, short of ammunition. - -A Prussian battery, which had succeeded in taking up a position near -Cachy, enfiladed the French line. In Villers-Bretonneux, detachments -of French Marines fought a violent engagement in the streets, giving -ground only step-by-step. The enemy sustained heavy losses and were -unable seriously to hamper the French withdrawal towards Corbie and -Amiens. - -A monument was erected at Villers-Bretonneux, south of the railway, to -the memory of the French soldiers who fell in this battle. - -Fierce fighting took place in 1918 around the monument, which was -completely destroyed. - -[Illustration: GERMAN PRISONERS ENTERING VILLERS-BRETONNEUX. (_August -1918._)] - - -The Battles of 1918. - -Prolonged and violent engagements were fought from March to August, -1918, in the vicinity of Villers-Bretonneux, for the possession -of Amiens. The battlefield consisted of a plateau occupied, from -north-east to south-west, by Villers-Bretonneux, Abbé Wood, Cachy and -Gentelles. This plateau was the last dominating position in front of -Amiens. From Villers-Bretonneux, situated on the main road from St. -Quentin to Amiens, and ten miles from the latter, the ground slopes -gradually down towards the great Picardian City and the confluence of -the rivers Avre and Somme. - -[Illustration: FRANCO-BRITISH CEMETERY AT "CRUCIFIX CORNER" ON THE -VILLERS-BRETONNEUX-DEMUIN ROAD.] - -From March 28 onwards, this plateau was held by Australian divisions, -the famous Anzacs, who covered themselves with glory there by staying -the Germans. At the beginning of April, the latter attempted to -outflank Villers from the north and south, with but little success. -On the 24th, after a bombardment with high explosive and gas shells, -lasting the whole of the previous night, they threw four divisions -(50,000 men), supported by five tanks each fitted with three guns and -a central turret, against the Fouilloy-Cachy front, barely three miles -wide. From 7 to 10 a.m., the attacking waves went forward unceasingly -in the morning mists. At about 11 a.m., the British had to give way, -under an intensely fierce onslaught, and the Germans entered Villers -from the north and south. - -Clinging to the western approaches of the village, the British, -throughout the afternoon and night of the 24th, prevented the enemy -from debouching, while their artillery fire made the position -practically untenable. Two German battalions only were able to maintain -themselves in the cellars and ruins of the houses. In the evening -of the 25th, while troops of the Moroccan Division recaptured the -monument south of the Villers railway, British units debouched from -Abbé Wood, and advancing via the ravine north of Villers, Aquenne Wood -and the station to the south, surrounded and recaptured the village -after a hand-to-hand fight lasting all night. A 3-gun tank and over 700 -prisoners were taken. To the south-west, in the vicinity of Cachy and -Gentelles, the enemy check was equally severe. On the 24th, a regular -battle of tanks took place near Cachy, in which the Germans were routed -and Cachy re-occupied. The four German divisions lost the battle, and -left the ground covered with their dead. - -[Illustration: Domart. - -Demuin. - -Gentelles Wood. - -Hangard. - -Hangard Wood. - -PANORAMA SEEN FROM HILL 102.] - -On May 2, there was again sharp fighting near the Monument, but -during the following weeks, the enemy ceased their attacks. The -Australians, by local operations, enlarged their positions north-east -of Villers-Bretonneux and between Villers and the Somme. On the night -of May 23, the enemy violently bombarded Villers, and on the 25th made -another powerful effort south of the village, but without success. - -_Follow G.C. 23, which runs close to_ Hangard Wood, the trees of which -were devastated by the shells. (_See map, p. 62._) - -_Descend from the plateau to_ =Demuin=, _visible at the bottom of the -valley of the Luce. There is_ a large British cemetery _on the right. -Tourists may here turn to the right as far as_ =Hangard=. (_See p. 66._) - -[Illustration: HANGARD VILLAGE, IN RUINS. THE CHURCH IS ON THE RIGHT.] - -[Illustration: ENTRANCE TO DEMUIN VILLAGE.] - -[Illustration] - -_After visiting the village_ (completely devastated), _return to -Demuin. Take the main street, then the last street of the village and -the uphill road indicated in the sketch-map above, to_ =Hill 102=, -_from which there is_ a fine view of Demuin, the valley of the Luce, -Hangard, Domart and Gentelles Wood (_photo above_). - -_Return to Demuin, and take G.C. 23 to_ =Hill 104= (_See map, p. 62_). - - -Hill 104. - -Hill 104, at the crossing of the Demuin-Moreuil road with the -Roye-Amiens road, commands the valleys of the Luce and the Avre. - -Hangard and Hangard Wood, seen to the north, were the scene of furious -fighting in 1918. This vital position enabled the Germans to hold the -river Luce, which they needed to consolidate the Montdidier-Moreuil -salient, and for their advance south-east of Amiens. - -As early as March 27, units of Debeney's Army, under the command of -General Mesple, were pushed south of the Luce in support of the British -who were holding the line: Le Quesnel, Beaucourt, Cayeux, Guillaucourt -and Proyart. However, on the 28th, the Germans carried Guillaucourt, -north of Cayeux, descended to the woods in the Luce Valley, and drove -back the British in the neighbourhood of Cayeux. Meanwhile, General -Mesple's detachment, in accordance with instructions, stubbornly held -their positions on the Caix-Le Quesnel plateau, although unprotected -on their left. The first battalions of the French 22nd Division were -despatched immediately on arrival to Hangard and Domart, in support of -the British. On the 29th, the Germans attacked Demuin on the Luce and -forced the Allies to abandon Mézières and to fall back on Moreuil and -the Avre. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: Amiens Road. - -Gentelles Wood. - -Domart. - -Trench. - -Cachy. - -Aquenne Wood. - -Hangard. - -Hangard Wood. - -Villers-Bretonneux. - -Demuin. - -Marcelcave. - -Corner of Wood, South of Demuin. - -PANORAMA OF THE LUCE VALLEY SEEN FROM HILL 104.] - -On the 31st, they gained a footing in Hangard after prolonged efforts. -In the evening and throughout the night they vainly attempted to -enlarge their gains to the west. The Franco-British troops repulsed all -assaults and prevented the enemy debouching from the village, which the -French soon afterwards recaptured in a dashing counter-attack. On April -4, the Germans attempted to turn Hangard from the south and attacked -Hill 104. After getting to within 50 yards of it, they were checked at -the foot of the hill, and fell back in disorder. They then attempted -to slip in along the ravines, but the Allied artillery drove them back -with very heavy losses. - -On the 6th and 8th, fighting was resumed in the vicinity of Hangard, -where the French 29th Division held their ground. On the 9th, Hangard -was lost and retaken, together with the cemetery situated about 200 -yards east of the village. On the 11th, a fresh German attack was made -against the Hangard-Hourges front. The enemy, held before Hourges, -gained a footing in Hangard, where the fighting was desperate. On the -morning of the 12th, the Germans surrounded the château and occupied -the whole of the wood on Hill 104. A single French battalion in the -village held out against four German battalions. In the direction of -Hourges the enemy was held. - -In Hangard Château, the French battalion, although surrounded since -10 a.m., was still holding out at 6.30 p.m., in spite of repeated -attacks. At nightfall, a counter-attack by one French and one British -battalions recaptured the village and castle, and drove back the enemy -to the cemetery. 127 men, 3 officers and 15 machine-guns were captured, -and 35 Allied prisoners released. On April 15, before it was relieved, -the 29th Division, which had performed prodigies of valour in its -efforts to save Hangard, made it a point of honour to clear the village -entirely before leaving. One company carried the cemetery in brilliant -style. On the 19th, a German effort against the village and wood -failed. On the 24th, the fighting was again fiercest around Hangard, -which was defended by only one battalion. A whole German division -attacked and after carrying the wood boarded the village from the -north. At the same time they attacked Hill 104 from the south, at the -foot of which they had been held on the 4th. Enfiladed by machine-guns -posted in front of Thennes, the Germans failed to reach that village, -but persisted in their efforts against Hangard. After seven furious -onslaughts, from 6.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., they occupied the cemetery, -in which a single company, entirely cut off from all support, held out -all that day. Units of the battalion, hard pressed from the north, east -and south, shut themselves up with their Commandant in the Château, -and made a vigorous defence. Between 3 and 5 p.m., the following -message was signalled three times: "_Surrounded in Hangard but still -holding out_". At 6 p.m. the Château was stormed, and the commandant -taken prisoner with the remaining survivors. Taking advantage of the -confusion caused by the French bombardment among his captors, he -escaped with his men and re-entered the castle, where he continued to -hold out until nightfall. He was finally captured in the course of -another attack. - -[Illustration: MAISON BLANCHE.--BRITISH TANKS GOING INTO ACTION.] - -In spite of their strenuous efforts, the Germans were unable to -debouch from Hangard during the night. On the 25th, the French -counter-attacked, and after crossing the Luce at various points, -re-occupied Verger hamlet, Hangard village, and part of Hangard Wood, -repulsing all German counter-attacks. - -On the 26th, the 4th Regiment of the Moroccan Division completed the -clearing of the wood. Although the British attack on their right was -unsuccessful, a battalion of "Légionnaires" succeeded in outflanking -the north-eastern corner of the wood, in which they gained a footing. -They were followed soon afterwards by a second battalion supported -by British tanks which undertook the destruction of the German -machine-guns nests. Driven from the wood, the Germans bombarded it -heavily with 6in. and 8in. shells, but could not drive out the French. -Finally the Germans retreated 2 kms, two of their divisions being -thrown into disorder. One of them, which had just relieved the other, -suffered such heavy losses that it had to be sent to the rear two days -after coming into line. On the 28th, the Germans launched unsuccessful -counter-attacks against the wood, which was finally cleared by French -Infantry and British tanks. Thereafter, the enemy were unable to make -any advance in this region. - -_At Hill 104, take on the left the road to Roye_ (G.C. 203), _and -cross_ =Maison Blanche=. _Take the first road on the left_ (G.C. 28), -_and skirt the Château of Beaucourt, in the park of which there is_ a -French cemetery. _Go through_ =Beaucourt=, _and keep along the road -to_ =Caix= (_See map, p. 66_). Saps, battery positions, and a German -cemetery are to be seen along the road. Caix is an ancient market-town. -Objects dating from the Bronze Age have been discovered there. The -15th-16th century Sainte-Croix Church (_Hist. Mon._), standing halfway -up the hill, is of archæological interest. The famous square belfry on -the left is flanked to the top by buttresses surmounted by four low, -massive corbel-turrets with bell-shaped roofs. A door in the western -front forms a low overhanging arch with accolade-shaped archivolts, -ornamented with inset pinnacles. - -A large doorway in the façade, comprising two elliptical leaves, is -surmounted by high, pointed arcading forming a tympanum. On the first -story, a delicate, open-work balustrade recalls that of Tilloloy; -above is a fine rose window. The roof was rebuilt on modified lines -after the terrible fire of April 1768, which practically destroyed the -whole village. The south front doorway dates from 1530. Its arch is -ornamented with delicately carved vine-foliage. - -The 16th century pillars, without capitals, in the nave, are decorated -with finely carved canopies, several of which are mutilated. The -present consoles and statues standing against the pillars are -unfortunately not the original ones. In the aisles, the brackets on -which the springing of the pointed arches rests, are ornamented with -figures of persons, lizards and dæmons... The pillars of the choir -with their foliate capitals, and the transept and chancel are 14th -century. The high altar comprises a reredos. The carved pulpit and -confessional are in the Renaissance style. The richly ornamented font -has disappeared. A large holy-water basin of unusual shape (truncated -cone) is adorned with several black circles. - -All the zinc and lead-work was stripped off and taken away by the -Germans during the occupation of 1918. The wooden leaves of the -entrance door were removed. The building suffered severely from the -bombardments. The upper part of the belfry fell down and the stained -glass was destroyed. Part of the cornice and the frame-work of the -chevet were ruined. - -The fortified château of Caix, vestiges of which still remain, was -destroyed by fire in 1400. - -[Illustration: CAIX CHURCH.] - -The village did not suffer greatly from the bombardments. - -Caix was captured by the Germans on March 28, 1918, and retaken by the -British at the same time as Beaucourt-en-Santerre, on the evening of -August 8, i.e. the first day of the British offensive in Picardy. - -_Leave the village by the road taken on entering. Beyond Beaucourt, -keep straight on as far as_ =Mézières=, _where take the second road on -the right to the church (See map, p. 66)_. - -[Illustration: MÉZIÈRES CHURCH.] - -The village of Mézières was attacked by the Germans, on March 28, 1918, -after the withdrawal of the British. On the 29th, units of the French -133rd Division, which were defending Mézières, were unable to hold the -overwhelming numbers of the enemy, who captured the village. On August -8, at the beginning of the offensive by Debeney's Army, the village was -recaptured by the 42nd Division, while the 37th Division progressed -east of Genonville Wood. - -_At the church, take the street on the left, then the first on the -right_ (G.C. 28), _to_ =Villers-aux-Érables=. The village was almost -entirely destroyed; its Château is in ruins. - -[Illustration: VILLERS-AUX-ERABLES.--THE RUINED CHATEAU.] - -_The road, along which are numerous graves, trenches and shelters, -next crosses the plateau_, where the 133rd Infantry and 4th Cavalry -Divisions so heroically retarded the German onrush of March 26-28, 1918. - - -Moreuil. - -Moreuil, _next reached_, was fortified in the Middle-Ages, but to-day -nothing remains of the former ramparts. The Château alone is still -existent, and is reached by taking _the third turning on the left (See -sketch-map below)_. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: THE AVRE AT MOREUIL.] - -The Château, comprising the ruins of four bastions with very thick -walls, was rebuilt in the 14th or 15th century on the site of a -previous castle which probably stood near the church. In 1434, it -was besieged and captured by the Anglo-Burgundians. In 1588, it was -occupied by the Leaguers. In 1636, during the disastrous "Corbie year", -it was taken by the Spaniards, from whom the French wrested it shortly -afterwards. In 1791, it was pillaged by the people, like the Château of -Mailly-Raineval. Ancient cannon from the Château are now in the Museum -of Picardy at Amiens. The modern portion, which served as a living -apartment, stood between the two western towers, and was built under -Louis XVIII. It is now in ruins (_photo p. 28_). A large stone cross, -which formerly stood before the doorway of the parish church, was -removed and erected near the chapel of the Château. This 14th century -monument comprised a pedestal of three superimposed stories, and a -columnar shaft and cross, slightly more modern than the pedestal. The -cross has disappeared, and only part of the pedestal remains. - -[Illustration: MOREUIL.--THE CHURCH BEFORE THE WAR.] - -_Turn back and follow the street straight to_ the church. - -[Illustration: MOREUIL.--THE CHURCH IN 1919.] - -Formerly the old abbey church of a Benedictine Monastery which stood -within the castle walls, it was rebuilt in modern times in 15th century -style--except the façade which dates from the latter part of the 16th -century--when the place belonged to the Créqui family. The façade -(_Hist. Mon._) bears a great likeness to that of St. Peter's Church -at Montdidier. It comprises two large porches, above which rose the -square tower of the belfry and the gable of the nave. - -[Illustration: MOREUIL CHURCH.] - -The left-hand doorway comprises six pointed arches, the third one from -the inside being the most richly ornamented. This arch comprises a -series of ten carved subjects, each under a canopy. - -The right-hand doorway is a replica on a larger scale of the left-hand -one. - -A Flamboyant gallery runs above the doors. At the base of the belfry, -on the northern front, is a beautiful pointed window with rich 16th -century ornamentation. - -The church was severely damaged during the battles of 1918. The tower -was destroyed and the porches were badly mutilated. - -The interior collapsed; the pillars alone remain standing. - -_Turn left into the road which descends to the Avre._ The bridge was -destroyed in 1918, and replaced by two wooden ones. - -[Illustration: BUILDING A BRIDGE ACROSS THE AVRE, NEAR MOREUIL.] - -=Morisel= _is next reached, which pass through. (See sketch-map, p. -71.)_ - - -From Moreuil to Montdidier, - -via Mailly-Raineval, Grivesnes and Cantigny. - -Mailly-Raineval and Hill 103 - -_On leaving Morisel, there is_ a large German cemetery, from which a -very fine view of Moreuil and the valley of the Avre may be had. _Take -the_ G.C. 14, _on the left, as far as_ =Mailly-Raineval=, _entering the -village by the road on the left. (See sketch-map, p. 77.)_ - -[Illustration: MAILLY-RAINEVAL, SEEN FROM THE ROAD TO HILL 103.] - -[Illustration: MAILLY-RAINEVAL.--RUINS OF THE CHATEAU.] - -This village, first known as Raineval, took the name of -Mailly-Raineval in 1744, when it became the property of the -illustrious house of Mailly. The Château, in ruins since 1879, was -mostly built in the 16th century, on the site of the former castle, -destroyed at the time of the _Jacquerie_. The ruins of the Château -include a broken tower dating from the end of the 14th century, and -substructures still measuring 250 feet in length. The latter, which -were severely damaged by the bombardments, used to support the three -stories of the imposing Château (_photo above_). The village is now -a complete ruin. - -[Illustration: MAILLY-RAINEVAL, SEEN FROM THE WEST SIDE OF HILL 103. - -_On the right_: THE CHURCH AND CHATEAU; _in the background_: -ARRIÈRE-COUR WOOD.] - -_200 yards further on, the road leads to the foot of_ =Hill 103= _which -can be ascended on foot_. - -From this hill, there is a fine view of Moreuil Village and Wood, -Sauvillers (_to the south-east_) and Arrière-Cour Wood. (_See map, p. -77._) - -On March 26, 1918, the French 133rd Division, brought up in lorries, -and the 4th Cavalry Division, had orders to protect the approaches to -Moreuil and the Avre, and to join hands with the British, but were -forced to give way under the pressure of the enemy's overwhelming -numbers. On the 29th, the French 163rd Division had scarcely detrained -when it received orders to defend Moreuil, under the direction of the -General commanding the 36th Corps, forming the left of Debeney's Army. -The attack, led by two German divisions, began on the night of the -29th. Moreuil, as the nearest point to Amiens, was particularly aimed -at by the enemy, but the Canadians and French repulsed all assaults. -Finally, after changing hands several times, the village was occupied -by the Germans who were, however, unable to debouch, although they lost -half of their effective strength in their attempts to do so. On April -1st the British, supported by the French, counter-attacked in the woods -north of Moreuil. - -[Illustration: MAILLY-RAINEVAL IN FLAMES.] - -On April 4th, a violent German effort on the left bank of the Avre, -against the 36th Corps, was twice checked, but the enemy finally -succeeded, at very heavy cost, in capturing Mailly-Raineval, -Arrière-Cour Wood, Morisel and Castel. On April 5, under the command -of General Robillot, the French counter-attacked: the 127th, 166th -and 59th divisions towards Mailly-Raineval, and the 17th division in -the direction of Moreuil. After driving the enemy from Arrière-Cour -Wood, they returned to the outskirts of Mailly-Raineval. In front of -Sauvillers, where the tanks did good work, they advanced along the -plateau. To the west of Castel, in Sénecat Wood, a furious engagement -took place, in the course of which the enemy were driven back with a -loss of 100 prisoners. On April 17, the French attacked from Mailly to -Castel, captured the greater part of Sénecat Wood, gained a footing -in Gros Hêtre Wood, reached the outskirts of Castel--bristling with -machine-guns--and on the south attained the heights which dominate -the Avre, after taking over 650 prisoners, including 20 officers. -The same day, a single French battalion thrown against the village -of Castel--held by five companies of infantry and two companies of -machine-gunners, of the German 389th regiment of shock troops--advanced -1,400 yards, capturing several redoubts, 254 prisoners (including 10 -officers), and 31 machine-guns. On this day also, the tanks played a -great part in the capture of Sénecat Wood. The commanding officer of a -company of tanks personally took over one of the machines, the crew of -which had been put out of action. Making straight for Castel, he swept -the streets of the village with his machine-gun, then returned safely -to the French lines. Another tank, in hot pursuit of a retreating -German battery of 77's, penetrated over 600 yards into the enemy's -lines, where it broke down. The gallant crew thereupon got out their -machine guns and held off the enemy until their ammunition ran out. On -April 24, an enemy attack on Sénecat Wood failed. On May 11, during a -violent attack, the Germans temporarily gained a footing in the woods -to the south-west of Mailly, but counter-attacks drove them out. On -July 12, the French attacked near Castel and to the south-east of -Rouvrel, capturing Castel and 500 prisoners. On the 23rd they took -Mailly, Sauvillers, and Aubvillers, capturing 1,800 men, 54 officers, -four 77's, 45 minenwerfer, and 300 machine-guns. On August 8, Debeney's -offensive cleared Morisel, and the 66th Division captured Moreuil. - -[Illustration] - -_Return to and keep along the road._ - -Trenches, saps and battery positions are met with. _After crossing the -Louvrechy-Thory road, the Ailly-sur-Noye-Montdidier road is reached. At -the crossing, and before taking_ G.C. 26, _on the left, to Grivesnes, -tourists interested in archæology should take it on the right to visit -the church of_ =Ailly-sur-Noye= _(5½ kms.) Otherwise, keep straight -on to_ =Folleville= _(4½ kms.) (See sketch-map, p. 79.)_ - -[Illustration: AILLY-SUR-NOYE.--THE PRÉVOTÉ.] - -[Illustration: AILLY-SUR-NOYE. INTERIOR OR THE CHURCH IN 1918.] - - -Ailly-sur-Noye. - -[Illustration: AILLY-SUR-NOYE.--THE TOMB OF THE "BASTARD OF ST. POL".] - -The village of Ailly-sur-Noye used to possess a 13th century church, -replaced a few years ago by a new edifice, in which the following -portions of the ancient building were retained (under the first window -of the right-hand aisle): - -1. A bas-relief crowned with pointed trefoil arcading, divided into -three compartments, depicting from right to left: _St. Martin cutting -his mantle_, _The Crucifixion_, and _The presentation of the donor to -Christ, by John-the-Baptist_. - -2. The tomb of Jean de Luxembourg, known as the _Bastard of St. Pol_. -This tomb (_Hist. Mon._), comprises a bluestone sarcophagus, the front -of which is ornamented with five mourners, and each end with three -other mourners sheltered under arcades. The covering stone is carved -with the statues of Jean de Luxembourg and his wife, Catherine de la -Tremouille, in demi-relief. Unfortunately, the upper part of these -statues is damaged. - - -Folleville. - -[Illustration] - -Folleville, with the ruins of its Château and its church, is one of -the most interesting places in Picardy, for archæologists. The ruins -of the Château (late 14th and early 15th century), situated on a hill, -from which there is a very extensive view, are most imposing. The -corner towers are round; that in the middle of the northern curtain -is over 80 feet high, and is first round, then hexagonal, and finally -twelve-sided. In proportion as it rises, it overhangs by means of -moulded corbels, which bold design gives it a larger diameter at the -top than at the base. - -[Illustration: FOLLEVILLE CHATEAU] - -The castle, which began to fall into ruins in the 17th century, -was further damaged at the time of the Revolution. It is rich in -historical memories. In 1440, it was taken by the English, under -Counts Somerset and Talbot, and served for a long time as their -headquarters. Under Charles IX, the castle served as a meeting-place -for the Protestants. Later, the Leaguers had a garrison there. In -February 1592, Henri IV fought a battle in the neighbourhood, against -the troops of the Duke of Parma. St. Vincent-de-Paul lived there as -tutor to M. de Bondi's children, and it was at Folleville that he -inaugurated the missions which were the chief aim of the Congregation -founded by him. - -[Illustration: TOMB OF RAOUL DE LANNOY AND HIS WIFE.] - -[Illustration: TOMB OF FRANÇOIS DE LANNOY AND HIS WIFE.] - -[Illustration: FOLLEVILLE CHURCH.] - -The church (_Hist. Mon._) standing near the ruined Château, comprises -a late 14th century nave and an early 16th century choir. The latter, -intended as a burial chapel for the owners of the castle, is the -more richly decorated. Its buttresses are surmounted with pinnacles, -on one of which is a niche containing a statue of the Virgin. The -pointed timber-work vaulting of the nave is among the finest in the -_Département_ of the Somme, and is decorated with satirical and -chimerical carvings. The pulpit is the one from which, on January -25, 1671, St. Vincent-de-Paul preached the sermon which was the -starting-point of his Missions. The wooden seats in the nave are -ancient. The white marble font is girt with the historical chain of -the de Lannoy family, connected by four shields bearing the arms of -Folleville, Lannoy, Broix and Hangest. It stands on a small pedestal of -grey stone, ornamented at the corners with four carved acanthus leaves. -The arches of the stone vaulting of the choir rest on small brackets -carved with various _motifs_. - -Of the two chapels on either side of the choir, that on the left, -known as the Virgin Chapel, was used by the owners of the castle. The -right-hand one (St. Vincent-de-Paul), is modern in its fittings and -decoration (1868). - -The choir contains several very famous monuments, the finest being the -mausoleum of Raoul de Lannoy and Jeanne de Broix; the white marble -sarcophagus is the work of Italian artists (the _de Portas_); the stone -niche which shelters the sarcophagus contains delicate French carvings. -The whole forms one of the most remarkable works of the Renaissance -period. The neighbouring tomb is that of François de Lannoy and Marie -de Hangest; some of the carvings greatly resemble those of Cardinal -Hémard de Denonville's tomb in the Cathedral of Amiens. - -An ancient stained-glass window near the tomb of Raoul de Lannoy is -dedicated to St. Anthony and St. John-the-Evangelist. Above the door of -the sacristy are carved marble medallions. The church used to possess a -very ancient pall, now in the Museum at Amiens. - -[Illustration: FRENCH LINES IN THE QUARRIES AT GRIVESNES.] - - -Grivesnes. - -_Return to the crossing of the Grivesnes, Folleville and Ailly-sur-Noye -roads, and take the road leading to_ GRIVESNES. (_See sketch-map p. -84._) - -_Before reaching the latter, note the_ cemetery of the French 114th -Infantry Regiment, _on the right, and a little further on, on the other -side_, a quarry containing shelters. - -[Illustration: GRIVESNES CHATEAU.] - -_On entering_ =Grivesnes=, _take the first road on the left to_ the -CHATEAU--a 17th century pile, comprising a central main building -and two wings--in the yard of which are a large shelter and several -graves. The church _is a little farther on_. Both buildings were -severely damaged. _Return to the road, and proceed towards_ CANTIGNY, -past the ruins of a mill which was blown up by the Germans, and the -CHAPELLE DE ST. AIGNAN, near which is a large Franco-German cemetery. -(_See map p. 84._) - -[Illustration: GRIVESNES CHURCH.] - -The chapel is now a heap of ruins. - -The village, château and park of Grivesnes now come into view. The -latter lies to the north-east of the village. - -[Illustration: FRANCO-GERMAN CEMETERY ON THE GRIVESNES-CANTIGNY ROAD.] - -On March 28, 1918, the first units of the French 166th Division, on -detraining, took up positions along the Coullemelle-Thory line, while -their artillery was posted on the Grivesnes-Coullemelle line. On the -29th, the 4th and 5th battalions of the 350th Regiment, which had -already been fighting the two previous days, occupied Grivesnes, one of -them having lost two-thirds of its effective strength. Reinforced by a -few units of Chasseurs and a company of Engineers, this handful of men -repulsed five successive assaults next day (March 30), after the fall -of Malpart. - -[Illustration] - -On the 31st (Easter Sunday), the enemy attacked with the 1st Division -of the famous Prussian Guards. At 7 a.m., French observers saw the -storm-waves assembling in the shell-holes to the east and north-east -of the park. From 10.30 to 11.30 a.m., the German artillery pounded -the French lines with _rafale_ fire from 6 in. guns. The German -foot-grenadiers advanced by companies, in aligned platoon columns. -The first French line was decimated, and broke under the repeated -onslaughts. The Germans turned the park from the north and east, -and contenting themselves for the time being with surrounding the -castle--from which a murderous fire was poured on them--entered the -village. - -The commanding officer, who had shut himself up in the castle, was -using a rifle with his men. At noon, he despatched a cyclist with a -report on the situation, to the officer in command of the Divisional -Infantry at Plessier. The report ended with the words: _I am in the -castle, and shall hold on till death_. The cyclist managed to get -through the German lines, crossed Grivesnes--already occupied by the -Germans--and delivered the report. All available units were immediately -got together and despatched to Grivesnes. - -Meanwhile, a reserve battalion at the crossing of the Montdidier and -Plessier roads counter-attacked the German Grenadiers who were entering -the Rue de Montdidier. While the men were clearing the houses one by -one and freeing a number of prisoners, the battalion commander and -his cyclist went forward, with two armoured cars, the machine-guns of -which scattered the German columns. The Rue de Montdidier was quickly -cleared of the enemy and the French entered the Château. At 2.30 p. -m., the detachment from Plessier arrived, and the German Grenadiers -were quickly driven out of the park. In spite of counter-attacks, the -French, with the help of a battalion from a neighbouring regiment, -debouched from Coullemelle Wood and fully maintained their positions. -The Prussian Guard was thus not only soundly beaten, but also suffered -very heavy losses. - -The enemy attacked again on April 1 and 3, but without success. On the -4th, the French 67th Infantry Regiment captured St. Aignan in the -course of a dashing counter-attack, and, in spite of repeated enemy -attempts to reconquer the village, maintained themselves there. On -the 5th the Germans made another powerful but futile effort against -Grivesnes. The 67th Regiment of the line stubbornly held its own at St. -Aignan, while to the east of Grivesnes, the 25th battalion of Chasseurs -repulsed four attacks by two regiments of the Guard, who were decimated -by barrage and machine-gun fire. Later, the same battalion succeeded -in clearing the eastern approaches to the village. On May 9 the French -captured the park, taking 258 prisoners and a large quantity of stores, -and beating off all enemy counter-attacks. - -[Illustration: A FEW OF THE HEROES OF THE 350TH LINE REGIMENT AND THEIR -COMMANDANT, LIEUT.-COL. LAGARDE.] - -[Illustration: GRIVESNES.--BATTERY OF 8½ IN. MORTARS TAKING UP -POSITION.] - -[Illustration: THE WEATHER-COCK OF THE CHURCH STEEPLE AT GRIVESNES.] - -[Illustration: WAYSIDE CROSS AT GRIVESNES.] - -_Continue along_ G.C. 26 _to_ =Cantigny=. - -The village and its surroundings were attacked by the Germans at -the end of March 1918. Sharp fighting occurred there on the night -of the 29th and the whole of the following day. Cantigny fell in -the evening of the 30th. On April 4 and 5, a counter-attack in this -region by the French 45th Division, drove back the enemy and gave the -French the northern and western outskirts of the village, which they -were, however, unable to hold. On May 28, the American 1st Division, -supported by a regiment of the French 60th Division and a group of -tanks, brilliantly carried the village and salient of Cantigny along a -2 kms. front, capturing 170 prisoners and a large quantity of stores. - -[Illustration: THE AMERICAN ATTACK ON CANTIGNY, _May 28, 1918_. (_See -p. 39._)] - -[Illustration: CANTIGNY ENTRANCE TO THE CHATEAU PARK.] - -The village was razed to the ground. The ruins of the church and -Château may be reached by taking _the street on the left, in the middle -of the village_. - -FONTAINE-SOUS-MONTDIDIER, in ruins, _is next reached. 3 kms. further -on, take the left-hand road to_ =Montdidier=. _Skirt the foot of the -hill, as far as the Montdidier-Amiens road (N. 35), which take on the -right. On entering Montdidier, turn into Rue du Collège which leads to -the Esplanade du Prieuré_ (_See p. 98_). - -[Illustration] - - - - -MONTDIDIER - - _Valiant City, martyrised by the War. After sustaining the fire of the - enemy's guns for more than two years, experienced in turn the joys - of deliverance and the horrors of a brutal occupation. An important - position, bitterly disputed, it suffered total destruction, paying - with its ruins the Victory of the Mother-land._ - - (Croix de Guerre.) - - -The town stands at the extremity of the Plateau of Santerre, halfway -between Amiens and Compiègne, in the valleys of the Somme and Oise. -Rising in tiers, from south to north, on the limestone cliffs, its -highest point is occupied by the Palais-de-Justice. - -The town probably first grew up around a farm in which, according to -tradition, the monks of the Abbey of Corbie kept Didier, King of the -Lombards, whose name was given to the town. The first houses sprang -up in the fertile valley, whilst a _castrum_ was built on the hill. -Owing to its situation on an oft-disputed frontier, Montdidier was -destined to have a stirring history. Of the fortifications which -Philippe-Auguste caused to be erected there, and which were terminated -in 1210, nothing remains but a few fragments of walls covered by the -gardens. At various periods the town was besieged, pillaged and burnt. - -Under Charles VIII and Louis XII the walls were rebuilt and the city's -life began anew, only to be disturbed again by war under François I. -After repulsing a band of adventurers in 1522, it was besieged in 1523 -by 30,000 English and Germans, led by the Duke of Norfolk and Count de -Bure. Although a breach was opened in the city's walls, the burghers -refused to capitulate. The place had therefore to be carried by storm, -and the enemy burnt it on October 29. - -[Illustration: MONTDIDIER.--THE ST. MÉDARD QUARTER.] - -[Illustration: MONTDIDIER, SEEN FROM THE MOREUIL ROAD.] - -After the town had been rebuilt, the Reform quickly gained ground, in -spite of persecutions and the burning of Pastor Michel de la Grange. - -In 1636, a powerful Spanish army, under the command of Jean de Werth -and Piccolomini, captured Roye and summoned Montdidier to surrender. -The burghers refused and, almost unsupported, kept the enemy at bay and -made a number of successful sorties. A narrow valley on the road to -Breteuil has retained the name of "cut-throat", in remembrance of one -of these sorties, during which 200 Spaniards were slain. After a siege -lasting 34 days, the approach of the Royal Army compelled the Spaniards -to retreat, and Louis XIII thanked the burghers in person for their -courage and loyalty. - -From that time forward the town lived in peace. Louis XIV often stayed -there on his way to Flanders. - -On March 19, 1814, the Cossacks, coming from Roye, entered the town. - -The next day a large detachment of Cossacks and Prussian Hussars, -infantry and artillery, under the Russian Baron de Geismar, took -possession and exacted heavy requisitions in kind. - -The Cossacks bivouacked in the streets, with their horses in full -harness, and cooked their food in the open. An attack by the combined -garrisons of Amiens and Beauvais on March 24 drove out the Cossacks, -but the latter returned on the 27th, with the intention of plundering -and burning the town. In response to a petition from the chief -citizens, Baron de Geismar consented not to burn the town, but allowed -his soldiers to pillage it for one hour. On the 28th, the Cossacks -withdrew towards Compiègne, to join the Allies in their march -on Paris. - -[Illustration: MONTDIDIER, PHOTOGRAPHED FROM AN AEROPLANE. - -_On the left_: _The Three-Doms Stream, crossed by the road followed by -the itinerary_ (_see p. 98_); - -_In the middle_: _Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville_; - -_On the right_: _Place Faidherbe and the Compiègne road._] - -[Illustration: - - The Station. - Royaucourt. - Morlière Wood. - Mesnil-St. Georges. - Wood, south of Fontaine. - Cantigny. - Courtemanche. - Grivesnes. - - -PANORAMIC VIEW TO THE WEST AND SOUTH OF MONTDIDIER SEEN FROM THE -ESPLANADE DU PRIEURÉ.] - -After Easter, the Prussians held the garrison at Montdidier and in 1815 -a Prussian garrison occupied the town for three months. - -On October 15, 1870, the Prussians again appeared before Montdidier, -held only by a few regular troops and some National Guards. - -After a short bombardment, which caused the death of several citizens, -the Prussians entered the town. - -[Illustration: CHAPEL BUILT BY THE SOLDIERS IN THE RUINS OF -MONTDIDIER.] - -[Illustration: SAVING THE TOWN RECORDS OF MONTDIDIER.] - -[Illustration: THE ROADS TO BE FOLLOWED ARE SHOWN BY THICK LINES.] - - -MONTDIDIER IN 1918. - -Of Montdidier, hardly anything remains but ruins, caused by the -terrible battles fought around the town in March-August 1918. - -From the end of Rue du Collège, there is a fine view of the whole -battlefield: Mesnil-St-Georges and Fontaine-sous-Montdidier _to the -west_; Courtemanche and Framicourt _to the north-west_; Gratibus, -Pierrepont and Contoire _to the north_, and Ayencourt and Monchel _to -the south_. - - -The German offensive--March 27. - -On March 27, the German hordes were held on the French right, but -overran the plain on the left, where the lack of natural defences made -resistance more difficult. The front-line there was very thin, and the -Germans captured Cessier and Tilloloy. - -The French 22nd I.D. fell back on Bus, then lost this village and the -neighbouring woods. For two hours, the enemy were unable to debouch, -being held in check mainly by the fire of batteries in Marotin Wood. -Near by, the 22nd Territorials, with a squadron of divisional artillery -and two companies of engineers, were thrown into the battle. Fighting -stubbornly against odds of ten to one, they retreated only step by -step. The Germans advanced only with very heavy loss, and they had -scarcely entered Marotin Wood when a concentration of artillery fire -scattered them. - -Held before the _massif_ of Boulogne-la-Grasse, they wedged themselves -in between the latter and Montdidier. There was a gap here between the -left of Humbert's Army and Debeney's right, then being brought up, -and of which only a part, i.e. the 56th Division (Demetz) had taken -up its positions. This division, with the 5th Cavalry Division (De la -Tour) and two battalions of the 97th Territorials, had to defend a -twelve-mile front, extending from Pierrepont to the outskirts of Roye. -Attacks by three German Divisions, supported by a powerful artillery, -were repulsed. - -Throughout the morning, the 69th Battalion of Chasseurs fought along -the Echelle-St.-Aurin-Dancourt-Grivillers line. The latter village only -fell at 12.45 p.m. - -After the capture of Erches and Saulchoy the 65th Battalion of -Chasseurs held the enemy in check for some time on the Guerbigny line, -but on being attacked on the flank by enemy forces which had crossed -the Avre beyond Guerbigny, they were compelled to fall back, but only -after inflicting very heavy losses on the enemy. This withdrawal -brought about that of the 49th Battalion, above Becquigny. - -Before Marquivillers, two battalions of the 105th line Regt. held their -ground for a long time, and withdrew only after being overwhelmed. -Fighting rearguard actions, they fell back on the crest south of -Lignières, then to the plateau east of Etelfay. A battalion of the -132nd line Regt., which had been unable to reach Fescamps, fought with -the Territorials of the 97th between Piennes and Forestil Farm. At 3 p. -m., a battalion of the 132nd was thrown against Etelfay which had been -captured by the Germans, thus enabling two battalions of the 106th and -one of the 132nd to reform on the plateau to the west, where they kept -the enemy in check until 6.30 p.m. - -South of Montdidier, the enemy advanced rapidly towards Rollot and -Rubescourt. - -The defence of Montdidier was abandoned, and the enemy entered the town -at 6.30 p.m. The 56th I.D. and the 5th Cav. Div. reformed to the west -of Montdidier and the Avre, without losing a single gun. - - -The Enemy's Advance held. - -In the evening, the French held the line: Ayencourt, -Mesnil-St.-Georges, Gratibus, Pierrepont and Contoire. General de -Mitry (6th Corps) gave orders to hold at all costs the line of hills -which dominate the Three-Doms stream on the west, between Pierrepont -and Domfront. The 56th Div. defended the line Framicourt, north of -Courtemanche and Domfront. - - -March 28. - -On the morning of the 28th, the German 9th Div. entered Courtemanche, -Framicourt and Fontaine-sous-Montdidier, scattered the units of -Engineers who were holding the road to Mesnil, then occupied Mesnil, -Ayencourt and Monchel. - -[Illustration] - -The 56th Div. immediately counter-attacked. While a battalion of the -132nd Regt. recaptured Fontaine-sous-Montdidier, and the 65th Batn. of -Chasseurs advanced in the wood and on the hill near Mesnil, the 3rd -Batn. of the 132nd, supported by a Batn. of the 350th, drove back the -enemy to Mesnil and Monchel, and carried these villages. On the right, -General Humbert's Army recaptured Assainvillers. - - -March 29. - -On the 29th, the 56th Div. received orders to advance as far as the -railway, between Courtemanche and Monchel. The attack was launched at -6 p.m., at the very moment chosen by the enemy for their own attack. -The fighting at once became very desperate. On the left, a company -of the 69th Batn. of Chasseurs succeeded in entering Framicourt, -but was overwhelmed and partly taken prisoners. The 49th Batn. of -Chasseurs, after advancing as far as the Chapelle de St. Pierre, -west of Courtemanche, was outflanked and forced to withdraw beyond -Fontaine-sous-Montdidier. The 65th Batn. of Chasseurs and the 3rd Batn. -of the 132nd Regt. progressed to the east of Mesnil, as far as Hill 97, -but were decimated by a violent artillery and machine-gun barrage, and -had to fall back. - - -March 30. - -At dawn, on the 30th, after a violent artillery preparation, -a fresh German attack was launched. To the north, in front of -Fontaine-sous-Montdidier and Hill 104, the 49th Batn. of Chasseurs, -supported by units of the 54th Regt., repulsed seven assaults. - -Two German air-squadrons having swept the French lines with machine-gun -fire, the attack was renewed with fresh troops, but without result. At -3.45 p.m., a new attack by strong enemy columns succeeded in turning -the exhausted French forces on both flanks. To avoid being surrounded, -the French fell back on the crest east of Villers-Tournelle, and clung -desperately to their new positions. On that day, they threw over 1,500 -grenades and fired over 50,000 cartridges. From Mesnil to Royaucourt, -the battle was equally desperate. The German 9th Division had orders to -push forward as far as Elevation 136, i.e. 2½ kms. south-west of -Royaucourt. - -In front of Mesnil, the French 106th Regt. broke four attacks in the -morning, but at about 5 p.m., the French left having given way under -a terrific bombardment, the Germans reached the northern outskirts of -the village. The French only abandoned the village, in flames, at 6.30 -p.m., taking up fresh positions 200-300 yards in the rear. - -[Illustration: MONTDIDIER. RUE BECQUEREL. (_See p. 98._)] - -On the right, the Germans took Monchel and Ayencourt, but were unable -to debouch, which prevented them from reaching the south-western -outskirts of Mesnil and the approaches to Royaucourt. - -At 7 p.m., a counter-attack by units of the 153rd Regt., a batn. of -cavalry on foot, a section of armoured-cars, and a group of artillery -took the enemy by surprise. Ayencourt and Monchel were recaptured, and -the French line advanced from Monchel to Hill 98. - -Exhausted by their efforts and heavy losses, the enemy now consolidated -their slight gains. - -The French 56th Div. had fought unceasingly for five days and lost the -greater part of its effective strength, but had fixed the enemy. - -[Illustration: MONTDIDIER. RUE BECQUEREL IN 1919.] - -[Illustration: LIBERATING MONTDIDIER. - -_The front on August_ 8th. (_morning_) _and_ 10th (_evening_).] - - -The Liberation on Montdidier. (_August 8-10, 1918._). - -During the following months the enemy remained on their positions, the -sector being disturbed only by local attacks and raids on either side. -In the region of Mesnil-St.-Georges, held mainly by the 60th Div., the -extreme German right broke down during the offensive of June 9 against -the resistance of the French. In front of a single company of the 248th -line Regiment, over 200 German dead were counted. - -On August 1, the enemy made many unsuccessful efforts in the -neighbourhood of Mesnil. From August 3, the French progressed slowly to -the east of the village, and prepared starting positions for Debeney's -offensive of August 8. On the 4th the Germans, sensing the coming -attack, abandoned part of their positions. The French occupied Braches, -gained a footing in Hargicourt, and reached Courtemanche. - -On August 8, the 3rd Div. of the 9th Corps crossed the Avre to the -north, captured and enlarged the bridgehead of Neuville-Sire-Bernard -and occupied the western outskirts of Contoire and Hamel. The 9th Corps -was then replaced by the 10th, the three divisions of which were in -the line: the 152nd and 166th behind the Doms stream, and the 60th in -front of Montdidier. On the morning of the 9th the 152nd Div., instead -of attempting to cross the marshy stream, inclined to the left, crossed -at Neuville-Sire-Bernard, and thus enabled the 166th Div. to force the -passage by a frontal attack opposite Gratibus. While the 126th and -153rd Div. carried Hangest village and plateau, the 152nd Div. advanced -to Contoire and Pierrepont. The 166th Div., which had met with great -difficulty in crossing the Doms stream, was unable to gain a footing -on the plateau to the east. Montdidier, already outflanked from the -north, was now being turned from the south. General Debeney rapidly -transferred his artillery from his left to his right, and began a new -attack. The 60th Div. advanced against Montdidier, and the 169th made -a north-easterly thrust towards Faverolles, to cut the Montdidier-Roye -road, the enemy's main line of retreat. The 133rd Div. attacked -eastwards, to mask the _massif_ of Boulogne-la-Grasse and cover the -flank of the offensive. Behind followed the 46th Div. and 2nd Cavalry -Corps, in readiness to exploit any gains. - -[Illustration: GERMAN PRISONERS PASSING THROUGH MONTDIDIER (1918).] - -[Illustration: MONTDIDIER. BUILDING A BRIDGE IN FRONT OF THE STATION.] - -The attack was a complete success. In the evening, from Faverolles -to Piennes, Montdidier was turned from the south. Assainvillers, -Piennes and Faverolles were recaptured, and the enemy fell back -along the Montdidier-Andechy road, which their desperate resistance -before Gratibus had enabled them to keep open. During the night they -evacuated Montdidier in the greatest confusion. While the French were -entering the town, which was entirely in their possession by noon on -the 10th, the whole of Debeney's forces thrust eastwards: the 47th and -56th Div. advanced to the east of Villers-les-Roye, the 166th from -Gratibus to Lignières, the 60th to the outskirts of Dancourt, the 46th -to the east of Tilloloy, the 133rd to the north-east of Fescamps, and -the 169th to before Cessier. Montdidier was now largely cleared. - -[Illustration: _The roads to be followed are indicated by thick lines -and arrows._] - - -A VISIT TO MONTDIDIER. - -_Abutting on the Esplanade du Prieuré is_ the BENEDICTINES' -PRIORY which, before the war, was a college. _Opposite is_ the -PALAIS-DE-JUSTICE. These two buildings suffered severely from the -bombardments. - -The =Palais-de-Justice= was built on the site of the old Château of -the Counts of Montdidier. The entrance was all that remained of the -Château at the beginning of the 14th century. The remains of this door -were used in the construction of the building known as the SALLE DU ROY. - -[Illustration: MONTDIDIER. THE PALAIS-DE-JUSTICE. (1919.)] - -The Salle du Roy is built over a vaulted passage, situated opposite -the Esplanade du Prieuré. To the west, an imposing gable rises above -the cliffs, its thick walls reinforced in the centre by an enormous -buttress, at the northern corner by a smaller buttress, and at the -southern corner by an octagonal turret. - -[Illustration: THE PALAIS-DE-JUSTICE IN 1917.] - -The entrance to the Palais-de-Justice is below the vaulted passage. -On the first story, the Entrance Hall and the corridor leading -to the Audience Chamber were decorated with six large Brussels -tapestries, believed to be work of Henry Reydams (17th century). Made -originally for the town of Douai, they were taken from the Château -of Ferrières--pulled down in 1809--in the Department of Oise. The -subjects, taken from the Book of Exodus, depicted: _The Crossing of -the Red Sea_; _the Hebrews glorifying God_; _Gathering Manna_; _Moses -striking the Rock_; _Making the Golden Calf_; _Worshipping the Golden -Calf_. The 1st, 3rd and 4th were faithful reproductions of tapestries -in the Cathedral of Chartres, said to have been made after drawings by -Raphael. - -[Illustration: THE TOMB OF RAOUL DE CRÉPY.] - -The other public buildings of Montdidier stood in the main road which -divides the town from north to south into two unequal parts. The first -of these was the =Church of St. Pierre= (_Hist. Mon._) _reached by -passing under the archway of the Palais-de-Justice and following Rue -St. Pierre_. - -[Illustration: THE INTERIOR OF ST. PETER'S CHURCH.] - -Of this church hardly anything remains except the walls and débris. -Portions of the building were 14th century, but most of it dated from -the 16th century. The tower, now in ruins, was added in 1742. The -doorway was the most remarkable part of the building. The plans were -the work of Chaperon (1538), the master-mason of Beauvais Cathedral. -The style is a combination of flamboyant Gothic (central dividing -pillar, archways, springing of the archways, and niches with socle -and canopy at the base of the main pillars), and Renaissance (voluted -niches and trefoiled bell-turrets, at the top of the pillars). At -the top of the accolade-shaped arch was a shield bearing the arms of -France, surrounded by St. Michael's collar, the three crescents of -Henri II, and a monogram combining the "H" of Henri II, the double "D" -of Diane de Poitiers, and the double "C" of Catherine de Médicis. The -side-walls of the church are sustained by buttresses. In accordance -with a custom fairly common in Picardy, each bay of the side-aisles -had its own separate roof forming a right-angle with that of the -great nave. The interior, with its three naves, massive pillars and -low 15th century vaulting--lower at the choir end than near the -doorway--appeared somewhat heavy in style. - -[Illustration: MONTDIDIER CEMETERY (_north-east of the town_). _See -Itinerary, p. 98._] - -[Illustration: PLACE FAIDHERBE. - -(_At the end of Rue de Roye, which comes out into Place de -l'Hôtel-de-Ville. See p. 98_).] - -At the bottom of the left aisle, a reclining statue was said to depict -Count Raoul de Crépy, and to have formed part of the tomb which the -Count had built in the 11th century, while still alive. This statue -escaped destruction during the Revolution, and was deposited in the -church in 1862. As a matter of fact, it probably dates from the 13th or -14th century, and does not represent Raoul de Crépy. - -In the adjoining chapel is a _Burial Scene_ comprising seven figures -grouped around that of Christ. As in the Tomb of St. Germain-les-Fossés -at Amiens, Mary Magdalene occupies the centre of the group, whereas -this place is usually reserved for the Virgin. - -The font (probably 11th. century) is the oldest known specimen of the -type used in Picardy between the 11th and 16th centuries. The low, -square basin rests on five supports, the principal one being in the -centre, the other four lesser columns at the corners. The columns, -originally in stone, were replaced in the course of time by wooden -ones. A belt ornamented with eight heads of rather primitive design -runs round the basin. The rest of the decoration, much defaced, -includes two entwined heads, grapes, and doves drinking out of a vase. - -The tomb, said to be that of Raoul de Crépy, the "Burial Scene" and the -font are believed to lie buried under the débris. - -The organ loft, composed of the remains of fine Renaissance wood -carving of uncertain origin, was destroyed. - -_Keep along Rue St. Pierre to Place de la Croix-Bleue, in which stood_ -the STATUE OF PARMENTIER (by Malknecht), erected in 1848. Only the -pedestal remains. Parmentier, who introduced and popularized potato -growing in France, was a native of Montdidier. - -[Illustration: THE STATUE OF PARMENTIER (1914).] - -[Illustration: THE STATUE OF PARMENTIER AND A CORNER OF THE TOWN, IN -1919 _looking towards St. Peter's Church, seen behind. Tourists follow the -road on the left_.] - -_Rue de la Croix-Bleue leads to Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville. On the -right stands_ the modern =Hôtel-de-Ville= which replaced the old Louis -XIII building and a Renaissance house on its right. The automaton -bell-striker of the old tower, known as JEAN DUQUESNE, which used to -strike the hours with a hammer, was erected on the top of the new -belfry. - -[Illustration: MONTDIDIER.--THE HOTEL-DE-VILLE.] - -_Rue Parmentier is next reached, at the entrance to which is_ the 16th -century =Church of the Holy Sepulchre=. - -[Illustration: MONTDIDIER.--RUE PARMENTIER AND THE CHURCH OF ST. -SEPULCHRE (1914).] - -Its modern flamboyant Gothic doorway replaced the old portal which, -jutting out in front of the church, was ornamented with a hanging -garden. On this side, the square tower of the belfry only is ancient. -The five-sided chevet overlooks the small court of the presbytery. - -The interior comprises a central and two side naves. Only the vaulting -of the choir remains. - -[Illustration: THE CHURCH OF ST. SEPULCHRE IN 1919.] - -[Illustration: CHURCH OF ST. SEPULCHRE, THE CHANCEL.] - -[Illustration: THE INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. SEPULCHRE. - -(_Seen from the Chancel, near the Porch_).] - -At the end of the right aisle is an _Entombment_ (1549-1582), a gift -of the De Baillon family. The Tomb, which was protected during the -war, comprises _The Burial Scene_ and an _Ecce Homo_ at the top of -the arch over the former. The latter group was finished long before the -other one, and is more natural and of finer finish than that of the -Tomb. The figures kneeling at the praying-desks on the front of the -Tomb represent Pierre de Baillon and his wife, Marguerite de la -Morlière. At the other end of the right aisle stood the baptismal font -(1539), mutilated and covered with whitewash in 1870. The church -of La Boissière possesses an identical font dating from the same -period, but much better preserved. The font probably lies buried under -the débris. In the font chapel there is a stone bas-relief (protected -during the war), said to have come from the old church. It was -consecrated to the Virgin, who is seen receiving the benediction of -the Eternal Father. The carvings and inscriptions around the Virgin, -symbolically recalling the principal episodes in her life, are taken -from the Song of Solomon. Unfortunately, this bas-relief was daubed -over in 1870, and some of the carvings, particularly _Les trois enfants -qui pissent_, were mutilated because of their realism. - -[Illustration: MONTDIDIER.--THE LOWER TOWN, SEEN THROUGH A SHELL-HOLE -IN THE CHURCH OF ST. SEPULCHRE.] - -_Go down Rue Parmentier, then turn left into Boulevard Béjot, in the -direction of Compiègne._ - - -From Montdidier to Cuvilly, - -=via Assainvillers, Piennes, Rollot, Boulogne-la-Grasse, -Conchy-les-Pots and Orvillers-Sorel=. - -_Follow Boulevard Béjot, then take Boulevard de Compiègne, on -the right, and a little further on, N. 35, also on the right, to_ -=Assainvillers=, entirely razed. _Take the second road on the left and -cross the light railway, 0 km. 700 beyond which are_ several lines -of trenches. _Take the left-hand street, which leads straight to the -church and village of_ =Piennes=. (_See sketch-map below._) - -[Illustration: ASSAINVILLERS IN RUINS.] - - -Piennes. - -[Illustration] - -The church of Piennes (_Hist. Mon._) dating from the end of the 15th or -beginning of the 16th century, was a remarkable structure. - -The tierce-point doorway comprised two round-arched bays, with a blind -Flamboyant tympanum. The dividing pillar was surmounted by a statue of -the Virgin resting on a crescent. - -[Illustration: ASSAINVILLERS CHURCH.] - -Between the doorway and the buttresses framing it, an elaborate Gothic -canopy sheltered an empty niche on either side. The front of each -buttress was ornamented with a niche under a Gothic canopy containing -mutilated statues of St. Catherine and St. Marguerite. - -[Illustration: PIENNES CHURCH.] - -The side-aisles were very picturesque with their live gables and five -separate roofs at right-angles to that of the great nave. - -The vaulting is said to have been designed by Jean Vaast, one of -the architects of Beauvais Cathedral. The pretty 16th century font -was ornamented with angels' heads and fantastic figures arranged -alternately and linked together by festoons of leaves. The remarkable -churchwardens' bench of carved wood in Renaissance style was one of the -finest in the _Département_ of the Somme. The wood-work of the pulpit -dated from the same period and was in the same style. - -The church was almost entirely destroyed in 1918, but a portion of the -doorway and a buttress with a niche still remain. The gables of the -side-aisles, three of which have retained their roofing, are still -standing. The font near the entrance, on the left, is partly hidden -under the débris. The pulpit was destroyed by the falling tower and -vaulting. - -_Leave Piennes and pass through the hamlet of_ =Le Lundi=. Trenches may -be seen alongside the railway. _Take the Montdidier-Compiègne road on -the left to_ =Rollot=, where Antoine Gallant, the Oriental writer and -translator of the French version of "The Arabian Nights", was born in -1646. Of the monument erected to his memory in the village, only the -pedestal remains. - -[Illustration: ROLLOT.--RUE DE L'ÉGLISE.] - -[Illustration: THE ROAD FROM ROLLOT TO BOULOGNE-LA-GRASSE.] - -_On leaving Rollot, take_ G.C. 27 _on the left_; the CHATEAU OF BAINS, -in the woods skirting the road on the left, was greatly damaged during -the fighting. _Keep straight on to_ the church of =Boulogne-la-Grasse=. - -[Illustration: CHATEAU OF BAINS.] - - -Boulogne-la-Grasse. - -Boulogne-la-Grasse is situated on the top and along the middle -slopes of a kind of small broken _massif_. Before the War, the -village consisted of a number of independant quarters intersected by -picturesque, winding streets, the whole hidden from view by gardens and -orchards. - -[Illustration: BOULOGNE-LA-GRASSE.--THE RUINED CHURCH.] - -[Illustration: THE CHOIR OF THE ABOVE CHURCH.] - -The church, access to which is gained by a flight of 34 steps, -overlooks the main street. The choir alone is ancient. - -_Take the street on the left of the church, then the first on the left -which leads to the top of the massif overlooking the village._ - -The moats surrounding the site of the old fortified Château are still -visible. The latter was replaced by a modern Château, now in ruins. - -The telegraph-station, which used to stand on the top of the hill, to -the west of the village, was destroyed by the Prussians in 1814. - -[Illustration: BOULOGNE-LA-GRASSE CHATEAU (1914).] - -[Illustration: THE COURTYARD OF THE CHATEAU (1918).] - -From here, there is a fine panorama of the battlefield. On March 27, -1918, the Germans attacked Boulogne and the villages to the east, i. -e. Conchy-les-Pots, Roye-sur-Matz, and Canny-sur-Matz, held by part -of the French 38th Division which had been brought up to reinforce -the 62nd Division, seriously depleted by several days' fighting. The -Germans captured Boulogne and Conchy, but the next day (28th), the -French counter-attacked and retook both villages. Having, after two -unsuccessful assaults, gained a footing in Canny-sur-Matz, the enemy -launched repeated violent counter-attacks against Conchy and Boulogne, -reoccupying the former, but recapturing only part of the latter. On -the 29th, the French progressed beyond Boulogne and again reached the -outskirts of Conchy without, however, being able to capture Canny or -dislodge the Germans from the eastern part of Boulogne. That night, -Boulogne was crushed by the French artillery and made practically -untenable, but on the 30th, the German offensive, debouching from -Conchy, drove back the French who were occupying the _massif_. During -the following months, the Germans organized a line of support in this -region known as the "Rheinlandstellung". General Humbert's offensive -of August 10, freed the entire _massif_. The same evening the line -ran through Orvillers, Boulogne-la-Grasse, La Poste, north of Conchy, -through Conchy-les-Pots and the railway-station of Roye-sur-Matz. On -the 11th, in spite of fierce counter-attacks, the French reached the -wood north of La Poste, Hill 81 to the east of Roye-sur-Matz, and -the outskirts of Canny and La Berlière. On the following days, their -advance definitely freed the region. Canny was re-occupied on the 17th. - -[Illustration] - -_Return to the church, keeping straight on as far as the first road -on the left_ (G.C. 27) _which leads to_ =Conchy-les-Pots=. _Before -reaching this village_, a Franco-German cemetery _will be seen on the -right_. _A little further on, turn left. At the fork, the left-hand -road leads to_ the ruins of the parish church dating from the 11th -(square choir), 12th and 15th centuries. The church was practically -razed. _The road on the right leads to the_ St. Nicaise Chapel, -_situated immediately beyond the light railway_. This chapel contained -fine 15th or 16th century stained-glass windows, depicting the story -of St. Nicaise, which were placed in safety during the War. - -[Illustration: CONCHY-LES-POTS, AT THE CROSSROADS OF -BOULOGNE-LA-GRASSE.] - -[Illustration: CONCHY-LES-POTS, A CORNER OF THE RUINS.] - -_Return to the entrance to the village. By G.C. 27, on the left, -tourists may proceed to_ =Roye-sur-Matz=, whose church (_Hist. Mon._) -was partly 12th century. It was rebuilt in the 16th-17th centuries, -except the doorway, nave, northern transept and tower which were in a -remarkably good state of preservation. Previous to the offensives of -1918, the church had been for three years in the firing line, and was -seriously damaged between 1914 and 1917. Its ruin was completed in -1918. A few fragments of walls belonging to the chevet are all that -remain. - -[Illustration: ROYE-SUR-MATZ.--THE CHURCH.] - -_From Roye-sur-Matz return to Conchy-les-Pots, where take the -left-hand (paved) N. 17 to_ =Orvillers-Sorel=. _On the left, between -Conchy-les-Pots and Orvillers-Sorel, is_ the village of BIERMONT, which -was desperately defended by the French 62nd Division on March 30, 1918. - -[Illustration] - -[Illustration: ORVILLERS-SOREL CHURCH IN RUINS.] - -This district suffered severely from the fierce fighting of -March-August 1918. On March 30 two German divisions, including one -of the Guard, attacked Orvillers-Sorel, defended by a portion of -the French 38th Div., the 4th Regt. of Zouaves and the 8th Regt. of -Tirailleurs, the heroes of Douaumont, Hurtebise and La Malmaison. -These two regiments, overwhelmed by numbers, were forced to fall back, -but only after desperate fighting. Units of the 4th Regt. of Zouaves, -greatly outnumbered and cut off, fought to the last man. Others -managed to cut their way through, falling back only to reform and -counter-attack, sometimes without an officer. As far as the northern -outskirts of Orvillers, the ground was defended, inch by inch, and -the enemy were unable to enter the village. During the night, the 4th -Regt. of Zouaves reformed in the ruins, and on the following day (31st) -counter-attacked between 1.30 and 2.30 p.m., reconquering Epinette -Wood and taking a number of prisoners. Until May 3, when they were -relieved, they maintained their positions. On April 12 and May 11, the -French delivered two local attacks and progressed to the north-west of -Orvillers. On May 12 and 14, a German attack against the new positions -failed with heavy losses. On August 10, the 34th Corps of Humbert's -Army cleared Orvillers-Sorel, and captured the "Gothenstellung", which -formed the third main fighting line of the German defences. - -[Illustration: ORVILLERS-SOREL. VIEW OF THE VILLAGE.] - -_Beyond the village, a small chapel is passed, on the right, the -tourist coming out opposite_ =Sorel Château= (late 17th century), -_which stands_ in a closed park. The Château was seriously damaged -during the attacks. - -[Illustration: SOREL CHATEAU.] - -_Take the avenue facing the Château_, which was bordered with trenches, -_then N. 17 on the left, to_ =Cuvilly=. - -This village is situated on the old Flanders road, formerly used by -the stage-coaches. The latter used to stop at the Post-House, the old -buildings of which were still standing before the War. The church, -heavy in style, probably dates in part from the end of the 16th -century. Only the walls and tower remain. - -[Illustration: CUVILLY. - -THE CHURCH, SOUTH-WEST FAÇADE.] - -_To reach the church take Rue de Matz, on the right, and on reaching -the square, bear to the left._ - - -Belloy Plateau. - -_To reach_ Belloy Plateau, on which violent fighting took place in June -1918, _keep straight on the road from Cuvilly to_ =Lataule=. - -The church of Lataule, although modern, has retained some of the -windows of the 15th century edifice. Opposite, stands the Château, -built at the end of the 17th century, after the Spanish wars. Of the -old Château, destroyed in the 17th century, traces still remain near to -the road. - -_Turn to the right, skirting the park of the Château, to reach_ =Hill -132=, on which are a cemetery, an observation-post, and some trenches. - -[Illustration: STATUES IN CUVILLY CHURCH.] - -From there, the view extends over Belloy and Méry to the west, Cuvilly -to the north, Lataule and Lataule Wood to the east, Genlis Wood to the -south, and St. Maur to the south-east. The Germans gained a footing on -this bare plateau on June 10, 1918, capturing the villages of Lataule, -Méry, Belloy, St. Maur and Cuvilly, after a fierce battle lasting -two days, in which they engaged large forces. Méry especially, was -fiercely disputed and changed hands twice that day. On the following -day (11th), the Germans had scarcely installed themselves on the newly -conquered ground, when they were thrown into confusion and defeated -by the sudden counter-attack of a group of divisions under General -Mangin. All available tanks had been assembled within twelve hours, in -support of this counter-attack, and thanks to their clearly visible -line, the French aviators were able, throughout the battle, to follow -the advance of the infantry with accuracy. The tanks attacked and cut -off the villages of Méry and Belloy, enabling the infantry to capture -the entire German garrisons without striking a blow. On the 12th they -reformed, and went forward again with the infantry, advancing east of -Méry and Genlis Wood, before Belloy, and as far as the outskirts of -St. Maur. The line was advanced 2 kms., east of Méry, as a consequence -of this thrust, and German counter-attacks failed to win back the -lost ground. Cuvilly remained in the possession of the enemy, who -consolidated it. On August 10, when the offensive by Humbert's Army -began, the German line of support known as the "Vandalenstellung", -which passed south of the village, was carried by the French in a -single rush. - -[Illustration: -LATAULE. THE CHATEAU IN RUINS.] - -[Illustration: RUINS OF BELLOY CHURCH.] - -[Illustration: BARRICADE IN MÉRY VILLAGE.] - -[Illustration: MÉRY. A CORNER OF THE VILLAGE.] - -_The road leads to_ =Belloy=, _which pass through, leaving the pond on -the left. Just outside the village, there is_ a "Calvary", _whilst a -little further on, are_ battery positions with shelters. =Méry=, whose -church is in _the third street on the left, is next reached_. - -The oldest parts of the church (choir, left transept and tower) date -from the 16th century. The rest is 18th century. There are underground -shelters in the village and surroundings, the entrances to which are -nearly all blocked up. As in the other villages on this plateau, -ancient _sarcophagi_ have been discovered at Méry. - -_Turn back and take G.C. 146 to_ RESSONS-SUR-MATZ. Trenches with wire -entanglements are to be seen along the road. - -[Illustration: ARTILLERY PASSING THROUGH RESSONS-SUR-MATZ.] - - -From Belloy Plateau to Compiègne, - -=via Ressons-sur-Matz, Marquéglise, Margny-sur-Matz, Élincourt-St. -Marguerite, Marest-sur-Matz, Coudun and Bienville.= - -_At the crossing of the road with N. 17, on the left, is_ the CHATEAU -OF SÉCHELLES. _Continue along G.C. 146; 2 kms. further on, there is a -very bad level-crossing over a narrow-gauge railway. After crossing -a normal gauge railway (l. c.) and another narrow-gauge line_, -=Ressons-sur-Matz= _is reached. Turn left to reach the church._ - -[Illustration: RESSONS-SUR-MATZ.--THE MAIN STREET.] - -Ressons is a very ancient market-town. St. Amand, bishop of Maestricht, -preached the Gospel there about the year 632. It was formerly a fairly -important place, especially in the 16th century. A fortified castle, -standing at the end of the village on the road to Séchelles, was taken -by the Burgundians in 1430, and afterwards recaptured by the French. -The church (_Hist. Mon._) dates from various periods: the nave and -side-aisle with their richly ornamented buttresses were rebuilt in the -middle of the 16th century; the most ancient parts (cornices of the -nave, and the northern transept and choir) are 12th century; fragments -of the stained-glass windows bear the date "1561". The building was -considerably damaged in 1918: the stained-glass windows were destroyed -and the bell disappeared. - -_Turn back, and beyond Place du Marché take G.C. 41 on the left. On -leaving Ressons, there is a bad level-crossing over a narrow-gauge -railway, another in very bad condition beyond Bayencourt Farm, and a -third 1 km. further on, after which_ =Marquéglise= _is reached. (See -sketch-map, p. 114.)_ - -[Illustration: MARQUÉGLISE.--A CORNER OF THE VILLAGE.] - -The old Château opposite the church is in ruins; the surrounding walls -and outlying pavilions alone remain standing. - -The church is mainly 16th century. The choir vaulting contains several -keystones bearing coats-of-arms. A pretty 15th or 16th century cross -with a Virgin on one of its sides, which used to stand in the cemetery, -was destroyed. - -[Illustration: MARQUÉGLISE. - -THE CHURCH AND FRENCH MILITARY GRAVES.] - -_A foot-path nearly opposite the church leads to_ =Hill 77=. From there -a fine panoramic view may be had of the battlefield on both sides -of the Amiens-Compiègne road, as far as the Aronde, particularly to -the south-west, where the view takes in Antheuil, Loges Farm (an old -dependency of Ourscamps Abbey), and Porte Farm, formerly belonging to -Élincourt-St.-Marguerite Priory. This region was the scene of desperate -fighting during the German offensive of June 9-11, 1918. - -[Illustration: THE BATTLEFIELD TO THE SOUTH-WEST OF HILL 77.] - -On the night of the 10th, the Germans captured Antheuil and the -two farms, advancing as far as the Aronde. They were already -shouting victory, in the belief they were outflanking Compiègne from -the north-west and would soon reach Estrées-St.-Denis, when the -counter-attack of June 11 drove them back. Antheuil was retaken and -held; the two farms were likewise recaptured, but the French were -unable to hold them. - -On the 14th, although the enemy failed in front of Antheuil, they -resumed their advance towards Les Loges and Porte Farm. - -During the rest of the month this sector remained agitated. On several -occasions the Germans attempted to retake Antheuil, but were each time -repulsed. - -A surprise attack by the French on July 9 resulted in the capture of -the two farms in the early morning, with 500 prisoners. On the 13th, -they improved their positions and advanced 500 yards to the north of -Porte Farm. On August 10, the whole district was cleared by the advance -of Humbert's Army. - -_Return to the car and after turning it round, take the first road on -the left to_ =Margny-sur-Matz=. (_See map, p. 124._) - -[Illustration: MARGNY-SUR-MATZ.--INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH. - -_Note the "Glory Beam"._] - -The door and choir of the church are Norman. Some of the capitals in -the choir (those behind the altar) attest to the primitive Norman -style. A stone _Pieta_ and a small ovoid stoup dating from 1603 have -disappeared. A "glory beam" depicts Jesus-Christ, the Virgin and St. -John. - -_Continue along the road. On leaving Margny, there is a bad -level-crossing over a narrow-gauge railway. Take the first road on the -left to_ =Élincourt-St.-Marguerite=. - -[Illustration: ELINCOURT-ST.-MARGUERITE. THE CHURCH.] - -This is a very old village, in the neighbourhood of which are several -tombs dating from a very remote period. The country was occupied by the -Romans. Gallo-Roman remains have been discovered around the Château of -Bellinglise. Under Charles-le-Simple, the village and chapel of St. -Marguerite were given to the Abbey of St. Corneille at Compiègne. The -Priory of St. Marguerite, founded by the Benedictines at the end of the -11th or beginning of the 12th century, was rebuilt in the 13th century. -The district hereabouts suffered severely during the Hundred Years War. -According to a local tradition, the old Château of Beauvoir, on the -left of the Thiescourt road and now entirely overrun with vegetation, -gave shelter one night to Joan of Arc, then a prisoner. This is not -improbable, but the tablet in the church, bearing the following -inscription: _Joan of Arc, before shutting herself up in Compiègne, in -MCCCCXXX, made a pilgrimage to St. Marguerite and communicated in the -church of Élincourt_, is not borne out by history, as she could not -have gone to Élincourt--occupied by the English--seeing that she left -Crépy to go to Compiègne. - -Parts of the church are early 12th century, the aisles and belfry 18th. -The doorway includes three accoladed windows, with two other windows -above surmounted by diamond-pointed moulding. In the interior, there -is an 18th century marble altar. A marble statue of St. Marguerite was -placed in safety during the war, but another of St. John (15th century) -also in marble, has disappeared, together with the two shrines of St. -Barbe and St. Marguerite. - -The church was seriously damaged, most of the vaulting being destroyed. -At the eastern termination, the partial collapse of two buttresses -laid bare some small 12th century columns which formerly ornamented -the choir and which were walled in at the time the buttresses were -reconstructed, probably in the 15th century. - -_Leaving the church on the left, follow the road as far as the first -crossing. Leave the car and climb the hill-side on foot, as far as_ the -=Monastery of St. Marguerite=, which dominates the whole valley of the -Matz, and from which there is a fine view extending from Ressons Wood -to the Soissonnais hills. Only fragments of the surrounding walls, a -deep well, some cellars (which were transformed into shelters), and a -number of old yew-trees remain. - -[Illustration: ELINCOURT-ST.-MARGUERITE AND THE VALLEY OF THE MATZ, -SEEN FROM THE MONASTERY OF ST. MARGUERITE.] - -_On the way back, take the left-hand road, which joins G.C. 142. At the -fork, take the right-hand road to_ =Marfontaine Manor=--practically -intact--built in the 13th century on a Gallo-Roman mound, to the north -of the Priory Garden. The great hall has low vaulting, the central -springing of which rests on a round pillar; the keystones represent -three entwined fishes. The =Château of Bellinglise=, abutting on -Marfontaine Manor, was built in the 16th century. - -[Illustration: BELLINGLISE CHATEAU.] - -_The left-hand road passes near_ =St. Claude Farm=, _at the crossing -of G.C. 142 (from Élincourt to Lassigny) with G.C. 82 (from Mareuil to -Thiescourt_). From here, there is a fine view over the battlefield from -the Matz to the Oise: Gury (_to the north_), the valley of the Matz and -Ressons (_to the west_), Mareuil-la-Motte, Marquéglise and Vignemont -(_to the south_), Élincourt, Chevincourt, Mélicocq and Ribécourt (_to -the south-east_), and the Thiescourt Woods (_to the east_). - -[Illustration: THE MASSIF OF THIESCOURT. - -_The eastern portion of the massif and the fighting which took place -there, are described in the Michelin Guide: Noyon, Roye, Lassigny._] - -During the battle of March 30, 1918, the headquarters of General -d'Ambly (77th Division) were at Élincourt, while those of General -Guillemin (53rd Division) were at Chevincourt. At that time, these -divisions were barring the road from Plessis-de-Roye to the Oise. -Until June 9, the enemy attempted local operations only. On June 9, -they attacked in massed formation, capturing Gury Heights, Ricquebourg -Wood, and Mareuil-la-Motte. The village of Ressons-sur-Matz, in which -they gained a footing, was disputed foot by foot. St. Claude Farm, -which also fell, was in the thick of the battle. It was an important -position overlooking the plateau, from which the enemy, from the outset -of the attack, had an extensive view over a large part of the French -rear positions, and its loss meant the withdrawal of the artillery. The -brunt of the German attack was directed against this observation-post, -which had to be abandoned, the French being overwhelmed. On the 10th -the Germans reached Ressons Wood and Bellinglise Plateau, gained a -footing in Marquéglise, and captured the farms of Attiche, Monolithe, -Ribécourt and Antoval. On the 12th, after repeated attempts, they -gained a footing in Mélicocq, carried the heights of Croix-Ricard, and -crossed the Matz. However, on June 13, a French counter-attack drove -them back across the river; Mélicocq and Croix-Ricard were recaptured, -together with a hundred prisoners and a number of guns. In spite of -several violent counter-attacks, the enemy were held. - -On August 10, an offensive by Humbert's Army began to clear the whole -region. At 4.20 a.m., the 129th, 165th, 6th, 121st, 74th, 123rd, -67th, 38th and 15th Divs. attacked from Courcelles to Antheuil and from -Antheuil to the Oise. At 7 a.m. the first objectives were reached. -Ressons, through which ran the enemy's main line (the "Gothenstellung") -was passed, whilst Marquéglise, the Château of Séchelles, Chevincourt -and Bourmont were captured. The whole of a Regimental Staff was -captured at the Château of Séchelles. At Ressons the tanks threw the -Germans into confusion. On the 11th, Vignemont, Margny, Le Plessier, -Hill 179, Mareuil-la-Motte, Bellinglise Château and Élincourt were -captured. The French advanced in the direction of Gury and St. Claude -Farm, which formed the key of the "Gothenstellung" position, and by -evening had reached the western outskirts of Gury, a point south of -La Berlière and Hill 143, and approached St. Claude Farm, Hill 166, -Samson, Cense Farm and the quarries of Montigny and Antoval. On the -12th, they captured and progressed beyond Gury and St. Claude Farm, and -took Écouvillon and Loges Wood, the latter being, however, lost again -in the afternoon. On the 13th, they advanced along the plateau, gained -a footing in Plessis Park, reached the eastern outskirts of Belval, and -attained a point 800 yards north-east of Gury. Entering Ribécourt on -the 14th, they re-occupied the Attiche and Monolithe Farms on the 15th, -as well as the quarries situated 2 kms. north-west of Ribécourt. On the -17th, the Germans delivered several powerful attacks near Monolithe and -Attiche Farms, but failed to drive back the French, who strongly held -the newly conquered ground. - -[Illustration: ST. CLAUDE FARM.] - -_From St. Claude Farm, return to Élincourt. Near the church, take Rue -de l'Escalier_ (G.C. 142) _and the road on the left of the Calvary. 1 -km. further on, near a block of houses, follow the right-hand road, -passing through_ =Marest-sur-Matz=. _The road skirts the_ CHATEAU -OF RIMBERLIEU, _opposite which is_ a tower--all that remains of an -old fortified castle. =Villers-sur-Coudun= _is next reached_, whose -church is situated on the left, near the end of the village. The end -of the chancel is 12th-13th century, the façade and vaulting 15th-16th -century, the remainder modern. - -_Continue along the road to_ =Coudun=, formerly the Head-Quarters of -the Training Camp built in 1698 for the Duke of Burgundy, grandson of -Louis XIV. The king, accompanied by James II of England, paid a visit -to this camp in August, to attend the military manÅ“uvres. The camp, -under the command of Marshal de Boufflers, extended along the plateau -which dominates the right bank of the Oise from Lachelle to Margny and -from Baugy to the Château of Bienville. 50 battalions of Infantry, 52 -squadrons of Cavalry and 40 guns were stationed there. - -[Illustration: VILLERS-SUR-COUDUN.--THE MAIN STREET.] - -Although the nave and aisles of ST. HILAIRE CHURCH are modern, -the façade, arched doorway and choir date from the Norman period -(11th or 12th century). The doorway is ornamented with an archivolt -formed by raftered and counter-raftered _tori_ with a tympanum of -diamond-moulding. One of the cornices of the choir is supported by -Norman arcading with figured modillions. Inside the church are a -stoup and a 7-branched chandelier (both made out of a single piece -of wrought-iron), and a 17th century painting above the high altar -depicting: _The Crowning of the Virgin_. The bronze bell (761) was -saved. - -_Keep along G.C. 142_ to =Bienville=, situated to the west of a -long hill--the Ganelon--which stretches from the south-east to the -north-west, and whose south-western side is sharply indented. From -the top of this hill (altitude: 480 feet) consisting of a plateau -which dips slightly down towards the Oise, there is a fine view over -the whole of the surrounding country: Laigue Forest, Aisne Valley, -Compiègne Forest, Oise Valley as far as Verberie, and the hills of -Liancourt, between Creil and Clermont. At the north-western end of -Ganelon Hill, many Roman medals and antiquities have been discovered, -and it is believed that a Roman camp formerly occupied this site. -Tradition has it that a fortified castle stood there in the Middle-Ages. - -[Illustration] - -_C.G. 142 first skirts, then crosses the railway (l. c.), afterwards -joining N. 32, at which point turn to right._ =Compiègne= _is entered -by the Avenue de Clairoix and Rue de Noyon. At the end of the latter, -take Rue d'Amiens on the left, cross the Oise, and follow Rue de -Solférino which leads to Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville._ - -[Illustration: THE FRENCH G.H.Q. AT COMPIÈGNE, IN 1917. GENERAL PÉTAIN -MAKING HIS REPORT IN A ROOM OF THE CHATEAU. - -_To visit Compiègne, use the Michelin Guide_: Compiègne, before and -during the War.] - -[Illustration: COMPIÈGNE.--FIRE AT THE CORNER OF RUE DES TROIS-BARBEAUX -AND PLACE DU MARCHÉ AUX HERBES. - -_Extracted from the Michelin Guide_: Compiègne before and during the -War.] - - - - -ALPHABETICAL INDEX - -of the places mentioned in this Guide. - - - A - - Ailly-sur-Noye, 78, 79 - - Aquenne Wood, 59, 65 - - Arrière-Cour Wood, 75, 76 - - Assainvillers, 94-97, 107 - - - B - - Bains (Château), 109 - - Beaucourt, 66, 68, 69 - - Bellinglise (Château), 123 - - Belloy, 116, 117, 118 - - Bienville, 126 - - Boulogne-la-Grasse, 110-112 - - Boves, 62 - - - C - - Cachy, 58, 59, 62, 64 - - Caix, 66, 69, 70 - - Canny-sur-Matz, 111, 112 - - Cantigny, 86, 87 - - Conchy-les Pots, 111, 113 - - Coudun, 125 - - Cuvilly, 115, 116 - - - D - - Demuin, 64, 65, 66 - - Domart, 65, 66 - - - E - - Élincourt-Ste-Marg., 122, 125 - - Erches, 93 - - Etelfay, 93 - - - F - - Folleville, 79, 80, 81 - - Fontaine-sous-Montdidier, 87, 94 - - - G - - Genlis Wood, 116, 117 - - Gentelles, 58, 62, 65 - - Grivesnes, 82-86 - - Grivillers, 92 - - Guillaucourt, 66 - - - H - - Hangard, 64-68 - - - L - - La Neuville-Sire-Bernard, 96, 97 - - Lataule, 116, 117 - - L'Echelle St-Aurin, 93 - - Le Lundi, 109 - - Longueau, 58 - - - M - - Mailly-Raineval, 74-77 - - Maison-Blanche, 68 - - Marfontaine Manor-House, 123 - - Margny-sur-Matz, 121 - - Marquéglise, 120, 123, 125 - - Méry, 116, 118 - - Mézières, 66, 70 - - Montdidier, 88-106 - - Moreuil, 66, 71, 72, 77 - - Morisel, 73, 76, 77 - - - O - - Orvillers-Sorel, 112, 114, 115 - - - P - - Piennes, 93, 97, 107, 108 - - Pierrepont, 93, 97 - - Plessier, 84 - - - R - - Ressons-sur-Matz, 119, 124, 125 - - Rimberlieu (Château), 125 - - Rollot, 93, 108, 109 - - Royaucourt, 94, 95 - - Roye-sur-Matz, 111, 113 - - - S - - St-Aignan Chapel, 83, 85 - - St-Claude Farm, 123, 125 - - Séchelles (Château), 119, 125 - - Sénecat Wood, 76 - - Sorel (Château), 115 - - - T - - Thennes, 68 - - Thory, 77, 83 - - - V - - Villers-aux-Érables, 70, 71 - - Villers-Bretonneux, 59-65 - - Villers-sur-Coudun, 125, 126 - -[Illustration: GERMAN TANK CAPTURED NEAR VILLERS-BRETONNEUX IN 1918.] - - - - -MICHELIN DURING THE WAR - - -THE MICHELIN HOSPITAL - - When the Great War broke out, Michelin at once converted an immense - new four-storied warehouse into an up-to-date Hospital, with Operating - Theatre, X-Ray, Bacteriological Laboratory, etc. Seven weeks later - (September 22, 1914) Doctors, Dispensers, Nurses, Sisters of Mercy, - and auxiliaries were all at their posts. The first wounded arrived the - same night. In all, 2,993 wounded were received. - - All expenses were paid by Michelin. - - The story of how Michelin did "his bit" during the war is told briefly - and simply in the illustrated booklet, "The Michelin Hospital", sent - post free on application. - -[Illustration: A VIEW OF ONE OF THE WARDS] - - -MICHELIN & Cie., Clermont-Ferrand, France. - -MICHELIN TYRE Co., Ltd., 81, Fulham Road, London, S.W.3. - - - - -THE - -_MICHELIN_ - -TOURING OFFICE - - -[Illustration: A VIEW OF THE MICHELIN TOURING OFFICE] - -Open to all Motorists seeking information and advice regarding Tours - - The MICHELIN Touring Office saves the intending Tourist time and - trouble, and generally assists him in mapping out his Tour free of - charge, and irrespective of the make of Tyres he uses. - - Send us a rough draft of your next proposed Tour and we will prepare a - complete and detailed itinerary and forward it on to you, within three - or four days. - - -MICHELIN TOURING OFFICE - - 81, FULHAM ROAD, LONDON, S.W.3. and - 99, BOULEVARD PEREIRE, PARIS, XVII. - - Telephone: Kensington 4400. Telegrams: "Pneumiclin, London." - - - - -_Copies of any of the_ - -IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM PHOTOGRAPHS - -reproduced in this guide - -_by permission of the_ - -IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM - -can be purchased from the - -Photographic Section of the Museum - -_at the Crystal-Palace, London S.E.19_. - - - - -MICHELIN TOURING MAPS, - -_as under, can be obtained from Michelin Stockists and booksellers in -Great Britain, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Spain_: - - MAP OF GREAT BRITAIN 31 sheets - -- FRANCE 48 -- - -- BELGIUM 3 -- - -- SWITZERLAND 4 -- - -- SPAIN 13 -- - - - * * * * * - - - -Transcriber's Notes. -1. Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by - =equal signs=. -2. Silently corrected simple spelling, grammar, and typographical - errors. -3. Page 24: Illustration caption should read "General Rawlinson". - Caption corrected. -4. Page 96: The original reads "The Liberation [on] Montdidier. - (_August 8-10, 1918._)." This is probably an error and should read - "The Liberation [of] Montdidier. (_August 8-10, 1918._)." - Text not changed. -5. Page 123: (_from Mareuil to Thiescourt_). Missing bracket added. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Somme, Volume 2. 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Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/53762-0.zip b/old/53762-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index dc1caa8..0000000 --- a/old/53762-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/53762-h.zip b/old/53762-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 9fd9a79..0000000 --- a/old/53762-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/53762-h/53762-h.htm b/old/53762-h/53762-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 30922de..0000000 --- a/old/53762-h/53762-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6241 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of Illustrated Michelin Guides To the Battle-fields (1914-1918), -by MICHELIN & Cie. - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - -body {margin-left: 15%; - margin-right: 15%;} - -@media print, handheld { - div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} - div.break {page-break-before: always;}} - -@media print {span.pagenum { - visibility : hidden; - color : white; - display : none;}} - -h1,h2,h3 {text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both;} - -p {margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em;} - -.u {text-decoration: underline;} - -.small {font-size: 75%;} -.smaller {font-size: 90%;} -.large {font-size: 120%;} -.large {font-size: 120%;} -.xlarge {font-size: 150%;} -.xxlarge {font-size: 175%;} -.xxxlarge {font-size: 200%;} -.xxxxlarge {font-size: 400%;} - -.d-line {width:25em; - border-top: 4px double #999; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; - clear: both;} - -.topspace-1 {margin-top:-1em;} - -hr.sect {margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:2em; - margin-left:35%; margin-right:35%; - width:30%;} - -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin: 2em 17.5% 3em; page-break-after: always;} - -hr.full {width: 95%; margin-left:2.5%; margin-right: 2.5%;} - -hr.r25 {width: 25%; margin-left:37.5%; margin-right: 37.5%; - margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} - -table {margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto;} - -.tdl {text-align: left;} - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right;} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.right {text-align: right;} - -.left {text-align: left;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.u {text-decoration: underline;} - -.caption {font-weight: bold;} - -.figcenter {padding-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 1em; - margin: auto; text-align: center;} - -img {max-width: 100%;} - -.topspace-1 {margin-top:-1em;} -.topspace1 {margin-top:1em;} -.topspace2 {margin-top:2em;} -.topspace3 {margin-top:3em;} -.topspace4 {margin-top:4em;} - -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif;} - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Somme, Volume 2. The Second Battle of -the Somme (1918), by Michelin & Cie - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Somme, Volume 2. The Second Battle of the Somme (1918) - -Author: Michelin & Cie - -Release Date: December 18, 2016 [EBook #53762] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SOMME, VOLUME 2 (1918) *** - - - - -Produced by Brian Coe, Brian Wilsden and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="break"> -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_dust_jacket_front.jpg" alt="Dust Cover." /> -</div> -</div> - -<hr class="r25" /> - -<div class="break"> -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Front Cover." /> -</div> -</div> - -<hr class="r25" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</a></span></p> - -<h1><span class="small"> -ILLUSTRATED MICHELIN GUIDES<br /> -TO THE BATTLE-FIELDS (1914-1918)</span></h1> - -<div class="d-line"></div> - -<div class="topspace4"></div> - -<p class="center"><span class="xxxlarge">THE</span><br /> -<span class="xxxxlarge">SOMME</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="xlarge">VOLUME 2.<br /> -THE SECOND BATTLE OF THE SOMME<br /> -(1918)</span><br /> -<span class="large">(AMIENS, MONTDIDIER, COMPIÈGNE)</span></p> - -<div class="topspace4"></div> - -<p class="center">MICHELIN & C<span class="small"><span class="u">IE</span></span> —CLERMONT-FERRAND.<br /> -MICHELIN TYRE C<span class="small"><span class="u">O</span></span> L<span class="small"><span class="u">TD</span></span> —81, FULHAM ROAD, LONDON, S. W<br /> -MICHELIN TIRE C<span class="small"><span class="u">O</span></span> —MILLTOWN. N.J. U.S.A. -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[Pg ii]</a></span></p> - -<div class="break"> -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_advert_001.jpg" alt="Advert for Hotels in Amiens and Compiègne." /> -</div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap"/> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>HOTELS</h2> -</div> - -<hr class="r25" /> - -<p class="center">AMIENS</p> - -<p class="center"> -Hôtel du Rhin, 4, <cite>rue de Noyon</cite>. Tel. 44.<br /> -Belfort-Hôtel, 42, <cite>rue de Noyon</cite>. Tel. 649.<br /> -Hôtel de l'Univers, 2, <cite>rue de Noyon</cite>. Tel. 2.51.<br /> -Hôtel de la Paix, 15, <cite>rue Duméril</cite>. Tel. 9.21.<br /> -Hôtel de l'Ecu de France, 51, <cite>place René-Goblet</cite>. Tel. 3.37. -</p> - -<div class="topspace1"></div> - -<p class="center">COMPIÈGNE</p> - -<p class="center"> -Hôtel du Rond-Royal, <i>av. Thiers</i>. I Rond-Royal. Tel. 4.15.<br /> -Palace-Hôtel, <i>place du Palais</i>. I Palace, Tel. 1.15.<br /> -Hôtel de la Cloche, 27, <i>place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville</i>. Tel. 0.85.<br /> -Hôtel de Flandre, 2, <i>rue d'Amiens</i>. Tel. 36.<br /> -</p> -<div class="topspace1"></div> - -<hr class="r25" /> - -<div class="center"> -<p><i>The above information, extracted from the</i> MICHELIN TOURIST GUIDE -(1920), <i>may no longer be exact when it meets the reader's eye. -Tourists are therefore recommended to consult the</i> MICHELIN TOURING -OFFICES, <i>81, Fulham Rd., London. S.W. 3, or 99, Boulevard Pereire, -Paris, 17<sup>e</sup></i>.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="large"><i>AN INDISPENSABLE AUXILIARY</i>:</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_advert_002.jpg" alt="Advert for The Michelin Map. " /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<p class="center"><span class="xxlarge">The Michelin Map</span></p> - - -<p class="center"> -<i>On sale<br /> -at booksellers<br /> -and<br /> -<span class="large">MICHELIN</span><br /> -stockists.</i><br /> -</p> - -<p class="center"> -<i>For the<br /> -present<br /> -<span class="large">GUIDE</span>,<br /> -take sheet<br /> -n<sup>o</sup> <b>6</b>.</i><br /> -</p> - -<p class="center"><span class="xlarge"><i>MOTORISTS</i></span></p> - -<p class="center"> -<i>this map<br /> -was made<br /> -specially<br /> -for you.</i><br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span></p> - -<div class="break"> -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_advert_003.jpg" alt="Advert for the Michelin Wheel." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> -</div> - -<p class="center"><span class="xlarge"><b>The "Michelin Wheel"</b></span></p> - -<p class="center">BEST of all detachable wheels<br /> -because the least complicated</p> - -<p class="center"><i><span class="u">Smart</span></i></p> - -<p class="center">It embellishes even the finest coachwork.</p> - -<p class="center"><i><span class="u">Simple</span></i></p> - -<p class="center">It is detachable at the hub and fixed by six -bolts only.</p> - -<p class="center"><i><span class="u">Strong</span></i></p> - -<p class="center">The only wheel which held out on all fronts -during the War.</p> - -<p class="center"><i><span class="u">Practical</span></i></p> - -<p class="center">Can be replaced in 3 minutes by <b>anybody</b> -and cleaned still quicker.</p> - -<p class="center">It prolongs the life of tyres by cooling them.</p> - -<p class="center"><span class="large">AND THE CHEAPEST</span></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> - - -<p class="center"> -<span class="smcap">In Memory<br /> -of the Michelin Workmen and Employees<br /> -who died gloriously for their Country.</span><br /> -</p> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> - -<p class="center"><span class="xxlarge">THE</span><br /> -<br /> -<span class="xxxlarge">SOMME.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span class="xlarge">VOLUME II.</span><br /> -<br /> -<span class="large"><span class="smcap">The Second Battle of the Somme</span></span><br /> -<br /> -<span class="large">(1918)</span><br /> -<br /> -<span class="large">AMIENS—MONTDIDIER—COMPIÈGNE.</span><br /> -<br /> -</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_004.jpg" alt="Motif." /> -</div> - -<p class="center"> -<span class="small">Compiled and published by</span><br /> -<span class="smaller">MICHELIN & <span class="smcap">Cie.</span>, <span class="smaller">Clermont-Ferrand, France.</span></span> -</p> - -<hr class="r25" /> - -<p class="center"><span class="small"><i>All rights of translation, adaptation or reproduction (in part or<br /> -whole) reserved in all countries</i></span><br /> -<br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p> - -<p class="center">The Front Line,<br /> -March 21, 1918.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_002.jpg" alt="Map of The Battlefield." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption">THE BATTLEFIELD.</div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>THE SECOND BATTLE OF THE SOMME.</h2> -</div> - -<p>At different periods during the War, important events took place -in the Plains of Picardy, in the region which extends between Amiens -and St. Quentin, Bapaume and Noyon, between the valleys of the -rivers Ancre, Avre and Oise.</p> - -<p>The Franco-British Offensive of July-September 1916, and the -German Retreat of March 1917, are described in the Michelin Guide -"<b>The First Battle of the Somme</b>, 1916-1917", which includes carefully -prepared itineraries, enabling the reader to cover the whole battlefield -of that period.</p> - -<p>The present guide describes the operations which took place in -Picardy in March-April 1918 (<b>The German Offensive</b>), and in -August 1918 (<b>The Franco-British Offensive</b>); in a Word, the ebb -and flow of the German Armies in 1918, from St. Quentin to Montdidier.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>THE BATTLEFIELD.</h3> - -<p>Driven from the banks of the Somme by the Franco-British Offensive -of 1916, the Germans were compelled, in March 1917, to retreat, -before the menace of the Allied offensives on their flank.</p> - -<p>They then established themselves on the Hindenburg Line, and in -1917, in consequence of British attacks in the Arras sector and before -Cambrai, they unceasingly increased the number of their fortified -lines. This redoubtable position stretched to the west of the Cambrai-La -Fère road, via Le Catelet and St. Quentin, utilising a series -of natural obstacles, the most important of which were the Escaut, -the St. Quentin Canal and the marshy valley of the Oise. (See the -Michelin Guide "<b>The Hindenburg Line</b>".)</p> - -<p>But in the early days of 1918, having crushed Russia, Germany -decided to assume the offensive, using the Hindenburg positions as -a kind of spring-board, from which her mighty armies rushed forward -to conquer France.</p> - -<p>In February 1918, the British positions extended in front of the -Hindenburg Line, as far as the village of Barisis, opposite the Forest of -St. Gobain, to the south of the Oise. Three successive positions, -widely separated from one another, had been actively strengthened. -Moreover, the water-lines of the marshy valley of the Oise, the Crozat -Canal, the loop in the Somme, and the North Canal, formed so many -natural obstacles.</p> - -<p>The Picardian Plain, with its broad and gentle undulations, dotted -here and there with small woods, is closed, on the south, near the valley -of the Oise, by the wooded hills of Genlis, Frières and La Cave, and to -the west of the bend in the Oise, by the hills of Porquericourt and -the wooded <i>massif</i> of Le Plémont, with its promontory, Mount Renaud, -to the south of Noyon. Further west, the high ground of Boulogne-la-Grasse -does not close the Plain of Santerre, which, between the -slopes of Le Plémont and Montdidier, communicates freely with the -Plain of Ile-de-France. The enclosed and wooded valleys of the rivers -Avre, Trois-Doms and Luce intersect the tablelands of Santerre. -Further north, stretches the old battlefield of 1916,—a chaotic waste -of winding trenches and barbed wire entanglements.</p> - -<p>In the Picardian Plain, beyond the bounds of the old battlefield, -were numerous country villages, with their cottages grouped around -the church. The long, straight roads, bordered with fine elms or -fruit-trees, stretched as far as the eye could reach. This rich and -prosperous region, with its vast fields of corn and beet, was completely -ravaged by the War.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4-5]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>General View of the Second Battle of the Somme (1918).<br /> -<span class="smaller">The German Offensive: Formation of the Montdidier Pocket(March 21-April 24.)</span></h3> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_004_ab.jpg" alt="Maps" /> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_004_cd.jpg" alt="Maps" /> -</div> - -<hr class="r25" /> - -<p class="center"><span class="large"><b><i>The Allied Offensive: Reducing the Pocket as far as the Hindenburg Line<br /> -(August 8-September 25.).</i></b></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> - -<img src="images/i_map_004_ef.jpg" alt="Maps" /> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_004_gh.jpg" alt="Maps" /> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_006-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><i>In March 1918, the British and French Armies, under separate commands, -opposed the furious attacks of numerically superior and more powerfully -equipped enemy forces, grouped under the command of a single chief: Ludendorff.</i></div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>THE GERMAN OFFENSIVE OF MARCH 21.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center"><b>The Opposing Forces—Their Material and Moral Strength.</b></p> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> - -<p>Towards the end of 1917, the abandonment of the Allies, by Russia, -was consummated by the Russo-German Armistice of December 20, -followed by the Peace of Brest-Litowsk, of February 9, 1918. As -early as November 1917, Germany began to transfer her legions from -the eastern to the western front. Arriving, via Belgium, in ever-increasing -numbers, sixty-four new divisions were thus added to her -Western Armies, already one hundred and forty-one divisions strong, -giving a total strength of 205 German divisions against the Allies' -177 divisions.</p> - -<p>The material resources, accumulated on the Russian front, were -likewise transferred to the western front. The enemy's artillery was -reinforced all along the line, the number of heavy batteries being -doubled in many of the sectors.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_006-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Ludendorff.</span><br /></div> -<i>From General Buat's</i> "<span class="smcap">Ludendorff</span>" (<cite>Publishers: Payot. Paris.</cite>) -</div> - -<p>Besides this numerical and material superiority, Germany possessed - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> - -the additional advantage of a unique commander: Ludendorff, master -of the hour, at once absolute military chief and political dictator. -On the other hand, whilst the Allies were closely united by cordial -friendship, sealed on the field of battle, their armies were independant -units, separately commanded, each having its own reserves concentrated -behind its particular front.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_007.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">General Pétain among his "poilus"</span></div> -</div> - -<p>On February 3, 1917, the United States of America ranged themselves -on the side of the Allies, but their eventually powerful effort -could not make itself seriously felt before the summer of 1918. In -March 1918, four American divisions were in France, and a million -more men were expected by the following Autumn, but the Germans -were convinced that they would have the Allies beaten before then.</p> - -<p>The moral strength of the opposing forces constituted one of the -most important factors of victory.</p> - -<p>During 1917, after the Allies' Spring Offensives, a wave of lassitude -had lowered the fighting spirit of certain units of the French Army. -However, the <em>morale</em> of the French Army had fully regained its former -high level, when the great German offensive of March 1918 was -launched.</p> - -<p>The British Army had in the meantime perfected its training, and -acquired, in addition to experience, splendid fighting qualities.</p> - -<p>The Germans, badly shaken in 1916 by their failure at Verdun and -by the Allies' Offensive on the Somme, had, in consequence of Russia's -collapse, recovered all their former arrogant confidence and pride.</p> - -<p>But the Allies' blockade, despite Germany's ruthless submarine -warfare, tightened, and each day the menace of famine increased.</p> - -<p>Triumphal announcements of victory, and promises of an early -German peace appeared periodically in their press, yet still the war -dragged on. Something had to be done to end it all, whatever the -cost, and so the "Peace Offensive" was decided on.</p> - -<p>Although inferior in numbers and equipment, the Allies had acquired -moral superiority.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_008.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Driven from home by the German Push.</span><br /> -(<cite>Photo Imperial War Museum</cite>).</div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3> The German Strategy and Tactics.</h3> - -<p>In all the previous offensives, especially that of the Somme in 1916, -the artillery had been used, prior to the attack, to destroy the -adversary's defences. The great number of fortified works and their -ever increasing strength necessitated a proportionately longer and more -intense artillery preparation. Thus warned, the enemy were able to make -dispositions to counteract the effects of the attack, and to bring up -reinforcements.</p> - -<p>Moreover, the tremendous pounding of the ground greatly hampered -the advance of the storming troops, who were hindered at every -step by the enormous shell-holes and craters.</p> - -<p>Breaking away from past errors, and adopting and perfecting the -methods inaugurated the previous year before Riga, the German -High Command attacked by surprise, in March 1918, thereby securing -a crushing numerical superiority. The Allies were thrown into confusion, -and all attempts at resistance were unavailing, until the arrival -of the reserves. During this period of complete demoralisation, the -enemy were able to exploit their initial success to the full.</p> - -<p>The method employed was that of a sudden, violent shock, preceded -by a short artillery preparation, mostly with smoke and gas shells, -the aim of which was to put the men out of action, rather than to -crush the defences. To this end, huge concentrations of troops were -effected, in such wise that the masses of men could be thrown quickly -and secretly at the presumed weak part of the Allies' front.</p> - -<p>The semi-circular disposition of the front facilitated the enemy's -task, as the German reserves, grouped in the Hirson-Mézières region, -in the centre of the semi-circle, could be used with the same rapidity -against any part of the front-line from Flanders to Champagne.</p> - -<p>The point chosen by Ludendorff was the junction of the Franco-British -Armies. To separate these two groups, by driving back -the British, on the right, and the French, on the left; to exploit -the initial success in the direction of the sea, isolating the British -and forcing them back upon their naval bases of Calais and Dunkirk; -then, having crushed the British, to concentrate the whole of his -efforts against the French, who, unsupported and demoralized, would -soon be driven to their knees,—such was apparently the strategical -conception of the enemy's "Kaiserschlacht" or "Emperor's Battle".</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p class="center"><b>The Opposing Forces.</b></p> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> - -<p>On March 21, three German armies attacked along a 54-mile front, -from the Scarpe to the Oise.</p> - -<p>In the north, the XVIIth Army (von Below) and the IInd Army -(von Marwitz) attacked on either side of the Cambrai salient, but the -main effort was made by the XVIIIth Army (von Hutier), which stretched -from the north of St. Quentin to the Oise.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_009.jpg" alt="Map of German Attacks." /> -</div> - -<p>Facing these armies were: the right of the British 3rd Army (Byng), -extending from the Scarpe to Gouzeaucourt, and the British 5th. Army -(Gough), from Gouzeaucourt to south of the Oise.</p> - -<p>The British expected the brunt of the attack to fall between the -river Sensée and the Bapaume-Cambrai road, i.e. on the right of Byng's -Army, which was reinforced accordingly, whilst the sector in front of -the Oise, south of St. Quentin, against which von Hutier's huge army -had been concentrated, was only held by 4 divisions.</p> - -<p>More than 500,000 Germans were about to attack the 160,000 British -under Gough and Byng, whilst from the outset of the battle, large enemy -reserves swelled the number of the attacking divisions to 64, i.e., -more than the total number of British divisions in France. In all, no -less than 1,150,000 Germans were engaged in these tremendous onslaughts.</p> - -<p>During the five nights which preceded the attack, the German -divisions had been brought up secretly, the artillery having previously -taken up its positions and corrected its range, without augmenting -the volume of firing, so that nothing revealed the increased number -of the batteries.</p> - -<p>The shock troops, after several weeks of intensive training, -were brought up by night marches to the points of attack. During -the day, they were kept out of sight in the woods or villages. At -night, whether on the march or bivouacking, lights and fires were -strictly forbidden. Aeroplanes hovered above the columns to see -that these orders were carried out. The ammunition parks and -convoys were concealed in the woods. Until the last moment, the -troops and most of the officers were kept in ignorance of their -destination.</p> - -<p>These huge forces moving silently under the cover of night, symbolized -the enemy's might and cunning. "<em>It is strange</em>", wrote a German -officer in his note-book, "<em>to think of these huge masses of troops—all -Germany on the march—moving westward to-night</em>".</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>THE BATTLE.</h2> -</div> - -<p>On March 21, during this, the "Einbruch" or piercing stage, the -enormous enemy mass crushed, in less than 48 hours, the three -British positions situated in front of St. Quentin. Carrying the battle -into the open country beyond, the enemy transformed the "piercing" -into a break-through ("Durchbruch").</p> - -<p>This sudden, powerful thrust was followed by a "tidal wave" of -German infantry which at first submerged all before it, but which, -dammed by degrees, finally spent itself, a week later, against the Allies' -new front.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>THE DISRUPTION OF THE BRITISH FRONT.</h3> - -<p>On March 21, at daybreak (4.40 a.m.) a violent cannonade broke -out, and for five hours the intensity of this drum-fire steadily increased.</p> - -<p>First, a deluge of shells, mostly gas, pounded the British -batteries, some of which were silenced. Then the bombardment ploughed -up the first positions, spreading dense clouds of gas and fumes over a -wide zone. -</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p class="center"><b>"Michael" hour.</b></p> - -<p>Under cover of the smoke and fog, the German Infantry speedily -crossed No-Man's Land, and at 9.30 a.m. ("Michael" hour) penetrated -the British defences.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_010-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">General Gough.</span><br /> -<cite>Photo "Daily Mirror<br />Studios".</cite></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_010.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">General Byng.</span><br /> -<cite>Photo Russell, London.</cite></div> -</div> - -<p>The front assigned to each attacking division was only two -kilometres wide, the troops being formed into two storm columns of -one regiment each. The third regiment was kept as sector reserves, to -develop initial successes.</p> - -<p>The storm-troops, led by large numbers of non-commissioned officers, -advanced in waves, shoulder-to-shoulder, preceded by a rolling barrage -some 300 yards ahead of the first line. This barrage afterwards moved -forward at the rate of about 200 yards every five minutes.</p> - -<p>The waves advanced resolutely, protected first by the rolling -barrage, then by the accompanying artillery and <i>Minenwerfer</i>. -Wherever the resistance was too strong, a halt was made, allowing the -neighbouring waves to outflank the obstacle on either side, and crush -it.</p> - -<p>The Germans straightway threw the greatest possible mass of -infantry into the Allies' defences.</p> - -<p>Amid clouds of gas, smoke and fog, the British in the advanced - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> - -positions were surrounded and overwhelmed, often before they had -realized what was happening.</p> - -<p>Nearly all their machine-guns, posted to sweep the first zone, were -put out of action.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p class="center"><b>The First Day (March 21).</b></p> - -<p>The first day of the attack, General Byng's Army from -Fontaine-les-Croisilles to Demicourt, withstood the shock steadily, the -Germans penetrating the first lines only.</p> - -<p>In the centre, before St. Quentin, and to the south, in front -of Moy and La Fère, General Gough's Army, overwhelmed by numbers, -and notwithstanding the courage of the men, was broken early in the -attack.</p> - -<p>Opposite Le Catelet, the enemy storm divisions advanced 6 to 8 -kilometres, penetrating at noon the second-line positions along the -Epéhy-Le Verguier line. Further south, in front of Moy, they reached -Essigny-Fargnières.</p> - -<p>General Gough withdrew his right behind the water-line of the Crozat -and Somme Canals.</p> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_011.jpg" alt="Map." /> -<div class="caption"><i>The Disruption of the Front. March 21-22.</i></div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p class="center"><b>The Second Day—March 22.</b><br /></p> - -<p>Tergnier fell, and the water-line was turned from the right. Still -favoured by the fog, the Germans crossed the Crozat Canal. Fresh -divisions harassed the British without respite, the losses, both in men -and material, being very heavy.</p> - -<p>Their reserves, greatly outnumbered, were quickly submerged, and -the third positions were lost after a desperate but ineffectual -resistance.</p> - -<p>In spite of its stubborn resistance, the 3rd Army (Byng) was forced -to fall back, pivoting on its left, to line up with the retreating 5th -Army (Gough).</p> - -<p>The enemy advance developed rapidly. Within forty-eight hours, -over 60 German divisions (750,000 men) had been thrown into the -battle, which now raged in the open.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> - -<h3>THE INTERVENTION OF THE FRENCH.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_012.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Phases of the French Intervention.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>The crushing of the right and centre of the British 5th Army opened -a large breach north of the Oise, through which, as early as March 21, -the Germans streamed south and west. The situation was critical, as the -enemy hordes, having broken through the fortified zone, threatened to -submerge all before them. Prompt intervention was imperative, in order -to retard the enemy at all cost.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_012.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">General Pellé reviewing the troops of the<br /> -5th Corps in 1917.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>As early as the evening of the 21st, General Pétain made -dispositions to support the British right. The 9th and 10th Div. (5th -Corps) and the 1st Div. of unmounted Cuirassiers (Pellé), in reserve -near Compiègne, received orders to hold themselves in readiness. -At the same time, the staff of Gen. Fayolle's Army Group, and that -of Gen. Humbert's Army, prepared to take over the direction of the -operations.</p> - -<p>The 125th Inf. Div. was pushed forward to the Oise, whilst the -22nd, 62nd, and 1st. Cavalry. Divn. (Robillot's Group) were rapidly -despatched to the weak points of the battle line.</p> - -<p>This newly formed group was placed under the command of Gen. -Robillot of the 2nd Cavalry Corps.</p> - -<p>Rushed up in lorries, the first French divisions were thrown into -the thick of the battle without waiting for their artillery. Heroism -often made good the lack of equipment and munitions.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> - -<h3>THE BATTLE OF DISRUPTION.</h3> - -<p>Once the fortified zone crossed, the German armies pushed westward -rapidly.</p> - -<p>On March 23, the French Cavalry Divisions were engaged, with their -armoured cars and groups of cyclists. Thanks to their great mobility, -the situation was repeatedly saved. Galloping from breach to breach, -the Cavalry, dismounting, stayed the enemy advance until the arrival -of the infantry.</p> - -<p>The armoured cars raided the enemy's lines unceasingly and harassed -their troops with machine-gun fire. They were also used for bringing -up supplies to the first-line troops and for maintaining the different -liaisons. Their splendid work, with that of the Cyclist Corps, greatly -helped to stay the enemy thrust.</p> - -<p>The retreat of the British was also covered by detachments of -cavalry, mounted artillery, armoured cars and tanks, which vigorously -attacked the assaillants.</p> - -<p>The Air Service likewise rendered invaluable aid.</p> - -<p>On the evening of the 22nd, General Pétain gave orders for every -available bombing plane to be used to retard the enemy advance, until -reinforcements could be brought up. The air squadrons met a few -hours later at the assigned point, some of them having flown ninety -miles. On the way, they dropped their loads of bombs on German -troops which were crossing the Somme, north of Ham, thereby retarding -the advance of two enemy divisions which were preparing to outflank -the British.</p> - -<p>On the 23rd, at noon, a hundred aeroplanes, skimming just over the -Germans' heads, wrought indescribable havoc and confusion in their -ranks. Priceless hours were thus gained.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_013.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Effects of aerial bombardment.</span><br /> -<i>Photographed in the Ardennes, in October 1918. A German munition -train, bombed by aeroplanes, blew up, destroying the line and the -artillery limbers which were being loaded. The dead horses and broken -limbers are plainly visible. One may imagine the ravage caused by the -Allies' aerial bombardments among the enemy concentrations in the -Somme.</i></div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> - -<h3>Crossing the Water-line of the<br /> -Crozat Canal, Somme and Tortille (March 23-24).</h3> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_014-1.jpg" alt="Map." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<p>Whilst Byng's Army withstood the enemy's onslaughts, that commanded -by Gough was dislocated by the powerful thrust of von Hutier's Army.</p> - -<p>On the <b>morning of the 23rd</b>, the remnants of the British 3rd -and 18th Corps were thrown back across the Crozat Canal, among the -French divisions which were taking part in the battle between the Somme -and Oise, and with which they were assimilated.</p> - -<p>Further north, his divisions heavily depleted, and reinforcements -coming up only slowly, General Gough abandoned the strong -Somme-Tortille line, and continued his retreat westward, towards his -reserves in the old battlefield of 1916.</p> - -<p>The same day, the first French units to arrive were thrown between -Crozat Canal and the woods of Genlis and Frières, linking up, on their -right, with the 125th Division, detached from the left of the 6th -Army, and established astride of the Oise, in front of Viry. (<i>Sketch -below</i>).</p> - -<p>The 1st Division of dismounted Cuirassiers (Brécart) vigorously attacked -the enemy, and succeeded in staying their thrust towards the Oise. The -9th Division (Gamelin) barred the Ham-Noyon road, along a ten mile front. -On their left, the 10th Division (Valdant) held the zone north of Guiscard.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_014-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><i>The French Divisions were engaged from the Oise to<br /> -Nesle, before Noyon, which the British retreat left unprotected.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>On the evening of the 23rd, the situation was critical. General -Pellé's divisions retarded the German advance in front of the Chauny-Noyon -region, which they were covering, but the enemy held Ham. -In their retreat, the British constantly bore to the north-west.</p> - -<p>The 1st Cavalry Division (Rascas), and the 22nd (Capdepont) and -62nd (Margot) Divisions arrived, and were thrown into the battle between -Guiscard and Nesle, where they attempted to join hands with the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> - -French 10th Division on their right and with the British on their left.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_015-1.jpg" alt="Map." /> -<div class="caption"><i>Converging on Noyon, the Germans effected a breach<br /> -north of Nesle.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>The same day, the German long range "Bertha" guns began to -bombard Paris, in the hope of spreading panic and disorder there.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_015-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">General Humbert.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>On <b>March 24</b>, the crushing effect of the German thrust was -further accentuated by the arrival of new enemy divisions.</p> - -<p>Favoured by the fog, which entirely hid the valleys of the Oise and -Somme, their advance-guards swept the plain with machine-gun fire, in -their search for gaps and weak places in the thin French line.</p> - -<p>All the attacks converged towards Noyon. At 9 a.m., in the valley -of the Oise, the capture of Viry-Noureuil threatened Chauny, whilst in -the centre, Villequier-Aumont and Genlis Wood were taken. Overwhelmed -by numbers, the Cuirassiers, after firing their last cartridges, fell -back on Caillouel Hill. The divisions on the left took up positions -south of Guiscard. In spite of the unequal struggle, the fighting -spirit of the troops remained admirable.</p> - -<p>On the left of General Pellé's group, between Nesle and Guiscard, -the situation was still more desperate, as, having crossed the Somme, -the Germans now greatly intensified their thrust. The depleted British -units continued their retreat westward, leaving a gap north of Nesle. -The French 22nd Div. was hurriedly despatched towards Nesle, and -elements of the 1st Cav. Div. to the east of Chaulnes.</p> - -<p>On March 24, south of Péronne, the German IInd Army crossed with -difficulty the marshy valley of the Somme, then pushing on towards -Chaulnes, opened a gap at Pargny.</p> - -<p>North of Péronne, the enemy reached Sailly-Saillisel, Rancourt and -Cléry in the morning, and pushed west with 3,000 cavalry. In danger of -being turned, Byng's Army, which had abandoned the Havrincourt Salient -during the night of the 22nd, evacuated Bertincourt and retreated -westward.</p> - -<div class="topspace3"></div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_015-3.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Sharpshooters at the side of the road.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_016-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"> <span class="smcap">Franco-British line of infantry in which "Tommies"<br /> -mingled with "poilus"<br /> -(<cite>Photo Imperial War Museum</cite>).</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="topspace1"></div> - -<p><i>One of the gravest consequences of the retreat of Gough's Army was -the temporary severance of the French from the British. To restore and -consolidate the liaison was the constant aim of the French General -Staff.</i></p> - -<p><i>These units coolly withdrew, whenever they found themselves outflanked -and in danger of being cut off, often fighting furious rearguard -actions, and repulsing the enemy with heavy loss, each time a frontal -attack was attempted. (Field-Marshal Haig).</i></p> - -<p>On the contrary, we read in Ludendorff's Memoirs that <i>the German -XVIIth Army was exhausted, having suffered too heavy losses before the -Cambrai Salient on March 21 and 22</i>.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_016-2.jpg" alt="Map. The fall of Noyon." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<p>During the night, the enemy continued to press forward in the fog, -in an attempt to rout the precariously installed and ill-supplied -French units, and to harass Gough's Army, in retreat towards the -Santerre Plateau. On this, Palm Sunday evening, Holy Week opened -tragically.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> - -<h3>The Fall of Noyon and the Fighting on<br /> -the old Battlefield of the Somme.</h3> - -<p><b>The 25th, at daybreak</b>, fresh German divisions violently attacked -the exhausted French units, seeking to turn their left wing, and at the -same time crush General Pellé's group in the centre.</p> - -<p>In face of the increasing danger, General Pellé received orders to -"check the enemy advance, whatever the condition of the men might be".</p> - -<p>The 1st Inf. Div. (Grégoire), hastily brought up and reinforced by -the remnants of the British 18th Div. and of various French Divisions -picked up on the way, established itself on the hills which cover Noyon -to the north-east. They had scarcely taken up their positions, when -the Germans attacked, only to be repulsed. Further to the left, the -enemy were unable to debouch from Crisolles, but on the French right, -the 55th and 125th Div., which had been fighting incessantly since the -22nd, were forced back across the Oise, near Brétigny. Pushing on, the -Germans captured Babœuf, but a British counter-attack forced them -to fall back slightly.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_017-1.jpg" alt="Map." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<p>The battle continued to rage and the danger of being outflanked -became more and more acute. Catigny and Beaurains fell, leaving -Noyon unprotected on the north-west. In the course of a fierce -counter-attack, the 144th Inf. Reg. succeeded in recapturing these -villages, but the German hordes still pressed on, opening a gap -between Beaurains and Genvry, through which they poured, following the -little valley of the Verse which slopes down towards Noyon. The troops -defending the northern and north-eastern approaches to that town were -now threatened with being surrounded.</p> - -<p>General Pellé endeavoured to stop this fresh gap with the few -units left at his disposal, and organized a new line of support on -Porquericourt Hill and Mont Renaud (<i>sketch, p. 18</i>), at the same time -urging the troops which were fighting to the north of Noyon to "hold -out a few hours longer, each hour being worth a day".</p> - -<p>One French division, and units of a second division, comprising some -British remnants, were now fighting against odds of four to one.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_017-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><i>The enemy threatened Noyon, through the valleys of<br /> -the Oise and Verse. To the north of Nesle, the<br /> -Montdidier road was open.</i></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_018-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><i>Fall of Noyon. Gen. Pellé's Group organized<br /> -positions on Porquericourt Hill and Mont-Renaud.<br /> -Gen. Robillot's forces fell back on Roye.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>On the <b>evening of the 25th</b>, they fell back in good order, on -Noyon. The 57th Inf. Reg. resisted all night in the town, to enable the -final line of resistance to be organized.</p> - -<p>At midnight, the front line passed in front of Porquericourt Hill -and Mont Renaud, at Pont-l'Évêque, thence following the Oise. It was -along this line that Gen. Pellé's Corps had orders to hold the German -advance, and bar the road to Paris.</p> - -<p>General Humbert declared on the evening of the 25th: <i>The troops of -the 5th A.C. and of the 2nd C. of unmounted Cavalry are defending the -very heart of France. The consciousness of the grandeur of their task -will point out the path of duty to them.</i></p> - -<p>This day (25th) was still more tragical on General Humbert's left. -At daybreak, a violent battle broke out around Nesle, the town being -abandoned at 11 a.m.</p> - -<p>Spread over a too wide front, from Nesle to Guiscard, the troops under -Gen. Robillot had orders to maintain the liaison on their right with -Gen. Pellé's forces (retreating southward) and on the left with the -depleted British units which were falling back to the north-west. The -gap widened, and the enemy pressed through. The situation was highly -critical, the road to Montdidier being now open.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_018-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">General Fayolle, in command of the Humbert-Debeney -Army Group</span></div> -</div> - -<p>Despite their desperate resistance and the untiring activity of the -1st Cav. Div. and 2nd Corps—units of which galloped from breach to - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> - -breach to re-establish the liaison and retard the enemy onrush—General -Robillot's group fell back towards Roye.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_019-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">March 25.</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">The road to Amiens open to the enemy.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>South of the Somme, the situation was still more critical. The -remains of the British 18th and 19th Corps withdrew to the line -Chaulnes-Frise, which they were, however, unable to hold.</p> - -<p>Their retreat continued to the line Proyart-Rosières. No more -reserves were expected for four days. Should the Germans succeed in -crushing these exhausted units the road to Amiens would be open.</p> - -<p>About six miles behind the Proyart-Rosières front, there was an old -French line, partly filled in, on the Santerre Plateau, between the -Somme (at Sailly-le-Sec) and the Luce (at Demuin).</p> - -<p>A battalion of Canadian Engineers was ordered to restore it. However, -there were no troops to hold it, and as its abandonment would have -imperilled Amiens, Gen. Gough decided to muster an emergency detachment -of engineers, miners, electricians, mechanics, staff personnel, -pupils and instructors from the schools of the 3rd and 5th Armies, -and American sappers, in all about 2,200 men. This detachment, under -Maj.-Gen. Carey, was ordered to hold an eight-mile front and bar the -road to Amiens.</p> - -<p>North of the Somme, the Germans attacked from Ervillers to the river; -the British left stood firm, whilst on the right, the hinge formed by -Byng's Army, likewise resisted. Further south, the Germans captured -Maricourt, and broke through the curtain of British troops, which -lost contact with one another. The Ancre was crossed, and Byng's -right, pivoting on Boyelles, fell back on the line Bucquoy, Albert, -Bray-sur-Somme.</p> - -<p>General Pétain issued a stirring appeal to the men:</p> - -<p><i>The enemy is attacking in a supreme effort to separate us from the -British, and open the road to Paris. At all cost, he must be held. Stick -to the ground, stand firm, reinforcements are at hand. United, you will -fling yourselves on the invader. Soldiers of the Marne, Yser and Verdun, -the fate of France is in your hands.</i></p> - -<p>From all parts of the front, French divisions poured in. Long lines of -motor-lorries sped along all the roads converging towards Montdidier. -The high spirits and fine bearing of the men reassured the anxious -population, who, for several days past, had heard the guns drawing -nearer, and seen the endless stream of refugees fleeing before the -invader.</p> - -<p>General Debeney arrived with his staff from Toul, to take command -of the 1st Army (in formation), divisions of which arrived each day.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_020-1.jpg" alt="Map." /> -</div> - -<p>The 77th. Inf. Div. (d'Ambly) was added to the 3rd Army (Humbert). -The operations of these two armies, whose task it was to bar the road -to Paris and cover Amiens, were co-ordinated by Gen. Fayolle.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>The Push towards Montdidier -and Fall of Roye.<br /> -The Push towards Amiens -and Fall of Albert.</h3> - -<p>On the <b>26th</b>, Gen. Pellé's group -occupied Mont Renaud—a natural -rampart protecting the valley -of the Oise.</p> - -<p>Determined to force a passage -at all cost, the enemy attacked -with fresh troops.</p> - -<p><i>The present positions must be held at all cost. The honour of each -commanding officer is at stake</i>, proclaimed Gen. Pellé. Trenches were -dug, and Mont Renaud organised. The road to Compiègne was barred and -the hills to the south and south-west of Noyon became the pivot of the -defences. Repeatedly attacked, Mont Renaud changed hands several times, -finally resting with the French. The exhausted 10th Div. fell back on -the <i>massif</i> of Le Plémont, where the 77th Div. had just taken up its -positions.</p> - -<p>However, although Gen. Humbert's right checked all enemy advance, Gen. -Robillot's group and the first units of Gen. Debeney's Army, on the -left, were unable to hold their ground in the Picardy Plain. Forming -but a thin line, the enemy's powerful thrust opened gaps in places.</p> - -<p>Units of the 56th and 133rd Inf. Divns. and of the 4th and 5th Cav. -Divns. under Gen. de Mitry, were pushed forward, with orders to -establish the liaison, on their right, with the 22nd Div., and on their -left, with the British who were falling back on the Santerre Plateau. -This liaison was necessarily weak, as the troops had to be deployed. -Fighting day and night for every inch of ground given up, these -splendid troops succeeded in retarding the enemy's advance until the -arrival of reinforcements on the line of the Avre.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_020-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><i>The Germans attempted with their left to turn<br /> -General Humbert's Army, strongly established at Le<br /> -Plémont. Roye fell.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>The exhausted 22nd Div. fell back, carrying with it the 62nd on its -right. Roye, outflanked from the south and attacked on the north, was -lost. A breach, opened between the 22nd and 62nd Div. was filled by -an emergency detachment hastily got together on the spot by General -Robillot.</p> - -<p>On the evening of the 26th, the front was established on the line -Echelle-St.-Aurin, Dancourt, Plessis-Cacheleux.</p> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_021-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Roye. The Place d'Armes at the end of the War.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>General Humbert made a strong appeal to his men: <i>Let all commanding -officers firmly resolve to accomplish their duty to the extreme limit -of sacrifice, and imbue their men with the same spirit.</i></p> - -<p>North of the Somme, the Germans took Albert—an important junction—but -were checked further north, by the left wing of Byng's Army.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_021-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Mont Renaud.</span></div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> - -<h3>Allied Unity of Command.</h3> - -<p>Events had forcibly demonstrated the urgent necessity for Allied -unity of command. On March 26, a War Council, composed of -M.M. Poincaré, Clemenceau, Lord Milner, Haig, Pétain and Foch, -empowered the latter to <i>coordinate the action of the Allied Armies on -the Western Front</i>.</p> - -<p>"At the moment when Foch was to take precedence of Pétain and -Haig, what was the position of the armies, as regards the directives of -the High Command? In other words, how was the Anglo-French battle -being directed? The position is defined in the General Orders of Pétain -and Haig, the former of whom prescribed:</p> - -<p>"To keep the French forces grouped, to protect the Capital; <i>essential -mission</i>;</p> - -<p>"To ensure the liaison with the British; <i>secondary mission</i>;</p> - -<p>"The latter prescribed that everything possible should be done -to avoid severance from the French;</p> - -<p>"Should this be unavoidable, <i>to fall back slowly, covering the Channel -Ports</i>.</p> - -<p>"If we place these two orders side by side, <i>their divergence -strikes us painfully</i>. It is patent that the instructions of the two -great chiefs had not the same object in view, and did not tend -towards the same end. One was thinking of Paris, the other of the -Channel Ports. Each would evidently consecrate the bulk of his -forces and resources to what he considered the essential task. To -sum up: on the German side, there was only one battle; <i>on the -Allies' side, there were two: the battle for Paris, and the battle -for the ports</i>. Had this situation continued, our defeat was certain.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_022.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">British and French reinforcements in a village.</span> -(<cite>Photo imperial War Museum</cite>)</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Foch's first thought, from the moment he took over the -direction, was to cause this disastrous divergence to cease. To the -two commanders-in-chief he prescribed the maintenance, at all cost, -of the liaison between their armies. The accessory thus became -the essential. The vital point was to ensure the junction between -the Allied Armies, and to that end, to cover neither Paris, nor -Calais, but Amiens. The battle which, till then, had been double, -became single, i. e. <i>the Battle for Amiens</i>.</p> - -<p>"Such was the strategical idea which, during the following days, -Foch strove to materialise. Motoring from G.H.Q. to G.H.Q., he -impressed the same thing upon all; on Haig, Pétain, Gough, the -latter's successor, Rawlinson, Fayolle, Debeney and Humbert. By -dint of repetition, this idea was to be deeply impressed into the -minds of the executants.</p> - -<p>"To ensure liaison, to keep the troops where they were, to prevent -voluntary retreat, above all, to avoid effecting relief during -the battle, to throw the divisions into the line of fire, as they -arrived—such were the orders which were constantly on his lips during -the days which followed". (<cite>La bataille de Foch</cite>, by Raymond Recouly).</p> - -<p>On March 28, General Pershing offered Foch the direct and immediate -help of the American Forces: <i>I come to tell you that the American -people would consider it a great honour for our troops to take part in -the present battle. I ask this of you in my name and theirs. At this -time, the only question is to fight. Infantry, artillery, aviation, all -we have is yours.</i></p> - -<p>Henceforth, the battle was directed from Foch's headquarters, -temporarily installed at Beauvais. Twice a day, couriers maintained -communications between Foch and the British and French G.H.Q's.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_023.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Line of British and French Sharpshooters.</span> -(<cite>Photo Imperial War Museum</cite>).</div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> - -<h3>The Fall of Montdidier.<br /> -The Growing Resistance on the Wings.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_024-1.jpg" alt="Map." /> -</div> - -<p>By the <b>27th</b>, the German attacks had lost much of their -earlier sting. The French, whose resistance was stiffening steadily, -harassed the enemy unceasingly.</p> - -<p>Their infantry, now thirty-six miles from their base, could only -be revictualled with great difficulty. The Allied airmen bombed their -convoys and the railway stations incessantly.</p> - -<p>Their artillery had difficulty in keeping up with the infantry, and -the latter were not always efficiently supported.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, the Allies steadily organized their defences. Gen. -Pellé's group, with strong positions on the bastions of the Île de -France, repulsed the enemy's repeated assaults.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_024-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><i>Montdidier fell, but in face of the Allies' increasing<br /> -resistance, the enemy could advance no further.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>Five attacks on Mont Renaud were broken.</p> - -<p>From Canny to the Oise, the Allies stood firm.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_024-3.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">General Debeney.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>Held on this front, the enemy deviated towards Montdidier, -overwhelming Gen. Robillot's forces, which fell back on Rollot. The -Germans reached Montdidier, Piennes, Rubescourt and Rollot. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> - -A wide breach was thus made between Gen. Humbert's left and the right -of Gen. Debeney's Army, then taking up its positions on the tablelands -before the valley of the Avre.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_029-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">General Rawlinson.</span><br /> -<cite>Photo Russell, London.</cite></div> -</div> - -<p>It was a tragic moment. Gen. Debeney -telegraphed to Gen. Fayolle: <i>There -is a gap of nine miles between the two -armies, with nobody to fill it. I ask -General Fayolle to have troops brought -up in motor-lorries and despatched north -of Ployron, to resist at least the passing -of the Cavalry.</i></p> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_029-2.jpg" alt="Map." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><i>March 26-27.</i><br /> -<i>British reinforcements arrived north of the<br /> -Somme. The Germans converged towards Montdidier.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>A few hours later, two divisions -of Humbert's Army filled the breach.</p> - -<p>Exhausted by their terrible losses, -the enemy were brought to a stand.</p> - -<p>East of Rollot, the essential portions -of the massif of Boulogne-la-Grasse -were strongly held.</p> - -<p>Behind the Avre, trains and lorries -were bringing up the divisions of -Debeney's Army.</p> - -<p>The British received reinforcements, -and stayed their retreat in -the outskirts of Albert.</p> - -<p>The thrust against their line was -now less violent, the enemy forces -converging towards Montdidier.</p> - -<p>Gen. Rawlinson replaced Gen. -Gough.</p> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_029-3.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Ancre at Albert.</span></div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p> - -<h3>The Battle for Amiens.<br /> -The Allies consolidate their -front and counter-attack.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_030-1.jpg" alt="Map." /> -</div> - -<p>After the fall of Montdidier, -the fourteen divisions of von Hutier's -army converged towards -the pocket to the south-west.</p> - -<p>Seven other divisions, marching -against the British front between -the Somme and Arras, suddenly -turned south. On the 28th, -80,000 Germans made for the -gap, through which 160,000 men -of von Hutier's army were already -pressing. In all, 240,000 men -were about to attack on a seventeen-mile -front.</p> - -<p>General Humbert's left maintained -an aggressive defensive.</p> - -<p>On <b>March 28</b>, they counter-attacked. The 4th Zouaves captured -Orvillers and Boulogne-la-Grasse, threatening the enemy on the flank at -Montdidier. Seeing the danger, the Germans retook part of the conquered -positions. The moral effect was, however, considerable, indicative as -it was of the Allies' determination to re-act.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_030-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Barricade at the entrance to Merville-au-Bois.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p> - -<p>On the 29th, these counter-attacks were continued, thus mobilising many -enemy units on this front, which were preparing to attack on the Avre.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_031-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">French artillery in Moreuil.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>During these two days, General Debeney, further north, was concentrating -his forces along the front of Le Quesnel, Hangest, Pierrepont, -Mesnil-Saint-Georges, Rubescourt. <i>There can be no question,</i> he -declared, <i>of crossing to the left bank of the Avre</i>.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_031-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><i>On March 29, the Germans were firmly held<br /> -at the bottom of the pocket.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>The Germans attacked at dawn on the 28th. To the west of Montdidier, -Mesnil-St.-Georges was captured. The 166th Division, which had just -detrained, stayed the thrust at Grivesnes and Plessier. A battalion -of the 5th Cav. Div. fighting on foot, recaptured Mesnil and -Fontaine-sous-Montdidier.</p> - -<p>At the junction with the British, the attack was more violent. -Capturing Hangest, the Germans slipped along the valley of the Luce, -driving back the British. The resistance of the latter stiffened, -however, and they maintained their positions on the right bank of the -Avre.</p> - -<p>On the 29th, the enemy renewed the attack with fresh divisions, -especially at Demuin and Mézières, where the defenders were driven back -along the Avre. However, Gen. Debeney's Army was now completed by the -arrival of the 127th, 29th and 163rd Divisions. Its junction with the -British, was strongly reinforced.</p> - -<p>Before Arras, astride the Scarpe, the British fell back into line with -Byng's Army, repulsing several violent attacks. (<i>Sketch, p. 26</i>).</p> - -<p>On the evening of March 29, the enemy were firmly held at the -bottom of the pocket, the sides of which stood firm.</p> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>The General Attack at the bottom of the Pocket and the holding -of the German Advance.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_032.jpg" alt="Map." /> -</div> - -<p>On <b>March 30</b>, the Germans -launched a general attack along a -thirty-mile front, from Moreuil to -Noyon, against the armies of Humbert -and Debeney. This was their -last effort in the southward push.</p> - -<p>In many places, the French -heavy artillery had not yet taken -up its new positions. The battle -was therefore mainly one of infantry. -To the Air Service fell the -task of making good the deficiency, -and throughout the -battle, bombs were rained -upon the railway-stations, columns -of German infantry, and -enemy supply convoys, whilst -the fighting section, skimming -over the enemy masses, riddled -them with machine-gun fire.</p> - -<p>In front of Humbert's Army, -the French lines were practically intact. Homeric combats were -delivered at Le Plémont, Plessis-de-Roye and before Orvillers.</p> - -<p>In the region of Orvillers-Sorel, the 38th Div. repulsed four assaults -delivered by the 4th Div. of the Prussian Guards.</p> - -<p>The attack against the front of Debeney's Army was delivered with -equal fury.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_032-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The enemy's final effort southwards.</span><br /> -<i>March 30-April 5.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>On its right, not an inch of ground was lost. All assaults -on Mesnil-Saint-Georges were repulsed. The 6th Corps maintained -practically all its positions intact, except before Hill 104, where a -slight withdrawal was necessary.</p> - -<p>On the left wing, the 36th Corps (Nollet) was forced to give way, -and fell back on the Avre. Moreuil was lost in the evening of the -30th.</p> - -<p><b>March 31</b> was marked by extremely violent local actions, -especially at Mesnil-St-Georges and Grivesnes, without appreciable -result for either side.</p> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_033.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Montdidier in German Hands.</span><br /> -<i>The Palais de Justice (see p. 99). Across the street a German Notice-Board.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>On the evening of the 31st, the French front, practically intact, -passed west of Moreuil, skirted the high ground on the left bank of -the Avre, running thence west of Cantigny, round Montdidier, along -the suburbs of Orvillers, through Roye-sur-Matz, Le Plémont and -the hills to the south of Noyon, where the Germans had been -unable to gain a footing.</p> - -<p><b>April 1st.</b> The enemy sounded the French lines at Rollot, -south-east of Montdidier, but were smartly checked by a vigorous -counter-attack. Three attacks in front of Grivesnes were likewise -repulsed.</p> - -<p>April 2 and 3 were fairly quiet, being the prelude to the final effort -against Debeney's Army.</p> - -<p><b>April 4th.</b> At daybreak, an intense artillery preparation began, -extending from the north of Hangard to the south of Grivesnes. -At 7.30 a.m., the attack was launched with unheard-of violence.</p> - -<p>Against this front, only nine miles wide, fifteen divisions—seven -of which were composed of fresh troops—attacked ten times in -the course of the day.</p> - -<p>Before Grivesnes, four attacks were repulsed, whilst all the enemy's -efforts against Cantigny and Hill 104 broke down. Further north -the Germans captured Mailly-Raineval, Morisel and Castel.</p> - -<p>The next day (<b>April 5th</b>), counter-attacks checked the Germans, -prevented them exploiting their success north of Montdidier, and -drove them back into Mailly-Raineval and Cantigny.</p> - -<p>On the following days, fighting took place at different points, which -changed hands several times, but these actions were of a local nature -only.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> - -<h3>The Results of the German Offensive of March 21.</h3> - -<p>The great German attack was over. The roads to the south-west -were barred, as those to the south, at Noyon, had been, and Gen. -Debeney was able to address the following order to his troops:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p> -<i>Soldiers of the 1st Army</i>,<br /> -<i>You have carried out your arduous task well.</i></p> - -<p><i>Your tenacious resistance and vigorous counter-attacks have broken -the onrush of the invader, and ensured the liaison with our brave Allies, -the British. The great battle has begun. At this solemn hour, the whole -country is with us. The soul of the Mother-land uplifts our hearts.</i></p> - -</blockquote> - -<p>On April 4, the great battle—of which the battles for Amiens, Montdidier -and Compiègne were only episodes—came virtually to an end.</p> - -<p>For ten days, after breaking the Allies' front, the Germans were -able to change the war of positions into one of movement, but by a -tremendous effort the French Army threw itself across their path and, -as at Verdun in 1916, checkmated them.</p> - -<p>This warfare in the open did not give the results expected by the -enemy, who failed either to separate the Allies, or to rout them. On -the contrary, by bringing about Allied unity of command, they -strengthened the hands of their adversaries, to their own undoing.</p> - -<p>Although the Germans captured Montdidier, they failed to reach -either Amiens or Compiègne, and whereas the British, at first severely -shaken, fully recovered, whilst only a portion of the French reserves -were engaged, the enemy used up a considerable part of their finest -troops and shock divisions, mown down in tens of thousands along the -road to Paris, by the Allies' machine-guns and field artillery.</p> - -<p>By March 31, ninety enemy divisions had been engaged, twenty-five -of which had to be withdrawn on account of excessive casualties, -some of them (e. g. the 45th Reserve, certain units of the 2nd Guards -and 5th Infantry) having lost 50% of their effective strength. The -casualties of the 6th, 195th, 4th, and 119th divisions attained 75%. -At the very lowest estimation, the Germans lost at least 250,000 men.</p> - -<p>The Kronprinz had promised his men that the Easter bells would -ring in the long-expected peace, but Easter Sunday found the Allies -more closely united than ever, awaiting with confidence the end of -the battle, and determined to win through to victory.</p> - -<p>The check of April 4 saw the end of von Hutier's reserves. All -the divisions of the XVIIIth Army had been engaged, most of them -with heavy casualties. Unwilling to take any of the divisions from -the army group under the Bavarian Crown Prince—reserved for the -proposed offensive in Flanders—or the inferior and less trained -troops on the Champagne and Lorraine fronts, the German High -Command, realising that the struggle must develop into one of -attrition, like the first battle of the Somme, gave up for the time -being all idea of an offensive on the Somme-Oise front.</p> - -<p>A document of the German XVIIIth Army refers to the operations -prior to April 6 under the name of "The Battle of Disruption" and -to those which followed, under the name of "The Fighting on the -Avre and in the region of Montdidier-Noyon."</p> - -<p>The divisions forming von Hutier's shock troops were withdrawn -fairly quickly. By the end of May, only two out of the twenty-three -divisions which, on March 21, had formed the XVIIIth Army, were -still in line on the Moreuil-Oise front.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_035-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">British Batteries in action in the open.</span><br /> -(<cite>Photo Imperial War Museum</cite>).</div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_035-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">British troops going up the line near Albert.</span><br /> -(<cite>Photo Imperial War Museum</cite>).</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_036-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Amiens. Shell bursting in the Rue de Beauvais.</span><br /> -(<cite>Photo Imperial War Museum</cite>).</div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>The Trench Warfare Period.</h3> - -<p>From April onwards, trench warfare began again. The Allied front was -reformed, consisting of a continuous line of hastily dug trenches and -rapidly constructed works, held by resolute troops, whose <em>morale</em> was -intact and whose fighting spirit had never been better.</p> - -<p>Once more the heavy artillery came into requisition, for the preparatory -pounding of the adversaries' positions.</p> - -<p>In April-May, sharp engagements frequently took place at certain -points. On the Luce, in the region of Hangard, on the Avre, from -Thennes to Mailly-Raineval, at -Grivesnes, on the west bank of the -Matz, and around Orvillers-Sorel. Of -these, the attack of April 24, by -its violence and scope, constituted a -veritable offensive against Amiens.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>The Attack of April 24<br /> -on Villers-Bretonneux.</h3> - -<p class="center"><i>See sketch below.</i></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_036-2.jpg" alt="Map." /> -</div> - -<p>The plateau of Villers-Bretonneux -dominates the ground between the -Avre and the Somme.</p> - -<p>It was held by the British. Slightly -to the south, in Hangard Woods, -close to Hill 99, was the point of -junction of the Allied Armies.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_036-3.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">One of the 11in. Guns which Bombarded Amiens.</span><br /> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> - -<p>The enemy's main effort was made at this point, as being the weakest.</p> - -<p>The French line started at Anchin Farm, west of Moreuil, followed -the western and northern outskirts of Castel, joined up with Hill 63 -on the right bank of the Avre, took in Hangard, and linked up with -the British near Hill 99, to the south of Hangard Wood. From -this point the British line crossed the plateau between the Avre and -the Somme, between Marcelcave and Villers-Bretonneux, and passed -the eastern outskirts of Hamel.</p> - -<p>At 5 a.m., after an artillery preparation lasting an hour, the German -infantry attacked.</p> - -<p>After a desperate struggle, the enemy captured Villers-Bretonneux. -Hangard fell during the night and Cachy was threatened.</p> - -<p>The next day, a Franco-British counter-attack won back the most -important part of the lost ground. Villers-Bretonneux, Hangard and -Hangard Wood were recaptured and held, in spite of all the subsequent -efforts of the enemy, who finally abandoned this sector in favour -of Flanders.</p> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_037.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">French Trenches in the suburbs of Cachy</span> (<i>see p. 59</i>).</div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p> - -<h3>Ludendorff's Opinion.</h3> - -<p>In his "Memoirs", Ludendorff wrote: <i>The battle ended on April 4. -It was a brilliant feat of arms and will always be so considered -in history. What the British and French had been unable to do, we -accomplished in the fourth year of the war.</i></p> - -<p><i>Strategically, we did not attain what the events of March 23, 24 and -25 justified our hoping for.</i></p> - -<p><i>That we failed to take Amiens, which would have rendered the -communications of the enemy forces astride the Somme extremely -difficult, was especially disappointing.</i></p> - -<p><i>Long distance bombardment of the railways could not be considered an -equivalent.</i></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_038-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">French 6in. Battery in action at Rocquencourt.</span><br /> -(<i>7 miles to the west of Montdidier</i>).</div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_038-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">German heavy gun at Faverolles</span><br /> -(<i>2 miles east of Montdidier</i>).<br /> -<i>Captured on August 9, 1918, during the offensive of General Debeney's Army. (See p. 42).</i></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_039-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Clemenceau at the G.H.Q. of a British Division in 1918.</span><br /> -(<cite>Photo Imperial War Museum</cite>).</div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_039-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">A German Tank Trap.</span> <i>Australian and American -soldiers examine the charges of explosive with<br /> -which this trap was fitted. One of them is looking through a German periscope. (July 11, 1918).</i></div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>THE ALLIES' OFFENSIVES IN PICARDY.<br /> -<span class="small">August-September 1918.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class="center"><b>After the German Offensive of March.</b></p> - -<p>After the check of their offensive in Picardy, the Germans attempted, -by means of secondary offensives, to attain those results which -they had failed to obtain in the first instance.</p> - -<p>On April 9, they attacked in Flanders, from Béthune to the north -of Ypres, in the direction of the Channel Ports, but failed to take -Ypres, or to reach Hazebrouck. (<cite>See the Guide</cite>: <b>Ypres</b>.)</p> - -<p>On May 27, the front of the Chemin des Dames was attacked by -surprise, the enemy reaching the banks of the Marne. -(<cite>See the Guide</cite>: -<b>The Second Battle of the Marne</b>).</p> - -<p>From June 9 to 18, their efforts were turned against the salients of -the Aisne and Rheims. On June 11, they captured the <i>massif</i> of -Thiescourt, but were held before Compiègne. In front of Rheims the -road was barred by the French Colonial troops. -(<i>See the Guide</i>: <b>Rheims</b>.)</p> - -<p>Lastly, seeking a prompt decision at all cost, and hypnotised by -Paris, the Germans planned a still more formidable offensive: the -"Friedensturm" or Peace Battle. However, the French High Command -were not taken unawares. The scope and time of the offensive -were known, and the Germans failed.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>The Strategy and Tactics of the Allies.</h3> - -<p>The hour of the counter-offensive was about to strike. The Allies had -overcome the crisis due to the shortage of men. The British Army -had been reorganized. The American forces had greatly increased in -numbers. The fighting spirit of the French was higher than ever. -The material strength of the Allies was satisfactory, and included -large numbers of the new offensive arm: the tank, destined to relieve -and support the infantry, and combat the German shock troops.</p> - -<p>Lastly, the Allies were now grouped under a single chief: Foch, -who knew where and when to strike.</p> - -<p><i>The Allied Armies</i>, he declared, <i>have arrived at the turning of the -ways; in the thick of battle they have regained the initiative, and -their strength enables them to retain it; the principles of war command -them to do so. The time has come to abandon the defensive attitude -necessitated till now by numerical inferiority, and to take the -offensive.</i></p> - -<p><i>The action of the Commander-in-chief of the Allied Armies will, in -future, aim at maintaining his hold on the German Commandment, giving -him no respite which would allow him to recover and reconstitute -his forces. To that end, separate surprise attacks will be made -successively, as rapidly as possible, so as to augment progressively -the disorganization of the enemy's armies and the confusion of the -German Commandment, until the day of the general offensive, and of the -final attack which will crumble up the whole of the adversary's front.</i></p> - -<p>A comparison of this conception of Foch's with that of Ludendorff -brings out all its suppleness and power.</p> - -<p>The counter-offensive by the armies of Mangin and Degoutte in -the Château-Thierry pocket, begun on July 18, was scarcely over, -when the Second Battle of the Somme broke out.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_041.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Allied Military Chiefs.</span><br /> -<i>From left to right: PÉTAIN, HAIG, FOCH and PERSHING.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>In this new battle of the Somme, the retreat of the German armies -on the Hindenburg Line, in August-September 1918, was effected -under the pressure of four successive thrusts:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>I.—The operations carried out simultaneously by the British 4th -Army and the French 1st and 3rd Armies against the Albert, Montdidier, -Lassigny salient, to clear the Paris-Amiens railway. (<i>Pages 38-45.</i>)</p> - -<p>II.—The British offensive north of the Somme, coinciding with the -French offensive between the Oise and the Aisne. (<i>Pages 46-49.</i>)</p> - -<p>III.—The British offensive on the Scarpe and the French offensive -on the Ailette. (<i>Page 50.</i>)</p> - -<p>IV.—The Franco-British offensive against the advanced defences -of the Hindenburg line. (<i>Page 51.</i>)</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>I.—THE ATTACK ON THE SALIENT OF -ALBERT-MONTDIDIER-LASSIGNY.<br /> -<span class="smaller">August 8-13, 1918.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class="center"><b>Preliminary Operations of July.</b></p> - -<p>Throughout July, the Allies carried out different local operations, -in order to improve their positions and prepare for the coming -offensive.</p> - -<p>As early as July 4, Australians supported by Americans, had begun -to advance between Villers-Bretonneux and the Somme, by capturing -the village and wood of Hamel.</p> - -<p>On July 9, after a brilliant attack between Castel and the north -of Mailly-Raineval, the French captured Castel, and on the 23rd, -Mailly-Raineval, which brought them nearer the Avre.</p> - -<p>These different actions, and the flattening of the Cantigny salient -by the American 1st Div. on May 28, had warned the enemy.</p> - -<p>On August 2, the Germans fell back on the Ancre, and on the 3rd -to the Avre. The bulk of their forces were withdrawn east of these -rivers, leaving only light forces on the west bank.</p> - -<p>On the Marne, Ludendorff had just suffered a severe defeat. From -July 18 to August 4, his armies had been driven back from the Marne -to the Vesle, where they organized new positions. (<i>See the Guide</i>: -<b>The Second Battle of the Marne</b>.) In the belief that this effort had -temporarily exhausted the Allies, Ludendorff was planning new operations -in Flanders, when he was surprised by a new and powerful -Allied Offensive. From that point, the initiative remained with Foch.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>The Front Line -and the Opposing Forces.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_042.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><i>The Front Line on August 8, and the Opposing<br /> -Forces.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>On August 8, the front line passed west of Albert, east of -Villers-Bretonneux, then followed the left bank of the Avre, and the -Doms stream, west of Montdidier, running thence towards the Matz and -the Oise, via Assainvillers, west of Cuvilly and Chevincourt.</p> - -<p>From north to south, the enemy front was held by the IInd Army (von -Marwitz) (10 Divns. in line from Albert to Moreuil), and by the XVIIIth -Army (von Hutier) (11 Divns. from Moreuil to the Oise).</p> - -<p>These two armies, with 21 divisions in line, engaged 17 other -divisions during the course of the battle, i. e. 38 divisions in -all.</p> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_043.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Americans attacking Cantigny (May 28, 1918).</span> - -<div class="topspace1"></div> - -<i>Photographed from, an accompanying aeroplane. At the top of photo:<br /> -Cantigny village. At bottom of photo: Tank tracks. The white dots and<br /> -dashes spread over the photo are the American Infantry. Two larger<br /> -dashes about three-quarters of an inch below Cantigny, on the right,<br /> -are tanks.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>The undermentioned forces were grouped under the command of -Field-Marshal Haig:</p> - -<p>The British 4th Army (Rawlinson), comprising the 3rd Corps (3 -divisions), the Australian Corps (4 divisions), the Canadian Corps (4 -divisions), and 3 divisions of British Cavalry, 2 brigades of armoured -cars and 1 battalion of Canadian Cyclists in reserve.</p> - -<p>The French 1st Army (Debeney), comprising the 31st Corps -(4 divisions), 9th Corps (2 divisions), 10th Corps (3 divisions), 35th -Corps (4 divisions), and the 2nd Cavalry Corps in reserve.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> - -<h3>The Franco-British Attack of August 8, 1918.</h3> - -<p>These armies attacked on August 8, along a 15-mile front, from -the Ancre to the Avre.</p> - -<p>"<i>At 4.20 a.m., after three formidable cannon-shots,—the signal for -the opening of the attack,—the rolling barrage broke out before the -Australian and Canadian troops, who immediately dashed forward. At the -same time, the heavy and light tanks, armoured cars and motor-lorries, -loaded with supplies and ammunition, set out. At certain points, the -cavalry, followed by the artillery and the aeroplanes, guarded or -speeded up the advance. The enemy were taken completely by surprise. -The troops and staffs were taken prisoners before they realized what -had happened. One after another, the villages were surrounded and -captured. Forging ahead of the infantry, the cavalry and tanks spread -panic everywhere.</i>"</p> - -<p>The British advanced rapidly in the direction of Rosières, along -both sides of the Amiens-Chaulnes railway.</p> - -<p>Towards evening, the advanced line passed through Mézières, Caix -and Cerisy. Everywhere, except at Morlancourt, north of the Somme, -where the enemy resisted desperately, the Germans were routed.</p> - -<p>More than 13,000 prisoners, a general and the staff of an army -corps, and 300 guns had fallen -into the hands of the British -by 9 a.m.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_044.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><i>August 8.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>Along the front of Debeney's -Army, the artillery preparation -was short but violent, -(45 minutes). The infantry -attacked about five o'clock -i.e. after the British. The -ground, divided for the greater -part by the valley of the Avre, -was more difficult, and -General Debeney counted -rather on manœuvering, than -on surprise.</p> - -<p>The attack began on a -front of 2½ miles, south -of the Amiens-Roye road, -debouching from the valley -of the Luce towards ground -suitable for the tanks, the -troops being gradually engaged -on their right, along the -Avre.</p> - -<p>At 8 a.m., two divisions -turned Moreuil Wood, from -the north-east and south-west. On the Avre, another division -captured Morisel, whilst to the south of Moreuil a battalion crossed -the river. Moreuil, turned from the north and south, fell. South of -Moreuil, two fresh divisions crossed the Avre, opposite Braches, opening -up a way for the troops who had to fight on the plateaux.</p> - -<p>At the end of the day, after an advance of about five miles, the -French reached the line Braches, La Neuville-Sire-Bernard, and -joined hands with the British near Mézières. 3,300 prisoners, including -three regimental commandants, were taken.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_045-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">German battery captured by the British, who<br /> -immediately turned it on the Enemy.</span><br /> -<i>The third gun is still pointing towards the Allies' lines. -(Photo Imp. War Museum).</i></div> -</div> - -<p>"<i>It was a black day for the German Army</i>" wrote Ludendorff, "<i>the -blackest of all the war, except September 15, which saw the defection of -Bulgaria, and sealed the destinies of the Quadruple Alliance</i>".</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_045-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">German Artillery Position in Sunken Road.</span><br /> -(<cite>Photo Imp. War Museum</cite>).</div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> - -<h3>From August 9 to 12.</h3> - -<p>On <b>August 9-10</b>, the British thrust and the French manœuvre -developed.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p class="center"><span class="large"><span class="smcap">The British Advance.</span></span></p> - -<p>Between Albert and the Amiens-Roye road, the Canadians and -Australians harassed the enemy without respite, and advanced several -kilometres, capturing Bouchoir, Méharicourt, Rosières, Lihons and -Proyart.</p> - -<p>North of the Somme, in co-operation with American troops, they -captured Morlancourt village -and plateau to the south-east, -where the enemy resisted -desperately.</p> - -<p>On the <b>11th</b>, in spite of -stubborn resistance, the -British reached the Dernancourt -crossroads, about a -mile west of Bray, Chilly, -Fouquescourt and the western -suburbs of Villers-les-Roye.</p> - -<p>On the <b>12th</b>, they drove -the enemy for good out of -Proyart. On the <b>13th</b>, they -reached the suburbs of Bray-sur-Somme -and the crossroads -of Chuignolles. The -front now ran along the old -German lines of the Somme -Battlefield of 1916, where -the enemy, thanks to a -number of strong points of -support, succeeded in staying -the advance. In five -days, the British had scored -a fine victory, their forces -(13 infantry divisions, one -regiment of the American -33rd Division, 3 divisions -of cavalry, and 400 tanks) -defeating 20 German divisions, -advancing 12 miles, -and capturing 22,000 prisoners -and 400 guns.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_046.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><i>The Allies Advance from the morning of August 8<br /> -(dash line) to the evening of the same day (dot-and-dash<br /> -line). The thick full line shows the front<br /> -on August 12.</i></div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>The French Manœuvre. Liberating Montdidier.</h3> - -<p>Meanwhile, General Debeney, by a series of turning movements, -brought about the fall of important sections of the German front, without -frontal attacks.</p> - -<p>Constantly extending his attacks along the Avre, the approaches -to the river on the north and north-east, as far as the confluence with -the Doms stream, were cleared, whilst his hold on Montdidier, from -the north-east, gradually tightened.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_047.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">British Cavalry near Albert.</span> -(<cite>Photo Imperial War Museum</cite>).</div> -</div> - -<p>On <b>August 9</b>, the French line was advanced as far as the station -of Hangest-en-Santerre, on the Albert-Rosières-Montdidier railway.</p> - -<p>In order to force the enemy to abandon Montdidier, without a frontal -attack, General Debeney began a turning movement at about 4 p.m. -A secondary attack was launched in the direction of Roye, between -Domelieu and Le Ployron. The station of Montdidier and Faverolles -Village on the Montdidier-Roye line, were reached that evening.</p> - -<p>Throughout the day, the French airmen bombed Roye undisturbed -by the enemy's planes or air-defence guns.</p> - -<p>By <b>evening</b>, the 1st Army had taken 5,000 prisoners. From Faverolles, -they threatened to join up with the men who had advanced -north, via Davenescourt, and to cut off the Germans in Montdidier.</p> - -<p>The latter was evacuated in great disorder the same night and on -the following morning, only a few machine-gunners being left behind -to retard the French advance as long as possible.</p> - -<p>On <b>August 10</b>, at noon, the French entered the ruined town, and -advanced rapidly eastward, beyond Fescamps, on both sides of the -road to Roye. In the evening, they reached the line Villers-les-Roye -(where they joined hands with the British) and Grivillers.</p> - -<p>On the <b>11th</b>, they captured the park and village of Tilloloy. By -the evening of the <b>12th</b>, the 1st Army had taken 8,500 prisoners -(including 181 officers), 250 guns, numerous minenwerfer, 1,600 -machines-guns, and huge quantities of stores.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_048-1.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_048-2.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_048-3.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<blockquote> -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Photos</span>, <i>p. 44</i>:</p> -<p>(1) <i>Australian Sergeant examining a German Machine-gun -captured by the 15th Brigade.</i><br /> - -(2) <i>Near Warfusée-Abancourt, August 8. Infantry of the -Australian 1st Division advancing on Harbonnières, -after a tank had cleaned up a line of German -Machine-guns which was holding them.</i><br /> - -(3) <i>The Shelters of the above line of machine-guns— -light constructions compared with the powerful trench -organisations, yet strong enough to require tank treatment.</i><br /></p> -</blockquote> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_049-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_049-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<blockquote> -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Photos above</span>:<br /></p> - -<p>(1) <i>Australians in German trench, with field-guns just -captured (August 1918).</i><br /> - -(2) <i>British lorries in Villers-Bretonneux (August 17, 1918).</i></p> -</blockquote> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>II.—THE BRITISH OFFENSIVE NORTH OF THE SOMME AND<br /> -THE FRENCH OFFENSIVE BETWEEN THE OISE AND AISNE.<br /> -<span class="smaller">August 18-29.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> - -<p>The first phase of the Battle of Picardy was ended, but a great -new effort, between the Somme and the Scarpe, was being prepared.</p> - -<p>Between the Aisne and the Oise, Mangin's Army attacked the plateaux -on August 18th, advancing to the -Ailette on the 23rd. (<i>Sketch above</i>).</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_046-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><i>The Attack between the Oise and Aisne<br /> -by the Armies of Generals Mangin <br /> -and Humbert, August 18-23.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>Following up this advance, Humbert's -Army continued its offensive -vigorously on the 21st, conquered -the northern slopes of Le Plémont, -crossed the Divette, and occupied -Lassigny. (<i>Sketch above</i>).</p> - -<p>By their advance, these two armies -threatened the right of the German -XVIIIth Army, established on the -Chaulnes-Roye line.</p> - -<p>At the same time, Byng's Army -attacked between the Ancre and Croisilles, -whilst Rawlinson's left attacked -north of the Somme. (<i>Sketch above</i>).</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_046-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><i>The Attack between the Somme and Scarpe<br /> -by Byng and Rawlinson, August 21-29.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>At dawn, on <b>August 21</b>, the 4th and -6th Corps of Byng's Army attacked -between Miraumont and Moyenneville.</p> - -<p>Supported by tanks, they captured -the advance defences in brilliant style.</p> - -<p>The fighting was particularly severe -around Achiet-le-Grand and Logeast -Wood, where, however, the advance -continued steadily. The Arras-Albert -railway which was the enemy's principal -line of defence, was reached, -2,000 prisoners being taken.</p> - -<p>After this preparatory attack, the -offensive was launched on <b>August -22</b>, along a thirty-two mile front, between -Lihons and Mercatel.</p> - -<p>South of the Somme, the Australians -captured Herleville and Chuignes, -with 2,000 prisoners. Rawlinson's left -crossed the Ancre, took Albert, and -advanced its front to the hills east -of the Albert-Braye road, capturing -2,400 prisoners.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_046-3.jpg" alt="Map." /> -</div> - -<p>But the hardest blow was struck -further north by Byng's Army. -Advancing beyond the principal line -of defence (the Arras-Albert railway), - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> - -the 4th and 6th Corps took Gomiécourt, Ervillers, Boyelles, many -guns, and more than 5,000 prisoners, then pushed on towards -Bapaume and Croisilles. The 6th -Corps, astride the Arras-Bapaume -road, marched on Bapaume, threatening -to cut off the Germans who -were hanging on to the Heights of -Thiepval. The latter, attacked at -the same time further south, fell. -Bray-sur-Somme was also captured.</p> - -<p>The battle continued from the 25th -to the 29th, the enemy's resistance -stiffening steadily.</p> - -<p>Counter-attacking, the Germans -defended this old battlefield of 1916, -strewn with obstacles, with great desperation.</p> - -<p>On the <b>29th</b>, Bapaume fell, and the -Germans retreated from the north of -that town to the Somme, on the line -Cléry, Combles, Frémicourt, Bullecourt, -and Heudecourt.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_051-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><i>The German Retreat, south of the Somme,<br /> -under the double menace of the British<br /> -and French Advance.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>Threatened by the British to the -north of the Somme, and by the -French on the banks of the Oise, -the Germans began their retreat -in the bend of the Somme. Closely -pursued by the British 4th Army and the French 1st and 3rd Armies, -they withdrew to the river, from Péronne to Ham.</p> - -<p>Chaulnes and Nesle were occupied by the Allies.</p> - -<p>"<i>On the same ground which had seen their stubborn defence, the British -troops went up to the attack with untiring vigour and unshakeable -determination, which neither the difficulty of the ground, nor the -obstinate resistance of the enemy could break or diminish</i>." (Haig).</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_051-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">German long-range Gun captured by the Australians at -Proyart.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_052-1.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_052-2.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_052-3.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><span class="small"><cite>Photo Imperial War Museum.</cite></span></div> -</div> - - - -<div class="center">PHOTOS, p. 48:<br /> -(1) <i>The 2nd German line near Albert, occupied by the British.</i><br /> -(2) <i>The Railway Station at Albert, a few minutes after the German retreat.</i><br /> -(3) <i>Railway destroyed by the British artillery, during the advance on Bapaume.</i> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_049.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><span class="small"><cite>Photo Imperial War Museum.</cite></span></div> -</div> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Photo above</span>:</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Albert, seen from the interior of the Church, the day -the town was liberated<br />(Photo Imp. War Museum).</i> -</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>III.—THE OFFENSIVES ON THE SCARPE AND AILETTE.<br /> -<span class="smaller">August 25-September 8, 1918.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>Pursuing his plan of offensive, Foch extended the field of operations. -Writing to Field-Marshal Haig, he said: <i>Continue your operations, -leaving the enemy no respite, and developing the scope of your -actions. It is this increasing breadth of the offensive, fed from the rear -and strongly pressed in front, without limitation of objective, without -consideration for the alignment and too close liaison, which will give -us the greatest results with the least losses.... The armies of General -Pétain are going forward again in the same manner.</i></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_054-1.jpg" alt="Map." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<p>At the time Mangin's Army was preparing to crush the enemy's -front between the Aisne and -St. Gobain, Horne's Army, -on the Scarpe, attacked the -salient east of Arras.</p> - -<p>On <b>August 25</b>, the Canadians, -astride the Scarpe, -and the left of Byng's Army -captured the difficult positions -of Monchy-le-Preux, Guémappe -and Rœux, bringing -their line into contact with -the redoubtable position of -Quéant-Drocourt, a ramification -of the Hindenburg Line.</p> - -<p>On <b>September 2</b>, the Canadians -attacked, progressing -rapidly along the Arras-Cambrai -road. Penetrating -the German lines to a depth of -6 miles, they reached Buissy.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_054-2.jpg" alt="Map." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<p>On the night of August 30, -the Australians, in the centre, -furiously attacked and captured the formidable -bastion of Mont-St-Quentin. -On <b>September 1</b>, they entered Péronne, -after desperate fighting. To flank this -attack on the north, Bouchavesnes and -Frégicourt were captured.</p> - -<p>Further south, on the Oise, Humbert's -Army, in spite of the enemy's -resistance, took Noyon and the high -ground dominating the town. Advancing -from the Ailette, towards Chauny, -Mangin's left reached the outskirts of -St. Gobain Forest, in the old lines of -March 1918.</p> - -<p>Outflanked on the north, towards -Cambrai, and on the south along - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> - -the Oise, in the direction of La Fère, and violently attacked at the -same time in the centre at Péronne, the Germans retreated towards -the Hindenburg positions. The British and French forces drove -back the enemy rear-guards, which were unable to hold the line of -the Tortille and the Canal du Nord.</p> - -<p>On <b>Sept. 8</b>, the Allied front ran west of Arleux and Marquion, -through Havrincourt, Épéhy and Vermand, then followed the Crozat Canal.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>IV.—THE OFFENSIVES AGAINST THE OUTWORKS OF THE -HINDENBURG LINE.<br /> -<span class="smaller">September 10-25.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p>The Germans had reached the advanced defences of their famous -Hindenburg Line, consisting of the old British lines lost in March. -These formidable positions protected the ramparts of the Hindenburg -Line, said to be impregnable.</p> - -<p>On <b>September 10</b>, the British 3rd and 4th Armies (Byng and -Rawlinson) attacked between Havrincourt and Holnon.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_051.jpg" alt="Map." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<p>The 4th Army took Vermand, the western outskirts of Holnon -Woods, and gained a footing in Épéhy and Jeancourt. On the 13th, -after desperate fighting, it captured -the woods and village of Holnon.</p> - -<p>The 3rd Army crossed the Canal -du Nord, south of the Bapaume-Cambrai -road, turned the positions -from Havrincourt to Gouzeaucourt, -and captured the greater part of -them, the enemy resisting desperately.</p> - -<p>The same day (Sept. 12), the -American 1st Army captured the -whole of the St. Mihiel Salient, with -15,000 prisoners and 200 guns. (<i>See -the Guide</i>: <b>The Battle of St. Mihiel</b>.)</p> - -<p>On the <b>18th</b>, a general attack -was launched by the British 3rd -and 4th Armies, in liaison with the -French 1st Army. All the enemy's -positions between Gouzeaucourt -and Holnon were captured, with -10,000 prisoners and 150 guns.</p> - -<p>To the south, Debeney's Army -took over the front of Humbert's -Army—transferred to the sector -of the 10th Army—the latter, -due to the shortening of the front, -being sent to Lorraine, for a new -offensive.</p> - -<p>Debeney's Army, extending south -of the Oise, attacked, and after -capturing Dallon Spur, Castres and -Essigny-le-Grand, reached the valley -of the Oise, from Vendeuil to La Fère.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_051.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Peace after strife. Life in the ruins.</span><br /> -<i>Méharicourt, between Chaulnes and Caix, in 1919.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>Disorganized and exhausted, their ranks depleted, the enemy were -now incapable of attempting a counter-offensive.</p> - -<p>To avoid this continuous, exhaustive battle, the Germans sought -refuge in positions which they believed to be impregnable, and where -they hoped to rest, reorganize and reconstitute their reserves.</p> - -<p>This was an imperious necessity, as from July 15 to September 25, -163 of their divisions had been engaged, 75 of them two or three times.</p> - -<p>On September 26, despite a reduction of 120 miles in the length of -the front, they were forced to maintain practically the same number -of divisions in line as on July 15, owing to their decreased effective -strength and fighting value.</p> - -<p>Moreover, to keep these forces effective, ten divisions had to be -dissolved, and the battalions of fifty others reduced from four to three -companies. Large numbers of men were called up from the works, -in order to husband their last resources—the 1920 recruits.</p> - -<p>Everywhere, the Allied armies were in contact with the Hindenburg -Line, ready for the grand assault against the formidable positions -from which the enemy had set out on March 21 for Paris and victory.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_053.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<blockquote> -<p><i>The above photograph represents an assemblage of the -maps on which the Staff of the French 20th Corps traced the front from -day to day.</i><br /> - -<i>By bringing out the two lines of July 15 and November 2 (exactly -reproduced), and by adding a few unimportant touches inside and the -spike of the helmet, one of the Staff draughtsmen obtained this curious -figure of Germania on her knees.</i><br /> - -<i>With the help of the inset sketch-map, it is easy to trace the -salients of Ypres, Arras, Montdidier, Château-Thierry (crossed by the -Vesle), Rheims, Verdun, and St. Mihiel.</i> -</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>In six weeks, by repeated, inter-related attacks, vigorously executed -without respite, the Allies had flattened out the salient from St. -Quentin to beyond Montdidier and Albert, produced by the German push.</p> - -<p>The end was near. To avoid a military disaster without precedent -in the world's history, the enemy soon afterwards sued for an armistice -and peace.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_054-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><i>Ginchy (between Bapaume and Péronne) bombarded by the -British (July 11, 1916).</i></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_054-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><i>Ginchy, ten days later (July 21, 1916).</i></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_054-3.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><i>Ginchy, two days before its capture by the British -(Sept. 7, 1916).</i><br /> -<span class="smcap">Illustrating the progressive destruction of a village by -artillery.</span><br /> -<cite>Taken from the Michelin Guide</cite>: "<span class="smcap">The First Battle of the -Somme</span>." -</div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_055-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Modern war Weapons.</span><br /> -<i>A heavy trench-mortar of the 3rd Australian Medium Trench-Mortar -Battery in action<br /> -at Ville-sur-Ancre, on May 29, 1918, when the German -front line was only 400 yards<br /> -beyond this farm-house.</i></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_055-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Péronne in 1918. The Grande Place.<br /> -Captured German Guns.</span><br /> -<i>Taken from the Guide</i>: <span class="smcap">The First Battle of the Somme</span>.</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_056.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"> -<span class="smcap">Amiens, during the German Offensives of 1918.</span><br /> -(1) <i>Fire at the Saint-Frères Works, April 23, 1918.</i> -(2) <i>Platforms at the Gare du Nord, May, 1918.</i> -(3) <i>One of the Warehouses at the Goods Station.</i> -(4) <i>One of the buildings at the Saint-Frères Works.</i> -(5) <i>The Rue de la Hotoie.</i> -(6) <i>The Rue des Jacobins and the Passage du Commerce connecting it with -the Rue des Trois Cailloux.</i></div> -</div> - -<hr class="r25" /> - -<p class="center"><i>To visit AMIENS</i>,</p> -<blockquote> -<p>centre of the itineraries for <span class="smcap">Bapaume</span> and <span class="smcap">Péronne</span> -("<span class="smcap">The First Battle of the Somme</span>") and <span class="smcap">Montdidier</span> and -<span class="smcap">Compiègne</span> ("<span class="smcap">The Second Battle of the Somme</span>"), see the -MICHELIN Illustrated Guide:</p> - -<p class="center">"<b>AMIENS, before and during the War.</b>"</p> -</blockquote> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>FROM AMIENS TO COMPIÈGNE</h2> -</div> - -<p class="center">Lunch at Montdidier.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_057.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><i>The roads to be followed -are shown by heavy lines.<br /> -Detailed sketch maps are incorporated in the text.</i></div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p> - -<div class="break"> -<h3>AMIENS TO COMPIÈGNE<br /> -<span class="small"><i>See route-map, p. 57.</i></span></h3> -</div> - -<p class="center"><span class="large">From Amiens to Villers-Bretonneux</span><br /> -<span class="smaller"><b>via Longueau, Gentelles and Cachy.</b></span></p> - -<div class="topspace1"></div> - -<p><i>Leave Amiens by Exit V</i> (Michelin Tourist Guide) (<i>Rue Jules-Barni, -Chaussée Périgord and N. 35</i>). <i>Cross the railway twice (l.c.) -or if preferred, take the road on the right under the railway.</i> -<b>Longueau</b> <i>is soon reached.</i></p> - -<p>The road from Amiens to the crossing over the river Avre, before -reaching Longueau, follows the left bank of the Somme. Market-gardens -famous for their fertility and known locally as "<i>hortillonnages</i>" -lie in the valley, especially around -Camon. Formerly, the river-side <em>seigneurs</em> -above Amiens, met once a year -for wild swan-shooting in the valley -of the Somme. The custom died out -in the 18th century, poaching having -by then exterminated the swans.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_058.jpg" alt="Map." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<p>It was at Longueau that the Roman -roads from Amiens to Rheims and to -St. Quentin crossed the river Avre. -Gallo-Roman tombstones were discovered -in 1848, while excavating near the -first bridge at Longueau. In 1590, the -Leaguers held the village to ransom, and the Spaniards burnt it in 1636.</p> - -<p><i>Beyond Longueau, leave the Montdidier road on the right, and keep -straight along the road to Roye for 4½ kms. Take the second road on -the left, to</i> <b>Gentelles</b>. Gun emplacements, shelters and trenches -are met with on both sides of the road. Gentelles Wood is on the right. -(<i>See sketch-map, p. 59</i>).</p> - -<p><i>Pass through Gentelles village</i>, entirely destroyed. <i>1½ kms. -beyond Gentelles stands</i> a partly destroyed monument to the memory of -the French who fell in the Franco-German War of 1870 (<i>photo below</i>).</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_058.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Monument -to the French dead of 1870, at entrance to Cachy.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> - -<p><i>Leave the monument on the right, and enter</i> <b>Cachy</b> -(completely ruined).</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_059-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Ruins of -Cachy Church.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><i>At the fork beyond Cachy, take the -middle road, between the Woods of Aquenne -and Abbé, in which are</i> trenches, wire -entanglements and shelters. <i>Coming out -into the main road from Amiens to -Villers-Bretonneux</i> (G.C. 201), <i>take same -on the right. (See sketch-map, p. 62).</i></p> - - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_059.jpg" alt="Map." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<p><i>After passing over the railway</i>, <b>Villers-Bretonneux</b> <i>is -reached</i>.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_059-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Villers-Bretonneux.—Ruins of the Village and Church.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_060.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Villers-Bretonneux. The Church, in May 1918.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>Formerly a country village, the cotton-spinning industry later -transformed it into a small town. The war has left it in ruins. (<i>See -p. 61.</i>)</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_061-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Villers-Bretonneux. -Church in Nov. 1918.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_061-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Street in -Villers-Bretonneux after recapture of the village.</span></div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>From Villers-Bretonneux to Moreuil,<br /> -<span class="smaller">via Demuin, Hill 104, Mézières and Villers-aux-Érables.</span></h3> - -<p><i>Leave Villers-Bretonneux by the road to Demuin, on the right</i> -(G.C. 23).</p> - -<p><i>See route-map, p. 62.</i></p> - -<p><i>From Hill 98, 1 km. beyond the railway, near the junction with -the road leading to Cachy, and close to a Franco-British cemetery, there -is</i> an extensive view of the battlefield around Villers-Bretonneux.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_061-3.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Franco-British -Cemetery near Hill 98.</span><br /> -<i>In the background</i>: <span class="smcap">Villers-Bretonneux</span>.</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_062.jpg" alt="Map." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>The Battle of 1870.</h3> - -<p>It was around Villers-Bretonneux that on November 27, 1870, part -of the battle known as the "Battle of Amiens", was fought between -the Prussians and the French Army of the North.</p> - -<p>The French troops, about 10,000 in number, under the command -of General Farre, were deployed from the railway (between -Villers-Bretonneux and Marcelcave) to Cachy and Gentelles (on the Boves -road), and on the high ground dominating the valleys of the Somme, -Luce and Avre. The Prussians, under General Manteuffel, far more -numerous and better equipped with artillery than the French, debouched -from the valley of the Luce and the roads from Péronne -and Roye to Amiens, the battle opening on the two wings.</p> - -<p>The enemy partly took Cachy and approached Gentelles, but were -driven back towards the river Luce, after the brilliant capture of Domart -Wood by the French. Cachy, partly abandoned by the French -after desperate resistance and heavy losses, was afterwards cleared -of the enemy with great dash.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately the French line from Cachy to Villers-Bretonneux -was too weakly held to stay the Prussians, who got the upper hand -in the afternoon and forced the French back. To the enemy's -forty guns the French could only oppose sixteen (four batteries), and -they were, moreover, short of ammunition.</p> - -<p>A Prussian battery, which had succeeded in taking up a position -near Cachy, enfiladed the French line. In Villers-Bretonneux, detachments -of French Marines fought a violent engagement in the streets, -giving ground only step-by-step. The enemy sustained heavy losses -and were unable seriously to hamper the French withdrawal towards -Corbie and Amiens.</p> - -<p>A monument was erected at Villers-Bretonneux, south of the railway, -to the memory of the French soldiers who fell in this battle.</p> - -<p>Fierce fighting took place in 1918 around the monument, which -was completely destroyed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_063-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"> <span class="smcap">German Prisoners entering Villers-Bretonneux.</span> -(<i>August 1918.</i>)</div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>The Battles of 1918.</h3> - -<p>Prolonged and violent engagements were fought from March to August, -1918, in the vicinity of Villers-Bretonneux, for the possession of -Amiens. The battlefield consisted of a plateau occupied, from north-east -to south-west, by Villers-Bretonneux, Abbé Wood, Cachy and -Gentelles. This plateau was the last dominating position in front of -Amiens. From Villers-Bretonneux, situated on the main road from -St. Quentin to Amiens, and ten miles from the latter, the ground slopes -gradually down towards the great Picardian City and the confluence of -the rivers Avre and Somme.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_063-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Franco-British Cemetery at "Crucifix Corner" -on the Villers-Bretonneux-Demuin road.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>From March 28 onwards, this plateau was held by Australian divisions, -the famous Anzacs, who covered themselves with glory there -by staying the Germans. At the beginning of April, the latter attempted -to outflank Villers from the north and south, with but little success. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> - -On the 24th, after a bombardment with high explosive and gas -shells, lasting the whole of the previous night, they threw four divisions -(50,000 men), supported by five tanks each fitted with three -guns and a central turret, against the Fouilloy-Cachy front, barely -three miles wide. From 7 to 10 a.m., the attacking waves went -forward unceasingly in the morning mists. At about 11 a.m., the -British had to give way, under an intensely fierce onslaught, and the -Germans entered Villers from the north and south.</p> - -<p>Clinging to the western approaches of the village, the British, -throughout the afternoon and night of the 24th, prevented the enemy -from debouching, while their artillery fire made the position -practically untenable. Two German battalions only were able to maintain -themselves in the cellars and ruins of the houses. In the evening -of the 25th, while troops of the Moroccan Division recaptured the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> - -monument south of the Villers railway, British units debouched from -Abbé Wood, and advancing via the ravine north of Villers, Aquenne Wood -and the station to the south, surrounded and recaptured the village -after a hand-to-hand fight lasting all night. A 3-gun tank and over 700 -prisoners were taken. To the south-west, in the vicinity of Cachy and -Gentelles, the enemy check was equally severe. On the 24th, a regular -battle of tanks took place near Cachy, in which the Germans were routed -and Cachy re-occupied. The four German divisions lost the battle, and -left the ground covered with their dead.</p> - -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_065.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Panorama seen from Hill 102.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>On May 2, there was again sharp fighting near the Monument, but -during the following weeks, the enemy ceased their attacks. The -Australians, by local operations, enlarged their positions north-east -of Villers-Bretonneux and between Villers and the Somme. On the night -of May 23, the enemy violently bombarded Villers, and on the 25th -made another powerful effort south of the village, but without success.</p> - -<p><i>Follow G.C. 23, which runs close to</i> Hangard Wood, the trees of -which were devastated by the shells. (<i>See map, p. 62.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Descend from the plateau to</i> <b>Demuin</b>, <i>visible at the bottom -of the valley of the Luce. There is</i> a large British cemetery <i>on the -right. Tourists may here turn to the right as far as</i> <b>Hangard</b>. -(<i>See p. 66.</i>)</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_064-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"> <span class="smcap">Hangard Village, in ruins. The Church is on the right.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_064-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Entrance to Demuin village.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="topspace-1"></div> -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_065.jpg" alt="Map." /> -</div> - -<p><i>After visiting the village</i> (completely devastated), -<i>return to Demuin. Take the main street, -then the last street of the village and the uphill -road indicated in the sketch-map above, to</i> -<b>Hill 102</b>, <i>from which there is</i> a fine view of -Demuin, the valley of the Luce, Hangard, -Domart and Gentelles Wood (<i>photo above</i>).</p> - -<p><i>Return to Demuin, and take G.C. 23 to</i> <b>Hill -104</b> (<i>See map, p. 62</i>).</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>Hill 104.</h3> - -<p>Hill 104, at the crossing of the Demuin-Moreuil road with the -Roye-Amiens road, commands the valleys of the Luce and the Avre.</p> - -<p>Hangard and Hangard Wood, seen to the north, were the scene of furious -fighting in 1918. This vital position enabled the Germans to hold the -river Luce, which they needed to consolidate the Montdidier-Moreuil -salient, and for their advance south-east of Amiens.</p> - -<p>As early as March 27, units of Debeney's Army, under the command -of General Mesple, were pushed south of the Luce in support of the -British who were holding the line: Le Quesnel, Beaucourt, Cayeux, -Guillaucourt and Proyart. However, on the 28th, the Germans carried -Guillaucourt, north of Cayeux, descended to the woods in the Luce -Valley, and drove back the British in the neighbourhood of Cayeux. -Meanwhile, General Mesple's detachment, in accordance with instructions, -stubbornly held their positions on the Caix-Le Quesnel plateau, -although unprotected on their left. The first battalions of the French -22nd Division were despatched immediately on arrival to Hangard -and Domart, in support of the British. On the 29th, the Germans -attacked Demuin on the Luce and forced the Allies to abandon -Mézières and to fall back on Moreuil and the Avre.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> - -<div class="topspace2"></div> -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_067.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption">PANORAMA OF THE LUCE VALLEY SEEN FROM HILL 104.</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> - -<p>On the 31st, they gained a footing in Hangard after prolonged -efforts. In the evening and throughout the night they vainly attempted -to enlarge their gains to the west. The Franco-British troops -repulsed all assaults and prevented the enemy debouching from -the village, which the French soon afterwards recaptured in a dashing -counter-attack. On April 4, the Germans attempted to turn Hangard -from the south and attacked Hill 104. After getting to within -50 yards of it, they were checked at the foot of the hill, and fell back -in disorder. They then attempted to slip in along the ravines, but -the Allied artillery drove them back with very heavy losses.</p> - -<p>On the 6th and 8th, fighting was resumed in the vicinity of Hangard, -where the French 29th Division held their ground. On the 9th, -Hangard was lost and retaken, together with the cemetery situated -about 200 yards east of the village. On the 11th, a fresh German -attack was made against the Hangard-Hourges front. The enemy, -held before Hourges, gained a footing in Hangard, where the fighting -was desperate. On the morning of the 12th, the Germans surrounded -the château and occupied the whole of the wood on Hill 104. A -single French battalion in the village held out against four German -battalions. In the direction of Hourges the enemy was held.</p> - -<p>In Hangard Château, the French battalion, although surrounded -since 10 a.m., was still holding out at 6.30 p.m., in spite of repeated -attacks. At nightfall, a counter-attack by one French and one British -battalions recaptured the village and castle, and drove back the -enemy to the cemetery. 127 men, 3 officers and 15 machine-guns -were captured, and 35 Allied prisoners released. On April 15, before -it was relieved, the 29th Division, which had performed prodigies of -valour in its efforts to save Hangard, made it a point of honour to -clear the village entirely before leaving. One company carried the -cemetery in brilliant style. On the 19th, a German effort against the -village and wood failed. On the 24th, the fighting was again fiercest -around Hangard, which was defended by only one battalion. A whole -German division attacked and after carrying the wood boarded the -village from the north. At the same time they attacked Hill 104 -from the south, at the foot of which they had been held on the 4th. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> - -Enfiladed by machine-guns posted in front of Thennes, the Germans -failed to reach that village, but persisted in their efforts against -Hangard. After seven furious onslaughts, from 6.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., -they occupied the cemetery, in which a single company, entirely cut -off from all support, held out all that day. Units of the battalion, hard -pressed from the north, east and south, shut themselves up with their -Commandant in the Château, and made a vigorous defence. Between 3 and -5 p.m., the following message was signalled three times: "<i>Surrounded -in Hangard but still holding out</i>". At 6 p.m. the Château was stormed, -and the commandant taken prisoner with the remaining survivors. Taking -advantage of the confusion caused by the French bombardment among his -captors, he escaped with his men and re-entered the castle, where he -continued to hold out until nightfall. He was finally captured in the -course of another attack.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_068.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Maison Blanche.—British Tanks going into action.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>In spite of their strenuous efforts, the Germans were unable to -debouch from Hangard during the night. On the 25th, the French -counter-attacked, and after crossing the Luce at various points, -re-occupied Verger hamlet, Hangard village, and part of Hangard Wood, -repulsing all German counter-attacks.</p> - -<p>On the 26th, the 4th Regiment of the Moroccan Division completed -the clearing of the wood. Although the British attack on their -right was unsuccessful, a battalion of "Légionnaires" succeeded in -outflanking the north-eastern corner of the wood, in which they gained -a footing. They were followed soon afterwards by a second battalion -supported by British tanks which undertook the destruction of the -German machine-guns nests. Driven from the wood, the Germans -bombarded it heavily with 6in. and 8in. shells, but could not drive -out the French. Finally the Germans retreated 2 kms, two of their -divisions being thrown into disorder. One of them, which had just -relieved the other, suffered such heavy losses that it had to be sent to -the rear two days after coming into line. On the 28th, the Germans -launched unsuccessful counter-attacks against the wood, which was -finally cleared by French Infantry and British tanks. Thereafter, -the enemy were unable to make any advance in this region.</p> - -<p><i>At Hill 104, take on the left the road to Roye</i> (G.C. 203), <i>and -cross</i> <b>Maison Blanche</b>. <i>Take the first road on the left</i> (G.C. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> - -28), <i>and skirt the Château of Beaucourt, in the park of which there -is</i> a French cemetery. <em>Go through</em> <b>Beaucourt</b>, <em>and keep along -the road to</em> <b>Caix</b> (<i>See map, p. 66</i>). Saps, battery positions, -and a German cemetery are to be seen along the road. Caix is an -ancient market-town. Objects dating from the Bronze Age have been -discovered there. The 15th-16th century Sainte-Croix Church (<cite>Hist. -Mon.</cite>), standing halfway up the hill, is of archæological interest. The -famous square belfry on the left is flanked to the top by buttresses -surmounted by four low, massive corbel-turrets with bell-shaped -roofs. A door in the western front forms a low overhanging arch with -accolade-shaped archivolts, ornamented with inset pinnacles.</p> - -<p>A large doorway in the façade, comprising two elliptical leaves, is -surmounted by high, pointed arcading forming a tympanum. On the -first story, a delicate, open-work balustrade recalls that of Tilloloy; -above is a fine rose window. The roof was rebuilt on modified lines -after the terrible fire of April 1768, which practically destroyed the -whole village. The south front doorway dates from 1530. Its arch is -ornamented with delicately carved vine-foliage.</p> - -<p>The 16th century pillars, without capitals, in the nave, are decorated -with finely carved canopies, several of which are mutilated. The -present consoles and statues standing against the pillars are unfortunately -not the original ones. In the aisles, the brackets on which the -springing of the pointed arches rests, are ornamented with figures of -persons, lizards and dæmons... The pillars of the choir with their -foliate capitals, and the transept and chancel are 14th century. The -high altar comprises a reredos. The carved pulpit and confessional are -in the Renaissance style. The richly ornamented font has disappeared. -A large holy-water basin of unusual shape (truncated cone) is adorned -with several black circles.</p> - -<p>All the zinc and lead-work -was stripped off and -taken away by the Germans -during the occupation -of 1918. The wooden -leaves of the entrance door -were removed. The building -suffered severely from -the bombardments. The -upper part of the belfry -fell down and the stained -glass was destroyed. Part -of the cornice and the -frame-work of the chevet -were ruined.</p> - -<p>The fortified château of -Caix, vestiges of which -still remain, was destroyed -by fire in 1400.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_069.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Caix Church.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p> - -<p>The village did not suffer greatly from the bombardments.</p> - -<p>Caix was captured by the Germans on March 28, 1918, and retaken -by the British at the same time as Beaucourt-en-Santerre, on the evening -of August 8, i. e. the first day of the British offensive in Picardy.</p> - -<p><i>Leave the village by the road taken on entering. Beyond Beaucourt, -keep straight on as far as</i> <b>Mézières</b>, <i>where take the second -road on the right to the church (See map, p. 66)</i>.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_070-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Mézières Church.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>The village of Mézières was attacked by the Germans, on March 28, -1918, after the withdrawal of the British. On the 29th, units of the -French 133rd Division, which were defending Mézières, were unable -to hold the overwhelming numbers of the enemy, who captured the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> - -village. On August 8, at the beginning of the offensive by Debeney's -Army, the village was recaptured by the 42nd Division, while -the 37th Division progressed east of Genonville Wood.</p> - -<p><i>At the church, take the street on the left, then the first on the -right</i> (G.C. 28), <i>to</i> <b>Villers-aux-Érables</b>. The village was -almost entirely destroyed; its Château is in ruins.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_070-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Villers-aux-Érables.—The ruined Chateau.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><i>The road, along which are numerous graves, trenches and shelters, -next crosses the plateau</i>, where the 133rd Infantry and 4th Cavalry -Divisions so heroically retarded the German onrush of March 26-28, 1918.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>Moreuil.</h3> - -<p>Moreuil, <em>next reached</em>, was fortified in the Middle-Ages, but to-day -nothing remains of the former ramparts. The Château alone is still -existent, and is reached by taking -<i>the third turning on the left (See -sketch-map below)</i>.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_070.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_071.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Avre at Moreuil.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>The Château, comprising the ruins -of four bastions with very thick -walls, was rebuilt in the 14th or -15th century on the site of a previous -castle which probably stood -near the church. In 1434, it was -besieged and captured by the Anglo-Burgundians. -In 1588, it was -occupied by the Leaguers. In -1636, during the disastrous "Corbie year", it was taken by the Spaniards, -from whom the French wrested it shortly afterwards. In 1791, -it was pillaged by the people, like the Château of Mailly-Raineval. -Ancient cannon from the Château are now in the Museum of Picardy -at Amiens. The modern portion, which served as a living apartment, -stood between the two western towers, and was built under - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> - -Louis XVIII. It is now in ruins (<i>photo p. 28</i>). A large stone cross, -which formerly stood before the doorway of the parish church, was -removed and erected near the chapel of the Château. This 14th century -monument comprised a pedestal of three superimposed stories, and a -columnar shaft and cross, slightly more modern than the pedestal. -The cross has disappeared, and only part of the pedestal remains.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_072-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Moreuil.—The Church before the War.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><i>Turn back and follow the street straight to</i> the church.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_072-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Moreuil.—The Church in 1919.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>Formerly the old abbey church of a Benedictine Monastery which stood -within the castle walls, it was rebuilt in modern times in 15th century -style—except the façade which dates from the latter part of the 16th -century—when the place belonged to the Créqui family. The façade -(<cite>Hist. Mon.</cite>) bears a great likeness to that of St. Peter's Church -at Montdidier. It comprises two large porches, above which rose the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> - -square tower of the belfry and the gable of the nave.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_073-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Moreuil Church.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>The left-hand doorway -comprises six pointed arches, -the third one from the inside -being the most richly -ornamented. This arch comprises -a series of ten carved -subjects, each under a canopy.</p> - -<p>The right-hand doorway -is a replica on a larger scale -of the left-hand one.</p> - -<p>A Flamboyant gallery -runs above the doors. At -the base of the belfry, on -the northern front, is a -beautiful pointed window -with rich 16th century -ornamentation.</p> - -<p>The church was severely -damaged during the battles -of 1918. The tower was -destroyed and the porches -were badly mutilated.</p> - -<p>The interior collapsed; -the pillars alone remain -standing.</p> - -<p><i>Turn left into the road which descends to the Avre.</i> The bridge was -destroyed in 1918, and replaced by two wooden ones.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_073-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Building a Bridge across the Avre, near Moreuil.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><b>Morisel</b> <i>is next reached, which pass through. -(See sketch-map, p. 71.)</i></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>From Moreuil to Montdidier,<br /> - -<span class="smaller">via Mailly-Raineval, Grivesnes and Cantigny.</span><br /> -<span class="small">Mailly-Raineval and Hill 103</span></h3> - -<p><i>On leaving Morisel, there is</i> a large German cemetery, from which a -very fine view of Moreuil and the valley of the Avre may be had. <i>Take -the</i> G.C. 14, <i>on the left, as far as</i> <b>Mailly-Raineval</b>, -<i>entering the village by the road on the left. (See sketch-map, p. 77.)</i></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_074-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Mailly-Raineval, seen from the Road to Hill 103.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_074-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Mailly-Raineval.—Ruins of the Chateau.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>This village, first known as Raineval, took the name of -Mailly-Raineval in 1744, when it became the property of the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> - -illustrious house of Mailly. The Château, in ruins since 1879, was -mostly built in the 16th century, on the site of the former castle, -destroyed at the time of the <i>Jacquerie</i>. The ruins of the Château -include a broken tower dating from the end of the 14th century, and -substructures still measuring 250 feet in length. The latter, which -were severely damaged by the bombardments, used to support the three -stories of the imposing Château (<i>photo above</i>). The village is now -a complete ruin.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_075.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Mailly-Raineval, seen from the West side of Hill 103.</span><br /> -<i>On the right</i>: <span class="smcap">The Church and Chateau</span>;<br /> -<i>in the background</i>: <span class="smcap">Arrière-Cour Wood</span>.</div> -</div> - -<div class="topspace1"></div> - -<p><i>200 yards further on, the road leads to the foot of</i> -<b>Hill 103</b> <i>which can be ascended on foot</i>.</p> - -<p>From this hill, there is a fine view of Moreuil Village and Wood, -Sauvillers (<i>to the south-east</i>) and Arrière-Cour Wood. -(<i>See map, p. 77.</i>)</p> - -<p>On March 26, 1918, the French 133rd Division, brought up in lorries, -and the 4th Cavalry Division, had orders to protect the approaches -to Moreuil and the Avre, and to join hands with the British, but -were forced to give way under the pressure of the enemy's overwhelming -numbers. On the 29th, the French 163rd Division had scarcely -detrained when it received orders to defend Moreuil, under the direction -of the General commanding the 36th Corps, forming the left -of Debeney's Army. The attack, led by two German divisions, -began on the night of the 29th. Moreuil, as the nearest point to -Amiens, was particularly aimed at by the enemy, but the Canadians -and French repulsed all assaults. Finally, after changing hands -several times, the village was occupied by the Germans who were, -however, unable to debouch, although they lost half of their effective -strength in their attempts to do so. On April 1st the British, supported -by the French, counter-attacked in the woods north of Moreuil.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_076.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Mailly-Raineval in Flames.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>On April 4th, a violent German effort on the left bank of the Avre, -against the 36th Corps, was twice checked, but the enemy finally -succeeded, at very heavy cost, in capturing Mailly-Raineval, -Arrière-Cour Wood, Morisel and Castel. On April 5, under the command -of General Robillot, the French counter-attacked: the 127th, 166th -and 59th divisions towards Mailly-Raineval, and the 17th division in -the direction of Moreuil. After driving the enemy from Arrière-Cour -Wood, they returned to the outskirts of Mailly-Raineval. In front of -Sauvillers, where the tanks did good work, they advanced along the -plateau. To the west of Castel, in Sénecat Wood, a furious engagement -took place, in the course of which the enemy were driven back with a -loss of 100 prisoners. On April 17, the French attacked from Mailly to -Castel, captured the greater part of Sénecat Wood, gained a footing -in Gros Hêtre Wood, reached the outskirts of Castel—bristling with -machine-guns—and on the south attained the heights which dominate -the Avre, after taking over 650 prisoners, including 20 officers. -The same day, a single French battalion thrown against the village -of Castel—held by five companies of infantry and two companies of -machine-gunners, of the German 389th regiment of shock troops—advanced -1,400 yards, capturing several redoubts, 254 prisoners (including 10 -officers), and 31 machine-guns. On this day also, the tanks played a -great part in the capture of Sénecat Wood. The commanding officer of a -company of tanks personally took over one of the machines, the crew of -which had been put out of action. Making straight for Castel, he swept -the streets of the village with his machine-gun, then returned safely -to the French lines. Another tank, in hot pursuit of a retreating -German battery of 77's, penetrated over 600 yards into the enemy's -lines, where it broke down. The gallant crew thereupon got out their -machine guns and held off the enemy until their ammunition ran out. On -April 24, an enemy attack on Sénecat Wood failed. On May 11, during a -violent attack, the Germans temporarily gained a footing in the woods -to the south-west of Mailly, but counter-attacks drove them out. On -July 12, the French attacked near Castel and to the south-east of -Rouvrel, capturing Castel and 500 prisoners. On the 23rd they took -Mailly, Sauvillers, and Aubvillers, capturing 1,800 men, 54 officers, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> - -four 77's, 45 minenwerfer, and 300 machine-guns. On August 8, Debeney's -offensive cleared Morisel, and the 66th Division captured Moreuil.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_077.jpg" alt="Map." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<p><i>Return to and keep along the road.</i></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> - -<p>Trenches, saps and battery positions are met with. <i>After crossing the -Louvrechy-Thory road, the Ailly-sur-Noye-Montdidier road is reached. At -the crossing, and before taking</i> G.C. 26, <i>on the left, to Grivesnes, -tourists interested in archæology should take it on the right to visit -the church of</i> <b>Ailly-sur-Noye</b> <i>(5½ kms.) Otherwise, keep -straight on to</i> <b>Folleville</b> <i>(4½ kms.)<br /> -(See sketch-map, p. -79.)</i></p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>Ailly-sur-Noye.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_077.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Ailly-sur-Noye.—The Prévoté.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_078-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Ailly-sur-Noye. -Interior or the Church in 1918.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_078-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Ailly-sur-Noye.—The Tomb of the "Bastard of St. Pol".</span></div> -</div> - -<p>The village of Ailly-sur-Noye used to possess a 13th century -church, replaced a few years ago by a new edifice, in which the -following portions of the ancient building were retained (under the -first window of the right-hand aisle):</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> - -<p>1. A bas-relief crowned with pointed -trefoil arcading, divided into three compartments, -depicting from right to left: -<i>St. Martin cutting his mantle</i>, <i>The Crucifixion</i>, -and <i>The presentation of the donor -to Christ, by John-the-Baptist</i>.</p> - -<p>2. The tomb of Jean de Luxembourg, -known as the <em>Bastard of St. Pol</em>. This -tomb (<cite>Hist. Mon.</cite>), comprises a bluestone -sarcophagus, the front of which -is ornamented with five mourners, and -each end with three other mourners -sheltered under arcades. The covering -stone is carved with the statues of Jean -de Luxembourg and his wife, Catherine -de la Tremouille, in demi-relief. Unfortunately, -the upper part of these statues -is damaged.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>Folleville.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_079.jpg" alt="Map." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<p>Folleville, with the ruins of its Château -and its church, is one of the most interesting -places in Picardy, for archæologists. -The ruins of the Château (late -14th and early 15th century), situated -on a hill, from which there is a very extensive view, are most imposing. -The corner towers are round; that in the middle of the -northern curtain is over 80 feet high, and is first round, then hexagonal, -and finally twelve-sided. In proportion as it rises, it overhangs -by means of moulded corbels, which bold design gives it a -larger diameter at the top than at the base.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_079.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Folleville Chateau</span></div> -</div> - -<p>The castle, which began to fall into ruins in the 17th century, was -further damaged at the time of the Revolution. It is rich in historical -memories. In 1440, it was taken -by the English, under Counts -Somerset and Talbot, and served -for a long time as their headquarters. -Under Charles IX, -the castle served as a meeting-place -for the Protestants. -Later, the Leaguers had a garrison -there. In February 1592, -Henri IV fought a battle in the -neighbourhood, against the troops -of the Duke of Parma. St. -Vincent-de-Paul lived there as -tutor to M. de Bondi's children, -and it was at Folleville that -he inaugurated the missions -which were the chief aim of the -Congregation founded by him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_080-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Tomb of Raoul de Lannoy and his wife</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_080-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Tomb of François de Lannoy and his wife.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_081.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Folleville Church.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>The church (<cite>Hist. Mon.</cite>) standing -near the ruined Château, -comprises a late 14th century -nave and an early 16th century -choir. The latter, intended as a -burial chapel for the owners of -the castle, is the more richly -decorated. Its buttresses are surmounted with pinnacles, on one of which -is a niche containing a statue of the Virgin. The pointed timber-work -vaulting of the nave is among the finest in the <i>Département</i> of the -Somme, and is decorated with satirical and chimerical carvings. The -pulpit is the one from which, on January 25, 1671, St. Vincent-de-Paul -preached the sermon which was the starting-point of his Missions. -The wooden seats in the nave are ancient. The white marble font -is girt with the historical chain of the de Lannoy family, connected -by four shields bearing the arms of Folleville, Lannoy, Broix and -Hangest. It stands on a small pedestal of grey stone, ornamented at -the corners with four carved acanthus leaves. The arches of the -stone vaulting of the choir rest on small brackets carved with various -<i>motifs</i>.</p> - -<p>Of the two chapels on either side of the choir, that on the left, -known as the Virgin Chapel, was used by the owners of the castle. -The right-hand one (St. Vincent-de-Paul), is modern in its fittings -and decoration (1868).</p> - -<p>The choir contains several very famous monuments, the finest being the -mausoleum of Raoul de Lannoy and Jeanne de Broix; the white marble -sarcophagus is the work of Italian artists (the <i>de Portas</i>); the stone -niche which shelters the sarcophagus contains delicate French carvings. -The whole forms one of the most remarkable works of the Renaissance -period. The neighbouring tomb is that of François de Lannoy and Marie -de Hangest; some of the carvings greatly resemble those of Cardinal -Hémard de Denonville's tomb in the Cathedral of Amiens.</p> - -<p>An ancient stained-glass window near the tomb of Raoul de Lannoy -is dedicated to St. Anthony and St. John-the-Evangelist. Above the -door of the sacristy are carved marble medallions. The church used -to possess a very ancient pall, now in the Museum at Amiens.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>Grivesnes.</h3> - -<p><i>Return to the crossing of the Grivesnes, Folleville and Ailly-sur-Noye -roads, and take the road leading to</i> <span class="smcap">Grivesnes</span>. (<i>See -sketch-map p. 84.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Before reaching the latter, note the</i> cemetery of the French 114th -Infantry Regiment, <i>on the right, and a little further on, on the other -side</i>, a quarry containing shelters.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_082-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">French Lines in the Quarries at Grivesnes.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_082-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Grivesnes Chateau.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><i>On entering</i> <b>Grivesnes</b>, <i>take the first road on the left to</i> -the <span class="smcap">Chateau</span>—a 17th century pile, comprising a central main -building and two wings—in the yard of which are a large shelter and -several graves. The church <i>is a little farther on</i>. Both buildings - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> - -were severely damaged. <i>Return to the road, and proceed towards</i> -<span class="smcap">Cantigny</span>, past the ruins of a mill which was blown up by the -Germans, and the <span class="smcap">Chapelle de St. Aignan</span>, near which is a large -Franco-German cemetery. (<i>See map p. 84.</i>)</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_083-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Grivesnes Church.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_086-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Weather-cock of the Church Steeple at Grivesnes.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>The chapel is now a heap of ruins.</p> - -<p>The village, château and park of Grivesnes now come into view. -The latter lies to the north-east of the village.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_083-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Franco-German Cemetery on the<br /> -Grivesnes-Cantigny road.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>On March 28, 1918, the first units of the French 166th Division, on -detraining, took up positions along the Coullemelle-Thory line, while -their artillery was posted on the Grivesnes-Coullemelle line. On the -29th, the 4th and 5th battalions of the 350th Regiment, which -had already been fighting the two previous days, occupied Grivesnes, -one of them having lost two-thirds of its effective strength. Reinforced -by a few units of Chasseurs and a company of Engineers, this - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> - -handful of men repulsed five successive assaults next day (March -30), after the fall of Malpart.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_084.jpg" alt="Map." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<p>On the 31st (Easter Sunday), the enemy attacked with the 1st Division -of the famous Prussian Guards. At 7 a.m., French observers saw the -storm-waves assembling in the shell-holes to the east and north-east -of the park. From 10.30 to 11.30 a.m., the German artillery pounded -the French lines with <i>rafale</i> fire from 6 in. guns. The German -foot-grenadiers advanced by companies, in aligned platoon columns. -The first French line was decimated, and broke under the repeated -onslaughts. The Germans turned the park from the north and east, -and contenting themselves for the time being with surrounding the -castle—from which a murderous fire was poured on them—entered the -village.</p> - -<p>The commanding officer, who had shut himself up in the castle, was -using a rifle with his men. At noon, he despatched a cyclist with a -report on the situation, to the officer in command of the Divisional -Infantry at Plessier. The report ended with the words: <i>I am in the -castle, and shall hold on till death</i>. The cyclist managed to get -through the German lines, crossed Grivesnes—already occupied by the -Germans—and delivered the report. All available units were immediately -got together and despatched to Grivesnes.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, a reserve battalion at the crossing of the Montdidier -and Plessier roads counter-attacked the German Grenadiers who -were entering the Rue de Montdidier. While the men were clearing -the houses one by one and freeing a number of prisoners, the battalion -commander and his cyclist went forward, with two armoured -cars, the machine-guns of which scattered the German columns. The -Rue de Montdidier was quickly cleared of the enemy and the French -entered the Château. At 2.30 p.m., the detachment from Plessier -arrived, and the German Grenadiers were quickly driven out of the -park. In spite of counter-attacks, the French, with the help of a -battalion from a neighbouring regiment, debouched from Coullemelle -Wood and fully maintained their positions. The Prussian Guard was -thus not only soundly beaten, but also suffered very heavy losses.</p> - -<p>The enemy attacked again on April 1 and 3, but without success. -On the 4th, the French 67th Infantry Regiment captured St. Aignan - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> - -in the course of a dashing counter-attack, and, in spite of repeated -enemy attempts to reconquer the village, maintained themselves -there. On the 5th the Germans made another powerful but futile -effort against Grivesnes. The 67th Regiment of the line stubbornly -held its own at St. Aignan, while to the east of Grivesnes, the 25th -battalion of Chasseurs repulsed four attacks by two regiments of the -Guard, who were decimated by barrage and machine-gun fire. Later, -the same battalion succeeded in clearing the eastern approaches to -the village. On May 9 the French captured the park, taking 258 -prisoners and a large quantity of stores, and beating off all enemy -counter-attacks.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_085-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">A few of the heroes of the 350th line Regiment and<br /> -their Commandant, Lieut.-Col. Lagarde.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_085-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Grivesnes.—Battery of 8½ in. Mortars taking up -position.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_086-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Wayside Cross at Grivesnes.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span></p> - -<p><i>Continue along</i> G.C. 26 <i>to</i> <b>Cantigny</b>.</p> - -<p>The village and its surroundings were attacked by the Germans at -the end of March 1918. Sharp fighting occurred there on the night -of the 29th and the whole of the following day. Cantigny fell in -the evening of the 30th. On April 4 and 5, a counter-attack in this -region by the French 45th Division, drove back the enemy and gave the -French the northern and western outskirts of the village, which they -were, however, unable to hold. On May 28, the American 1st Division, -supported by a regiment of the French 60th Division and a group of -tanks, brilliantly carried the village and salient of Cantigny along a -2 kms. front, capturing 170 prisoners and a large quantity of stores.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_087-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The American Attack on Cantigny</span>,<br /> -<i>May 28, 1918</i>. (<i>See p. 39.</i>)</div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_087-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Cantigny Entrance to the -Chateau Park.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>The village was razed to the ground. The ruins -of the church and Château may be reached by taking -<i>the street on the left, in the middle of the village</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Fontaine-sous-Montdidier</span>, in ruins, <i>is next -reached. 3 kms. further on, take the left-hand road to</i> -<b>Montdidier</b>. <i>Skirt the foot of the hill, as far as the -Montdidier-Amiens road (N. 35), which take on the right. -On entering Montdidier, turn into Rue du Collège -which leads to the Esplanade du Prieuré</i> (<i>See p. 98</i>).</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_087.jpg" alt="Map of Montdidier" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>MONTDIDIER</h2> -</div> - -<blockquote> -<p><i>Valiant City, martyrised by the War. After sustaining the fire of the -enemy's guns for more than two years, experienced in turn the joys of -deliverance and the horrors of a brutal occupation. An important position, -bitterly disputed, it suffered total destruction, paying with its ruins the -Victory of the Mother-land.</i></p> - -<p class="right"> -(Croix de Guerre.) </p> -</blockquote> - - -<p>The town stands at the extremity of the Plateau of Santerre, halfway -between Amiens and Compiègne, in the valleys of the Somme -and Oise. Rising in tiers, from south to north, on the limestone cliffs, -its highest point is occupied by the Palais-de-Justice.</p> - -<p>The town probably first grew up around a farm in which, according to -tradition, the monks of the Abbey of Corbie kept Didier, King of the -Lombards, whose name was given to the town. The first houses sprang -up in the fertile valley, whilst a <i>castrum</i> was built on the hill. -Owing to its situation on an oft-disputed frontier, Montdidier was -destined to have a stirring history. Of the fortifications which -Philippe-Auguste caused to be erected there, and which were terminated -in 1210, nothing remains but a few fragments of walls covered by the -gardens. At various periods the town was besieged, pillaged and burnt.</p> - -<p>Under Charles VIII and Louis XII the walls were rebuilt and the -city's life began anew, only to be disturbed again by war under François -I. After repulsing a band of adventurers in 1522, it was besieged -in 1523 by 30,000 English and Germans, led by the Duke of Norfolk -and Count de Bure. Although a breach was opened in the city's -walls, the burghers refused to capitulate. The place had therefore -to be carried by storm, and the enemy burnt it on October 29.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_088.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Montdidier.—The St. Médard Quarter.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_089-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Montdidier, seen from the Moreuil Road.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>After the town had been rebuilt, the Reform quickly gained ground, -in spite of persecutions and the burning of Pastor Michel de la -Grange.</p> - -<p>In 1636, a powerful Spanish army, under the command of Jean de -Werth and Piccolomini, captured Roye and summoned Montdidier -to surrender. The burghers refused and, almost unsupported, kept -the enemy at bay and made a number of successful sorties. A narrow -valley on the road to Breteuil has retained the name of "cut-throat", -in remembrance of one of these sorties, during which 200 Spaniards -were slain. After a siege lasting 34 days, the approach of the Royal -Army compelled the Spaniards to retreat, and Louis XIII thanked -the burghers in person for their courage and loyalty.</p> - -<p>From that time forward the town lived in peace. Louis XIV often -stayed there on his way to Flanders.</p> - -<p>On March 19, 1814, the Cossacks, coming from Roye, entered the -town.</p> - -<p>The next day a large detachment of Cossacks and Prussian -Hussars, infantry and artillery, under the Russian Baron de Geismar, -took possession and exacted heavy requisitions in kind.</p> - -<p>The Cossacks bivouacked in the streets, with their horses in full -harness, and cooked their food in the open. An attack by the combined -garrisons of Amiens and Beauvais on March 24 drove out the -Cossacks, but the latter returned on the 27th, with the intention of -plundering and burning the town. In response to a petition from the -chief citizens, Baron de Geismar consented not to burn the town, but -allowed his soldiers to pillage it for one hour. On the 28th, the -Cossacks withdrew towards Compiègne, to join the Allies in their march -on Paris.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_089-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Montdidier, photographed from an aeroplane.</span><br /> -<i>On the left</i>: <i>The Three-Doms Stream, crossed by the road -followed by the itinerary</i> (<i>see p. 98</i>);<br /> -<i>In the middle</i>: <i>Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville</i>; <i>On the right</i>: <i>Place Faidherbe and the Compiègne road.</i></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_pano_090.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Panoramic view to the West and South of Montdidier<br /> -seen from the Esplanade du Prieuré.</span></div> -</div> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p> - -<p>After Easter, the Prussians held the garrison at Montdidier and in 1815 -a Prussian garrison occupied the town for three months.</p> - -<p>On October 15, 1870, the Prussians again appeared before Montdidier, -held only by a few regular troops and some National Guards.</p> - -<p>After a short bombardment, which caused the death of several -citizens, the Prussians entered the town.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_091.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Chapel built by the soldiers in the ruins of -Montdidier.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_093.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Saving the town records of Montdidier.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_092.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The roads to be followed are shown by thick lines.</span></div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>MONTDIDIER IN 1918.</h3> - -<p>Of Montdidier, hardly anything remains but ruins, caused by the -terrible battles fought around the town in March-August 1918.</p> - -<p>From the end of Rue du Collège, there is a fine view of the whole -battlefield: Mesnil-St-Georges and Fontaine-sous-Montdidier <i>to the -west</i>; Courtemanche and Framicourt <i>to the north-west</i>; Gratibus, -Pierrepont and Contoire <i>to the north</i>, and Ayencourt and Monchel <i>to -the south</i>.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>The German offensive—March 27.</h3> - -<p>On March 27, the German hordes were held on the French right, but -overran the plain on the left, where the lack of natural defences made -resistance more difficult. The front-line there was very thin, and the -Germans captured Cessier and Tilloloy.</p> - -<p>The French 22nd I.D. fell back on Bus, then lost this village and -the neighbouring woods. For two hours, the enemy were unable to -debouch, being held in check mainly by the fire of batteries in -Marotin Wood. Near by, the 22nd Territorials, with a squadron -of divisional artillery and two companies of engineers, were thrown -into the battle. Fighting stubbornly against odds of ten to one, they -retreated only step by step. The Germans advanced only with very -heavy loss, and they had scarcely entered Marotin Wood when a -concentration of artillery fire scattered them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> - -<p>Held before the <i>massif</i> of Boulogne-la-Grasse, they wedged themselves -in between the latter and Montdidier. There was a gap here between the -left of Humbert's Army and Debeney's right, then being brought up, -and of which only a part, i. e. the 56th Division (Demetz) had taken -up its positions. This division, with the 5th Cavalry Division (De la -Tour) and two battalions of the 97th Territorials, had to defend a -twelve-mile front, extending from Pierrepont to the outskirts of Roye. -Attacks by three German Divisions, supported by a powerful artillery, -were repulsed.</p> - -<p>Throughout the morning, the 69th Battalion of Chasseurs fought -along the Echelle-St.-Aurin-Dancourt-Grivillers line. The latter village -only fell at 12.45 p.m.</p> - -<p>After the capture of Erches and Saulchoy the 65th Battalion of -Chasseurs held the enemy in check for some time on the Guerbigny -line, but on being attacked on the flank by enemy forces which had -crossed the Avre beyond Guerbigny, they were compelled to fall back, -but only after inflicting very heavy losses on the enemy. This -withdrawal brought about that of the 49th Battalion, above Becquigny.</p> - -<p>Before Marquivillers, two battalions of the 105th line Regt. held -their ground for a long time, and withdrew only after being overwhelmed. -Fighting rearguard actions, they fell back on the crest south of -Lignières, then to the plateau east of Etelfay. A battalion of the -132nd line Regt., which had been unable to reach Fescamps, fought -with the Territorials of the 97th between Piennes and Forestil -Farm. At 3 p.m., a battalion of the 132nd was thrown against -Etelfay which had been captured by the Germans, thus enabling two -battalions of the 106th and one of the 132nd to reform on the plateau -to the west, where they kept the enemy in check until 6.30 p.m.</p> - -<p>South of Montdidier, the enemy advanced rapidly towards Rollot -and Rubescourt.</p> - -<p>The defence of Montdidier was abandoned, and the enemy entered -the town at 6.30 p.m. The 56th I.D. and the 5th Cav. Div. reformed -to the west of Montdidier and the Avre, without losing a single gun.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>The Enemy's Advance held.</h3> - -<p>In the evening, the French held the line: Ayencourt, -Mesnil-St.-Georges, Gratibus, Pierrepont and Contoire. General de -Mitry (6th Corps) gave orders to hold at all costs the line of hills -which dominate the Three-Doms stream on the west, between Pierrepont -and Domfront. The 56th Div. defended the line Framicourt, north of -Courtemanche and Domfront.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p> - -<h3>March 28.</h3> - -<p>On the morning of the 28th, the German 9th Div. entered Courtemanche, -Framicourt and Fontaine-sous-Montdidier, scattered the -units of Engineers who were holding the road to Mesnil, then occupied -Mesnil, Ayencourt and Monchel.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_094.jpg" alt="Map of Montdidier area." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<p>The 56th Div. immediately -counter-attacked. While a battalion -of the 132nd Regt. -recaptured Fontaine-sous-Montdidier, -and the 65th Batn. of -Chasseurs advanced in the wood -and on the hill near Mesnil, the -3rd Batn. of the 132nd, supported -by a Batn. of the 350th, drove -back the enemy to Mesnil and -Monchel, and carried these -villages. On the right, General -Humbert's Army recaptured -Assainvillers.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>March 29.</h3> - -<p>On the 29th, the 56th Div. -received orders to advance as -far as the railway, between Courtemanche -and Monchel. The attack was launched at 6 p.m., at the -very moment chosen by the enemy for their own attack. The fighting -at once became very desperate. On the left, a company of the 69th -Batn. of Chasseurs succeeded in entering Framicourt, but was overwhelmed -and partly taken prisoners. The 49th Batn. of Chasseurs, after -advancing as far as the Chapelle de St. Pierre, west of Courtemanche, -was outflanked and forced to withdraw beyond Fontaine-sous-Montdidier. -The 65th Batn. of Chasseurs and the 3rd Batn. of the 132nd Regt. -progressed to the east of Mesnil, as far as Hill 97, but were decimated -by a violent artillery and machine-gun barrage, and had to fall back.</p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>March 30.</h3> - -<p>At dawn, on the 30th, after a violent artillery preparation, -a fresh German attack was launched. To the north, in front of -Fontaine-sous-Montdidier and Hill 104, the 49th Batn. of Chasseurs, -supported by units of the 54th Regt., repulsed seven assaults.</p> - -<p>Two German air-squadrons having swept the French lines with -machine-gun fire, the attack was renewed with fresh troops, but -without result. At 3.45 p.m., a new attack by strong enemy columns -succeeded in turning the exhausted French forces on both flanks. -To avoid being surrounded, the French fell back on the crest east -of Villers-Tournelle, and clung desperately to their new positions. -On that day, they threw over 1,500 grenades and fired over -50,000 cartridges. From Mesnil to Royaucourt, the battle was -equally desperate. The German 9th Division had orders to push forward -as far as Elevation 136, i. e. 2½ kms. south-west of Royaucourt.</p> - -<p>In front of Mesnil, the French 106th Regt. broke four attacks in -the morning, but at about 5 p.m., the French left having given -way under a terrific bombardment, the Germans reached the northern - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> - -outskirts of the village. The French only abandoned the village, in -flames, at 6.30 p.m., taking up fresh positions 200-300 yards in -the rear.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_095-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Montdidier. Rue Becquerel.</span> -(<i>See p. 98.</i>)</div> -</div> - -<p>On the right, the Germans took Monchel and Ayencourt, but were -unable to debouch, which prevented them from reaching the south-western -outskirts of Mesnil and the approaches to Royaucourt.</p> - -<p>At 7 p.m., a counter-attack by units of the 153rd Regt., a batn. -of cavalry on foot, a section of armoured-cars, and a group of -artillery took the enemy by surprise. Ayencourt and Monchel were -recaptured, and the French line advanced from Monchel to Hill 98.</p> - -<p>Exhausted by their efforts and heavy losses, the enemy now -consolidated their slight gains.</p> - -<p>The French 56th Div. had fought unceasingly for five days and -lost the greater part of its effective strength, but had fixed the enemy.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_095-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Montdidier. -Rue Becquerel in 1919.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_096.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Liberating Montdidier.</span><br /> -<i>The front on August</i> 8th. (<i>morning</i>) <i>and</i> 10th (<i>evening</i>).</div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>The Liberation on Montdidier. (<i>August 8-10, 1918.</i>).</h3> - -<p>During the following months the enemy remained on their positions, -the sector being disturbed only by local attacks and raids on -either side. In the region of Mesnil-St.-Georges, held mainly by the -60th Div., the extreme German right broke down during the offensive -of June 9 against the resistance of the French. In front of a single -company of the 248th line Regiment, over 200 German dead were -counted.</p> - -<p>On August 1, the enemy made many unsuccessful efforts in the -neighbourhood of Mesnil. From August 3, the French progressed slowly to -the east of the village, and prepared starting positions for Debeney's -offensive of August 8. On the 4th the Germans, sensing the coming -attack, abandoned part of their positions. The French occupied Braches, -gained a footing in Hargicourt, and reached Courtemanche.</p> - -<p>On August 8, the 3rd Div. of the 9th Corps crossed the Avre to the -north, captured and enlarged the bridgehead of Neuville-Sire-Bernard - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> - -and occupied the western outskirts of Contoire and Hamel. The 9th Corps -was then replaced by the 10th, the three divisions of which were in -the line: the 152nd and 166th behind the Doms stream, and the 60th in -front of Montdidier. On the morning of the 9th the 152nd Div., instead -of attempting to cross the marshy stream, inclined to the left, crossed -at Neuville-Sire-Bernard, and thus enabled the 166th Div. to force the -passage by a frontal attack opposite Gratibus. While the 126th and -153rd Div. carried Hangest village and plateau, the 152nd Div. advanced -to Contoire and Pierrepont. The 166th Div., which had met with great -difficulty in crossing the Doms stream, was unable to gain a footing -on the plateau to the east. Montdidier, already outflanked from the -north, was now being turned from the south. General Debeney rapidly -transferred his artillery from his left to his right, and began a new -attack. The 60th Div. advanced against Montdidier, and the 169th made -a north-easterly thrust towards Faverolles, to cut the Montdidier-Roye -road, the enemy's main line of retreat. The 133rd Div. attacked -eastwards, to mask the <i>massif</i> of Boulogne-la-Grasse and cover the -flank of the offensive. Behind followed the 46th Div. and 2nd Cavalry -Corps, in readiness to exploit any gains.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_097-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">German prisoners<br /> -passing through Montdidier</span> (1918)</div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_097-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Montdidier.<br /> -Building a bridge in front of the station.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>The attack was a complete success. In the evening, from Faverolles -to Piennes, Montdidier was turned from the south. Assainvillers, -Piennes and Faverolles were recaptured, and the enemy fell back -along the Montdidier-Andechy road, which their desperate resistance -before Gratibus had enabled them to keep open. During the night - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> - -they evacuated Montdidier in the greatest confusion. While the French -were entering the town, which was entirely in their possession by noon -on the 10th, the whole of Debeney's forces thrust eastwards: the 47th -and 56th Div. advanced to the east of Villers-les-Roye, the 166th -from Gratibus to Lignières, the 60th to the outskirts of Dancourt, the -46th to the east of Tilloloy, the 133rd to the north-east of Fescamps, -and the 169th to before Cessier. Montdidier was now largely cleared.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_098.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><i>The roads to be followed are indicated by thick lines -and arrows.</i></div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>A VISIT TO MONTDIDIER.</h3> - -<p><i>Abutting on the Esplanade du Prieuré is</i> the <span class="smcap">Benedictines' -Priory</span> which, before the war, was a college. <i>Opposite is</i> the -<span class="smcap">Palais-de-Justice</span>. These two buildings suffered severely from -the bombardments.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p> - -<p>The <b>Palais-de-Justice</b> was built on the site of the old Château -of the Counts of Montdidier. The entrance was all that remained of the -Château at the beginning of the 14th century. The remains of this door -were used in the construction of the building known as the <span class="smcap">Salle du -Roy</span>.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_099-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Montdidier. -The Palais-de-Justice.</span> -(1919.)</div> -</div> - -<p>The Salle du Roy is built over a vaulted passage, situated opposite -the Esplanade du Prieuré. To the west, an imposing gable rises -above the cliffs, its thick walls reinforced in the centre by an enormous -buttress, at the northern corner by a smaller buttress, and at the -southern corner by an octagonal turret.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_099-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Palais-de-Justice -in 1917.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>The entrance to the Palais-de-Justice is below the vaulted passage. -On the first story, the Entrance Hall and the corridor leading -to the Audience Chamber were decorated with six large Brussels -tapestries, believed to be work of Henry Reydams (17th century). Made -originally for the town of Douai, they were taken from the Château -of Ferrières—pulled down in 1809—in the Department of Oise. The -subjects, taken from the Book of Exodus, depicted: <i>The Crossing of -the Red Sea</i>; <i>the Hebrews glorifying God</i>; <i>Gathering Manna</i>; <i>Moses -striking the Rock</i>; <i>Making the Golden Calf</i>; <i>Worshipping the Golden -Calf</i>. The 1st, 3rd and 4th were faithful reproductions of tapestries - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> - -in the Cathedral of Chartres, said to have been made after drawings by -Raphael.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_100-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Tomb of Raoul de Crépy.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>The other public buildings of Montdidier stood in the main road which -divides the town from north to south into two unequal parts. The first -of these was the <b>Church of St. Pierre</b> (<cite>Hist. Mon.</cite>) <i>reached by -passing under the archway of the Palais-de-Justice and following Rue -St. Pierre</i>.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_100-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The interior of St. Peter's Church.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>Of this church hardly anything remains except the walls and débris. -Portions of the building were 14th century, but most of it dated -from the 16th century. The tower, now in ruins, was added in 1742. -The doorway was the most remarkable part of the building. The -plans were the work of Chaperon (1538), the master-mason of Beauvais -Cathedral. The style is a combination of flamboyant Gothic (central -dividing pillar, archways, springing of the archways, and niches with -socle and canopy at the base of the main pillars), and Renaissance -(voluted niches and trefoiled bell-turrets, at the top of the pillars). At -the top of the accolade-shaped arch was a shield bearing the arms -of France, surrounded by St. Michael's collar, the three crescents - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> - -of Henri II, and a monogram combining the "H" of Henri II, the -double "D" of Diane de Poitiers, and the double "C" of Catherine -de Médicis. The side-walls of the church are sustained by buttresses. -In accordance with a custom fairly common in Picardy, each bay of -the side-aisles had its own separate roof forming a right-angle with that -of the great nave. The interior, with its three naves, massive pillars -and low 15th century vaulting—lower at the choir end than near -the doorway—appeared somewhat heavy in style.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_101-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Montdidier Cemetery</span> (<i>north-east of the town</i>). -<i>See Itinerary, p. 98.</i></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_101-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"> <span class="smcap">Place Faidherbe.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>(<i>At the end of Rue de Roye, which comes out into Place de -l'Hôtel-de-Ville. See p. 98</i>).]</p> - -<p>At the bottom of the left aisle, a reclining statue was said to depict - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> - -Count Raoul de Crépy, and to have formed part of the tomb which -the Count had built in the 11th century, while still alive. This statue -escaped destruction during the Revolution, and was deposited in the -church in 1862. As a matter of fact, it probably dates from the 13th -or 14th century, and does not represent Raoul de Crépy.</p> - -<p>In the adjoining chapel is a <i>Burial Scene</i> comprising seven figures -grouped around that of Christ. As in the Tomb of St. Germain-les-Fossés -at Amiens, Mary Magdalene occupies the centre of the group, -whereas this place is usually reserved for the Virgin.</p> - -<p>The font (probably 11th. century) is the oldest known specimen -of the type used in Picardy between the 11th and 16th centuries. The - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> - -low, square basin rests on five supports, the principal one being in -the centre, the other four lesser columns at the corners. The columns, -originally in stone, were replaced in the course of time by wooden ones. -A belt ornamented with eight heads of rather primitive design runs -round the basin. The rest of the decoration, much defaced, includes -two entwined heads, grapes, and doves drinking out of a vase.</p> - -<p>The tomb, said to be that of Raoul de Crépy, the "Burial Scene" -and the font are believed to lie buried under the débris.</p> - -<p>The organ loft, composed of the remains of fine Renaissance wood -carving of uncertain origin, was destroyed.</p> - -<p><i>Keep along Rue St. Pierre to Place de la Croix-Bleue, in which stood</i> -the <span class="smcap">Statue of Parmentier</span> (by Malknecht), erected in 1848. Only -the pedestal remains. Parmentier, who introduced and popularized -potato growing in France, was a native of Montdidier.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_102-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"> <span class="smcap">The Statue of Parmentier</span> (1914).</div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_102-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"> <span class="smcap">The Statue of Parmentier and a corner of the town, in 1919</span><br /> -<i>looking towards St. Peter's Church, seen behind. Tourists follow -the road on the left</i>.</div> -</div> - -<p><i>Rue de la Croix-Bleue leads to Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville. On the right -stands</i> the modern <b>Hôtel-de-Ville</b> which replaced the old Louis -XIII building and a Renaissance house on its right. The automaton -bell-striker of the old tower, known as <span class="smcap">Jean Duquesne</span>, which -used to strike the hours with a hammer, was erected on the top of the -new belfry.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_103.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"> <span class="smcap">Montdidier.—The Hotel-de-Ville.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><i>Rue Parmentier is next reached, at the entrance to which is</i> the 16th -century <b>Church of the Holy Sepulchre</b>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_104-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Montdidier.—Rue Parmentier and the Church of St. -Sepulchre</span> (1914).</div> -</div> - -<p>Its modern flamboyant Gothic doorway replaced the old portal -which, jutting out in front of the church, was ornamented with a hanging -garden. On this side, the square tower of the belfry only is ancient. -The five-sided chevet overlooks the small court of the presbytery.</p> - -<p>The interior comprises a central and two side naves. Only the vaulting -of the choir remains.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_104-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Church of St. Sepulchre in 1919.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_105-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Church of St. Sepulchre, the Chancel.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_105-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The interior of the Church of St. Sepulchre.</span><br /> -(<i>Seen from the Chancel, near the Porch</i>).</div> -</div> - -<p>At the end of the right aisle is an <i>Entombment</i> (1549-1582), a gift of -the De Baillon family. The Tomb, which was protected during the war, -comprises <i>The Burial Scene</i> and an <i>Ecce Homo</i> at the top of the -arch over the former. The latter group was finished long before the -other one, and is more natural and of finer finish than that of the -Tomb. The figures kneeling at the praying-desks on the front of the -Tomb represent Pierre de Baillon and his wife, Marguerite de la Morlière. -At the other end of the right aisle stood the baptismal font -(1539), mutilated and covered with whitewash in 1870. The church -of La Boissière possesses an identical font dating from the same period, -but much better preserved. The font probably lies buried under -the débris. In the font chapel there is a stone bas-relief (protected -during the war), said to have come from the old church. It was consecrated -to the Virgin, who is seen receiving the benediction of the -Eternal Father. The carvings and inscriptions around the Virgin, -symbolically recalling the principal episodes in her life, are taken from -the Song of Solomon. Unfortunately, this bas-relief was daubed over -in 1870, and some of the carvings, particularly <i>Les trois enfants qui -pissent</i>, were mutilated because of their realism.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_106.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Montdidier.—The lower town, seen through a shell-hole<br /> -in the Church of St. Sepulchre.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><i>Go down Rue Parmentier, then turn left into Boulevard Béjot, in the -direction of Compiègne.</i></p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>From Montdidier to Cuvilly,<br /> -<span class="small">via Assainvillers, Piennes, Rollot, Boulogne-la-Grasse, Conchy-les-Pots<br /> -and Orvillers-Sorel</span>.</h3> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p> - -<p><i>Follow Boulevard Béjot, then take Boulevard de Compiègne, on the -right, and a little further on, N. 35, also on the right, to</i> -<b>Assainvillers</b>, entirely razed. <i>Take the second road on the left -and cross the light railway, 0 km. 700 beyond which are</i> several lines -of trenches. <i>Take the left-hand street, which leads straight to the -church and village of</i> <b>Piennes</b>. (<i>See sketch-map below.</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_107-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Assainvillers in Ruins.</span></div> -</div> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>Piennes.</h3> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_107.jpg" alt="Map." /> -</div> - -<p>The church of Piennes (<cite>Hist. -Mon.</cite>) dating from the end of the -15th or beginning of the 16th century, -was a remarkable structure.</p> - -<p>The tierce-point doorway comprised -two round-arched bays, with -a blind Flamboyant tympanum. -The dividing pillar was surmounted -by a statue of the Virgin resting -on a crescent.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_107-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Assainvillers Church.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>Between the doorway and the -buttresses framing it, an elaborate -Gothic canopy sheltered an empty -niche on either side. The front of -each buttress was ornamented with a niche under a Gothic canopy -containing mutilated statues of St. Catherine and St. Marguerite.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_108-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Piennes Church.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>The side-aisles were very picturesque with their live gables and five -separate roofs at right-angles to that of the great nave.</p> - -<p>The vaulting is said to have been designed by Jean Vaast, one of the -architects of Beauvais Cathedral. The pretty 16th century font -was ornamented with angels' heads and fantastic figures arranged -alternately and linked together by festoons of leaves. The remarkable -churchwardens' bench of carved wood in Renaissance style was -one of the finest in the <i>Département</i> of the Somme. The wood-work -of the pulpit dated from the same period and was in the same style.</p> - -<p>The church was almost entirely destroyed in 1918, but a portion of the -doorway and a buttress with a niche still remain. The gables of the -side-aisles, three of which have retained their roofing, are still -standing. The font near the entrance, on the left, is partly hidden -under the débris. The pulpit was destroyed by the falling tower and -vaulting.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p> - -<p><i>Leave Piennes and pass through the hamlet of</i> <b>Le Lundi</b>. -Trenches may be seen alongside the railway. <i>Take the -Montdidier-Compiègne road on the left to</i> <b>Rollot</b>, where Antoine -Gallant, the Oriental writer and translator of the French version of -"The Arabian Nights", was born in 1646. Of the monument erected to his -memory in the village, only the pedestal remains.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_108-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Rollot.—Rue de l'Église.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_109-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The road from Rollot to Boulogne-la-Grasse.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><i>On leaving Rollot, take</i> G.C. 27 <i>on the left</i>; the <span class="smcap">Chateau of -Bains</span>, in the woods skirting the road on the left, was greatly -damaged during the fighting. <i>Keep straight on to</i> the church of -<b>Boulogne-la-Grasse</b>.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_109-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Chateau of Bains.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="sect"/> - -<h3>Boulogne-la-Grasse.</h3> - -<p>Boulogne-la-Grasse is situated on the top and along the middle -slopes of a kind of small broken <i>massif</i>. Before the War, the -village consisted of a number of independant quarters intersected by -picturesque, winding streets, the whole hidden from view by gardens and -orchards.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_110-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Boulogne-la-Grasse.—The ruined Church.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_110-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Choir of the above Church.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> - -<p>The church, access to which is gained by a flight of 34 steps, -overlooks the main street. The choir alone is ancient.</p> - -<p><i>Take the street on the left of the church, then the first on the left -which leads to the top of the massif overlooking the village.</i></p> - -<p>The moats surrounding the site of the old fortified Château are still -visible. The latter was replaced by a modern Château, now in ruins.</p> - -<p>The telegraph-station, which used to stand on the top of the hill, -to the west of the village, was destroyed by the Prussians in 1814.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_111-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Boulogne-la-Grasse Chateau</span> (1914).</div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_111-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Courtyard of the Chateau</span> (1918).</div> -</div> - -<p>From here, there is a fine panorama of the battlefield. On March 27, -1918, the Germans attacked Boulogne and the villages to the east, i. -e. Conchy-les-Pots, Roye-sur-Matz, and Canny-sur-Matz, held by part -of the French 38th Division which had been brought up to reinforce -the 62nd Division, seriously depleted by several days' fighting. The -Germans captured Boulogne and Conchy, but the next day (28th), the -French counter-attacked and retook both villages. Having, after two -unsuccessful assaults, gained a footing in Canny-sur-Matz, the enemy -launched repeated violent counter-attacks against Conchy and Boulogne, -reoccupying the former, but recapturing only part of the latter. On -the 29th, the French progressed beyond Boulogne and again reached the -outskirts of Conchy without, however, being able to capture Canny or -dislodge the Germans from the eastern part of Boulogne. That night, -Boulogne was crushed by the French artillery and made practically -untenable, but on the 30th, the German offensive, debouching from -Conchy, drove back the French who were occupying the <i>massif</i>. During -the following months, the Germans organized a line of support in this -region known as the "Rheinlandstellung". General Humbert's offensive -of August 10, freed the entire <i>massif</i>. The same evening the line -ran through Orvillers, Boulogne-la-Grasse, La Poste, north of Conchy, -through Conchy-les-Pots and the railway-station of Roye-sur-Matz. On -the 11th, in spite of fierce counter-attacks, the French reached the -wood north of La Poste, Hill 81 to the east of Roye-sur-Matz, and -the outskirts of Canny and La Berlière. On the following days, their -advance definitely freed the region. Canny was re-occupied on the 17th.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_112.jpg" alt="Map." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<p><i>Return to the church, keeping straight on as far as the first road on -the left</i> (G.C. 27) <i>which leads to</i> <b>Conchy-les-Pots</b>. <i>Before -reaching this village</i>, a Franco-German cemetery <i>will be seen on the -right</i>. <i>A little further on, turn left. At the fork, the left-hand -road leads to</i> the ruins of the parish church dating from the 11th -(square choir), 12th and 15th centuries. The church was practically -razed. <i>The road on the right leads to the</i> St. Nicaise Chapel, -<i>situated immediately beyond the light railway</i>. This chapel contained -fine 15th or 16th century stained-glass windows, depicting the story -of St. Nicaise, which were placed in safety during the War.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_112.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Conchy-les-Pots, at the crossroads of Boulogne-la-Grasse.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_113-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Conchy-les-Pots, a corner of the ruins.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><i>Return to the entrance to the village. By G.C. 27, on the left, -tourists may proceed to</i> <b>Roye-sur-Matz</b>, whose church (<cite>Hist. -Mon.</cite>) was partly 12th century. It was rebuilt in the 16th-17th -centuries, except the doorway, nave, northern transept and tower which -were in a remarkably good state of preservation. Previous to the -offensives of 1918, the church had been for three years in the firing -line, and was seriously damaged between 1914 and 1917. Its ruin was -completed in 1918. A few fragments of walls belonging to the chevet are -all that remain.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_113-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Roye-sur-Matz.—The Church.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><i>From Roye-sur-Matz return to Conchy-les-Pots, where take the -left-hand (paved) N. 17 to</i> <b>Orvillers-Sorel</b>. <i>On the left, -between Conchy-les-Pots and Orvillers-Sorel, is</i> the village of -<span class="smcap">Biermont</span>, which was desperately defended by the French 62nd -Division on March 30, 1918.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_114.jpg" alt="Map." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_114.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Orvillers-Sorel -Church in Ruins.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>This district suffered severely from the fierce fighting of March-August -1918. On March 30 two German divisions, including one -of the Guard, attacked Orvillers-Sorel, defended by a portion of the -French 38th Div., the 4th Regt. of Zouaves and the 8th Regt. of -Tirailleurs, the heroes of Douaumont, Hurtebise and La Malmaison. -These two regiments, overwhelmed by numbers, were forced to fall -back, but only after desperate fighting. Units of the 4th Regt. -of Zouaves, greatly outnumbered and cut off, fought to the last man. -Others managed to cut their way through, falling back only to reform -and counter-attack, sometimes without an officer. As far as the -northern outskirts of Orvillers, the ground was defended, inch by -inch, and the enemy were unable to enter the village. During the -night, the 4th Regt. of Zouaves reformed in the ruins, and on the -following day (31st) counter-attacked between 1.30 and 2.30 p.m., -reconquering Epinette Wood and taking a number of prisoners. Until May -3, when they were relieved, they maintained their positions. On April 12 -and May 11, the French delivered two local attacks and progressed -to the north-west of Orvillers. On May 12 and 14, a German attack -against the new positions failed with heavy losses. On August 10, the -34th Corps of Humbert's Army cleared Orvillers-Sorel, and captured -the "Gothenstellung", which formed the third main fighting line of -the German defences.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_115-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Orvillers-Sorel. -View of the Village.</span></div> -</div> - - -<p><i>Beyond the village, a small chapel is passed, on the right, the -tourist coming out opposite</i> <b>Sorel Château</b> (late 17th century), -<i>which stands</i> in a closed park. The Château was seriously damaged -during the attacks.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_115-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Sorel Chateau.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><i>Take the avenue facing the Château</i>, which was bordered with -trenches, <i>then N. 17 on the left, to</i> <b>Cuvilly</b>.</p> - -<p>This village is situated on the old Flanders road, formerly used by -the stage-coaches. The latter used to stop at the Post-House, the -old buildings of which were still standing before the War. The church, -heavy in style, probably dates in part from the end of the 16th century. -Only the walls and tower remain.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_116-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Cuvilly.<br /> -The Church, South-West façade.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><i>To reach the church take Rue de Matz, on the right, and on reaching -the square, bear to the left.</i></p> - -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>Belloy Plateau.</h3> - -<p><i>To reach</i> Belloy Plateau, on which violent fighting took place in June -1918, <i>keep straight on the road from Cuvilly to</i> <b>Lataule</b>.</p> - -<p>The church of Lataule, although modern, has retained some of the -windows of the 15th century edifice. Opposite, stands the Château, -built at the end of the 17th century, after the Spanish wars. Of the -old Château, destroyed in the 17th century, traces still remain near to -the road.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_116-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Statues in Cuvilly Church.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><i>Turn to the right, skirting the park of the Château, to reach</i> <b>Hill -132</b>, on which are a cemetery, an observation-post, and some -trenches.</p> - -<p>From there, the view extends over Belloy and Méry to the west, -Cuvilly to the north, Lataule and Lataule Wood to the east, Genlis -Wood to the south, and St. Maur to the south-east. The Germans -gained a footing on this bare plateau on June 10, 1918, capturing the -villages of Lataule, Méry, Belloy, St. Maur and Cuvilly, after a fierce - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> - -battle lasting two days, in which they engaged large forces. Méry -especially, was fiercely disputed and changed hands twice that day. -On the following day (11th), the Germans had scarcely installed -themselves on the newly conquered ground, when they were thrown -into confusion and defeated by the sudden counter-attack of a group -of divisions under General Mangin. All available tanks had been -assembled within twelve hours, in support of this counter-attack, -and thanks to their clearly visible line, the French aviators were able, -throughout the battle, to follow the advance of the infantry with -accuracy. The tanks attacked and cut off the villages of Méry and -Belloy, enabling the infantry to capture the entire German garrisons -without striking a blow. On the 12th they reformed, and went -forward again with the infantry, advancing east of Méry and Genlis -Wood, before Belloy, and as far as the outskirts of St. Maur. The -line was advanced 2 kms., east of Méry, as a consequence of this -thrust, and German counter-attacks failed to win back the lost ground. - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> - -Cuvilly remained in the possession of the enemy, who consolidated it. -On August 10, when the offensive by Humbert's Army began, the -German line of support known as the "Vandalenstellung", which -passed south of the village, was carried by the French in a single rush.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_117-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Lataule. the Chateau in ruins.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><i>The road leads to</i> <b>Belloy</b>, <i>which pass through, leaving the -pond on the left. Just outside the village, there is</i> a "Calvary", -<i>whilst a little further on, are</i> battery positions with shelters. -<b>Méry</b>, whose church is in <i>the third street on the left, is next -reached</i>.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_117-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Ruins of Belloy Church.</span></div> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_118-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Barricade in Méry village.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>The oldest parts of the church (choir, left transept and tower) date -from the 16th century. The rest is 18th century. There are underground -shelters in the village and surroundings, the entrances to which -are nearly all blocked up. As in the other villages on this plateau, -ancient <i>sarcophagi</i> have been discovered at Méry.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_118-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Méry.<br /> -A corner of the village.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> - -<p><i>Turn back and take G.C. 146 to</i> <span class="smcap">Ressons-sur-Matz</span>. Trenches -with wire entanglements are to be seen along the road.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_119-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Artillery passing through Ressons-sur-Matz.</span></div> -</div> -<hr class="sect" /> - -<h3>From Belloy Plateau to Compiègne,<br /> -<span class="small">via Ressons-sur-Matz, Marquéglise, Margny-sur-Matz,<br /> -Élincourt-St. Marguerite, Marest-sur-Matz, Coudun and Bienville.</span></h3> - -<p><i>At the crossing of the road with N. 17, on the left, is</i> the -<span class="smcap">Chateau of Séchelles</span>. <i>Continue along G.C. 146; 2 kms. further -on, there is a very bad level-crossing over a narrow-gauge railway. -After crossing a normal gauge railway (l. c.) and another narrow-gauge -line</i>, <b>Ressons-sur-Matz</b> <i>is reached. Turn left to reach the -church.</i></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_119-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Ressons-sur-Matz.—The Main Street.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>Ressons is a very ancient market-town. St. Amand, bishop of Maestricht, -preached the Gospel there about the year 632. It was formerly a fairly -important place, especially in the 16th century. A fortified castle, -standing at the end of the village on the road to Séchelles, was taken -by the Burgundians in 1430, and afterwards recaptured by the French.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p> - -<p>The church (<i>Hist. Mon.</i>) dates from various periods: the nave and -side-aisle with their richly ornamented buttresses were rebuilt in the -middle of the 16th century; the most ancient parts (cornices of the -nave, and the northern transept and choir) are 12th century; fragments -of the stained-glass windows bear the date "1561". The building was -considerably damaged in 1918: the stained-glass windows were destroyed -and the bell disappeared.</p> - -<p><i>Turn back, and beyond Place du Marché take G.C. 41 on the left. On -leaving Ressons, there is a bad level-crossing over a narrow-gauge -railway, another in very bad condition beyond Bayencourt Farm, and a -third 1 km. further on, after which</i> <b>Marquéglise</b> <i>is reached. -(See sketch-map, p. 114.)</i></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_120-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Marquéglise.—A Corner of the Village.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>The old Château opposite the church is in ruins; the surrounding walls -and outlying pavilions alone remain standing.</p> - -<p>The church is mainly 16th century. The choir vaulting contains several -keystones bearing coats-of-arms. A pretty 15th or 16th century cross -with a Virgin on one of its sides, which used to stand in the cemetery, -was destroyed.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_120-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Marquéglise.</span><br /> -<span class="smcap">The Church and French Military Graves.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></p> - -<p><i>A foot-path nearly opposite the church leads to</i> <b>Hill 77</b>. From -there a fine panoramic view may be had of the battlefield on both sides -of the Amiens-Compiègne road, as far as the Aronde, particularly to -the south-west, where the view takes in Antheuil, Loges Farm (an old -dependency of Ourscamps Abbey), and Porte Farm, formerly belonging to -Élincourt-St.-Marguerite Priory. This region was the scene of desperate -fighting during the German offensive of June 9-11, 1918.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_121.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Battlefield -to the south-west of hill 77.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>On the night of the 10th, the Germans captured Antheuil and the -two farms, advancing as far as the Aronde. They were already -shouting victory, in the belief they were outflanking Compiègne from -the north-west and would soon reach Estrées-St.-Denis, when the -counter-attack of June 11 drove them back. Antheuil was retaken and -held; the two farms were likewise recaptured, but the French were -unable to hold them.</p> - -<p>On the 14th, although the enemy failed in front of Antheuil, -they resumed their advance towards Les Loges and Porte Farm.</p> - -<p>During the rest of the month this sector remained agitated. On several -occasions the Germans attempted -to retake Antheuil, -but were each time repulsed.</p> - -<p>A surprise attack by the -French on July 9 resulted in -the capture of the two farms -in the early morning, with -500 prisoners. On the 13th, -they improved their positions -and advanced 500 yards -to the north of Porte Farm. -On August 10, the whole -district was cleared by the -advance of Humbert's Army.</p> - -<p><i>Return to the car and after -turning it round, take the -first road on the left to</i> -<b>Margny-sur-Matz</b>. (<i>See -map, p. 124.</i>)</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_121.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Margny-sur-Matz.—Interior of the Church.</span><br /> -<i>Note the "Glory Beam".</i></div> -</div> - -<p>The door and choir of the -church are Norman. Some -of the capitals in the choir -(those behind the altar) -attest to the primitive Norman -style. A stone <i>Pieta</i> and -a small ovoid stoup dating -from 1603 have disappeared. -A "glory beam" depicts -Jesus-Christ, the Virgin and -St. John.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> - -<p><i>Continue along the road. On leaving Margny, there is a bad -level-crossing over a narrow-gauge railway. Take the first road on the -left to</i> <b>Élincourt-St.-Marguerite</b>.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_122.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Élincourt-St.-Marguerite.<br /> -The Church.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>This is a very old village, in the neighbourhood of which are several -tombs dating from a very remote period. The country was occupied -by the Romans. Gallo-Roman remains have been discovered around -the Château of Bellinglise. Under Charles-le-Simple, the village and -chapel of St. Marguerite were given to the Abbey of St. Corneille at -Compiègne. The Priory of St. Marguerite, founded by the Benedictines -at the end of the 11th or beginning of the 12th century, was -rebuilt in the 13th century. The district hereabouts suffered severely -during the Hundred Years War. According to a local tradition, -the old Château of Beauvoir, on the left of the Thiescourt road and -now entirely overrun with vegetation, gave shelter one night to Joan -of Arc, then a prisoner. This is not improbable, but the tablet in -the church, bearing the following inscription: <i>Joan of Arc, before -shutting herself up in Compiègne, in MCCCCXXX, made a pilgrimage -to St. Marguerite and communicated in the church of Élincourt</i>, is not -borne out by history, as she could not have gone to Élincourt—occupied -by the English—seeing that she left Crépy to go to Compiègne.</p> - -<p>Parts of the church are early 12th century, the aisles and belfry -18th. The doorway includes three accoladed windows, with two -other windows above surmounted by diamond-pointed moulding. -In the interior, there is an 18th century marble altar. A marble statue -of St. Marguerite was placed in safety during the war, but another -of St. John (15th century) also in marble, has disappeared, together -with the two shrines of St. Barbe and St. Marguerite.</p> - -<p>The church was seriously damaged, most of the vaulting being -destroyed. At the eastern termination, the partial collapse of two -buttresses laid bare some small 12th century columns which formerly -ornamented the choir and which were walled in at the time the buttresses -were reconstructed, probably in the 15th century.</p> - -<p><i>Leaving the church on the left, follow the road as far as the first -crossing. Leave the car and climb the hill-side on foot, as far as</i> the -<b>Monastery of St. Marguerite</b>, which dominates the whole valley -of the Matz, and from which there is a fine view extending from -Ressons Wood to the Soissonnais hills. Only fragments of the -surrounding walls, a deep well, some cellars (which were transformed -into shelters), and a number of old yew-trees remain.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_123.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Élincourt-St.-Marguerite and the Valley of the Matz,<br /> -seen from the Monastery of St. Marguerite.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><i>On the way back, take the left-hand road, which joins G.C. -142. At the fork, take the right-hand road to</i> <b>Marfontaine -Manor</b>—practically intact—built in the 13th century on a -Gallo-Roman mound, to the north of the Priory Garden. The great hall -has low vaulting, the central springing of which rests on a round -pillar; the keystones represent three entwined fishes. The <b>Château -of Bellinglise</b>, abutting on Marfontaine Manor, was built in the -16th century.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_123-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Bellinglise Chateau.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><i>The left-hand road passes near</i> <b>St. Claude Farm</b>, <i>at the -crossing of G.C. 142 (from Élincourt to Lassigny) with G.C. 82 (from -Mareuil to Thiescourt</i>). From here, there is a fine view over the -battlefield from the Matz to the Oise: Gury (<i>to the north</i>), the -valley of the Matz and Ressons (<i>to the west</i>), Mareuil-la-Motte, -Marquéglise and Vignemont (<i>to the south</i>), Élincourt, Chevincourt, -Mélicocq and Ribécourt (<i>to the south-east</i>), and the Thiescourt Woods -(<i>to the east</i>).</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_124.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Massif of Thiescourt.</span><br /> -<i>The eastern portion of the massif and the fighting which took place<br /> -there, are described in the Michelin Guide: Noyon, Roye, Lassigny.</i></div> -</div> - -<p>During the battle of March 30, 1918, the headquarters of General -d'Ambly (77th Division) were at Élincourt, while those of General -Guillemin (53rd Division) were at Chevincourt. At that time, these -divisions were barring the road from Plessis-de-Roye to the Oise. Until -June 9, the enemy attempted local operations only. On June 9, they -attacked in massed formation, capturing Gury Heights, Ricquebourg -Wood, and Mareuil-la-Motte. The village of Ressons-sur-Matz, in which -they gained a footing, was disputed foot by foot. St. Claude Farm, -which also fell, was in the thick of the battle. It was an important -position overlooking the plateau, from which the enemy, from the -outset of the attack, had an extensive view over a large part of the -French rear positions, and its loss meant the withdrawal of the artillery. -The brunt of the German attack was directed against this observation-post, -which had to be abandoned, the French being overwhelmed. -On the 10th the Germans reached Ressons Wood and Bellinglise -Plateau, gained a footing in Marquéglise, and captured the farms of -Attiche, Monolithe, Ribécourt and Antoval. On the 12th, after repeated -attempts, they gained a footing in Mélicocq, carried the heights of -Croix-Ricard, and crossed the Matz. However, on June 13, a French -counter-attack drove them back across the river; Mélicocq and Croix-Ricard -were recaptured, together with a hundred prisoners and a number -of guns. In spite of several violent counter-attacks, the enemy were held.</p> - -<p>On August 10, an offensive by Humbert's Army began to clear -the whole region. At 4.20 a.m., the 129th, 165th, 6th, 121st, 74th, - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> - -123rd, 67th, 38th and 15th Divs. attacked from Courcelles to -Antheuil and from Antheuil to the Oise. At 7 a.m. the first -objectives were reached. Ressons, through which ran the enemy's main -line (the "Gothenstellung") was passed, whilst Marquéglise, the Château -of Séchelles, Chevincourt and Bourmont were captured. The -whole of a Regimental Staff was captured at the Château of Séchelles. -At Ressons the tanks threw the Germans into confusion. On the -11th, Vignemont, Margny, Le Plessier, Hill 179, Mareuil-la-Motte, -Bellinglise Château and Élincourt were captured. The French advanced -in the direction of Gury and St. Claude Farm, which formed the key -of the "Gothenstellung" position, and by evening had reached the -western outskirts of Gury, a point south of La Berlière and Hill -143, and approached St. Claude Farm, Hill 166, Samson, Cense -Farm and the quarries of Montigny and Antoval. On the 12th, -they captured and progressed beyond Gury and St. Claude Farm, -and took Écouvillon and Loges Wood, the latter being, however, -lost again in the afternoon. On the 13th, they advanced along -the plateau, gained a footing in Plessis Park, reached the eastern -outskirts of Belval, and attained a point 800 yards north-east of Gury. -Entering Ribécourt on the 14th, they re-occupied the Attiche and Monolithe -Farms on the 15th, as well as the quarries situated 2 kms. -north-west of Ribécourt. On the 17th, the Germans delivered several -powerful attacks near Monolithe and Attiche Farms, but failed to -drive back the French, who strongly held the newly conquered ground.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_125.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">St. Claude Farm.</span></div> -</div> - -<p><i>From St. Claude Farm, return to Élincourt. Near the church, take Rue -de l'Escalier</i> (G.C. 142) <i>and the road on the left of the Calvary. -1 km. further on, near a block of houses, follow the right-hand -road, passing through</i> <b>Marest-sur-Matz</b>. <i>The road skirts the</i> -<span class="smcap">Chateau of Rimberlieu</span>, <i>opposite which is</i> a tower—all that -remains of an old fortified castle. <b>Villers-sur-Coudun</b> <i>is next -reached</i>, whose church is situated on the left, near the end of the -village. The end of the chancel is 12th-13th century, the façade and -vaulting 15th-16th century, the remainder modern.</p> - -<p><i>Continue along the road to</i> <b>Coudun</b>, formerly the Head-Quarters -of the Training Camp built in 1698 for the Duke of Burgundy, grandson -of Louis XIV. The king, accompanied by James II of England, paid a -visit to this camp in August, to attend the military manœuvres. The -camp, under the command of Marshal de Boufflers, extended along the - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> - -plateau which dominates the right bank of the Oise from Lachelle to -Margny and from Baugy to the Château of Bienville. 50 battalions of -Infantry, 52 squadrons of Cavalry and 40 guns were stationed there.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_126.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Villers-sur-Coudun.—The Main Street.</span></div> -</div> - -<p>Although the nave and aisles of <span class="smcap">St. -Hilaire Church</span> are modern, the façade, -arched doorway and choir date from the -Norman period (11th or 12th century). The -doorway is ornamented with an archivolt -formed by raftered and counter-raftered -<i>tori</i> with a tympanum of diamond-moulding. -One of the cornices of the choir is supported -by Norman arcading with figured modillions. -Inside the church are a stoup and -a 7-branched chandelier (both made out of -a single piece of wrought-iron), and a 17th -century painting above the high altar depicting: -<i>The Crowning of the Virgin</i>. The -bronze bell (761) was saved.</p> - -<p><i>Keep along G.C. 142</i> to <b>Bienville</b>, situated to the west of a -long hill—the Ganelon—which stretches from the south-east to the -north-west, and whose south-western side is sharply indented. From -the top of this hill (altitude: 480 feet) consisting of a plateau -which dips slightly down towards the Oise, there is a fine view over -the whole of the surrounding country: Laigue Forest, Aisne Valley, -Compiègne Forest, Oise Valley as far as Verberie, and the hills of -Liancourt, between Creil and Clermont. At the north-western end of -Ganelon Hill, many Roman medals and antiquities have been discovered, -and it is believed that a Roman camp formerly occupied this site. -Tradition has it that a fortified castle stood there in the Middle-Ages.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_map_126.jpg" alt="Map of Compiègne." /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -</div> - -<p><i>C.G. 142 first skirts, then crosses the railway (l. c.), afterwards -joining N. 32, at which point turn to right.</i> <b>Compiègne</b> <i>is -entered by the Avenue de Clairoix and Rue de Noyon. At the end of the -latter, take Rue d'Amiens on the left, cross the Oise, and follow Rue -de Solférino which leads to Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville.</i></p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_127-1.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The French G.H.Q. at Compiègne, in 1917.<br /> -General Pétain making his report in a room of the Chateau.</span></div> -</div> - -<p class="center"><i>To visit Compiègne, use the Michelin Guide</i>:<br /> -Compiègne, before and during the War.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_127-2.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Compiègne.—Fire at the corner of Rue des<br /> -Trois-Barbeaux and Place du Marché aux Herbes.</span><br /> -<span class="small"><cite>Extracted from the Michelin Guide</cite>: Compiègne before and during the War.</span> -</div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>ALPHABETICAL INDEX<br /> -<span class="small">of the places mentioned in this Guide.</span></h2> -</div> - -<p> -A<br /> -<br /> -Ailly-sur-Noye, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>, <a href="#Page_79">79</a><br /> -<br /> -Aquenne Wood, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a><br /> -<br /> -Arrière-Cour Wood, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, 76<br /> -<br /> -Assainvillers, <a href="#Page_94">94-97</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -B<br /> -<br /> -Bains (Château), <a href="#Page_109">109</a><br /> -<br /> -Beaucourt, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a><br /> -<br /> -Bellinglise (Château), <a href="#Page_123">123</a><br /> -<br /> -Belloy, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>, <a href="#Page_118">118</a><br /> -<br /> -Bienville, <a href="#Page_126">126</a><br /> -<br /> -Boulogne-la-Grasse, <a href="#Page_110">110-112</a><br /> -<br /> -Boves, <a href="#Page_62">62</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -C<br /> -<br /> -Cachy, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_64">64</a><br /> -<br /> -Caix, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a><br /> -<br /> -Canny-sur-Matz, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a><br /> -<br /> -Cantigny, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a><br /> -<br /> -Conchy-les Pots, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_113">113</a><br /> -<br /> -Coudun, <a href="#Page_125">125</a><br /> -<br /> -Cuvilly, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <a href="#Page_116">116</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -D<br /> -<br /> -Demuin, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a><br /> -<br /> -Domart, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -E<br /> -<br /> -Élincourt-Ste-Marg., <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a><br /> -<br /> -Erches, <a href="#Page_93">93</a><br /> -<br /> -Etelfay, <a href="#Page_93">93</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -F<br /> -<br /> -Folleville, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a><br /> -<br /> -Fontaine-sous-Montdidier, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_94">94</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -G<br /> -<br /> -Genlis Wood, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_117">117</a><br /> -<br /> -Gentelles, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a><br /> -<br /> -Grivesnes, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>-<a href="#Page_86">86</a><br /> -<br /> -Grivillers, <a href="#Page_92">92</a><br /> -<br /> -Guillaucourt, <a href="#Page_66">66</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -H<br /> -<br /> -Hangard, <a href="#Page_64">64-68</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -L<br /> -<br /> -La Neuville-Sire-Bernard, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a><br /> -<br /> -Lataule, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_117">117</a><br /> -<br /> -L'Echelle St-Aurin, <a href="#Page_93">93</a><br /> -<br /> -Le Lundi, <a href="#Page_109">109</a><br /> -<br /> -Longueau, <a href="#Page_58">58</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -M<br /> -<br /> -Mailly-Raineval, <a href="#Page_74">74-77</a><br /> -<br /> -Maison-Blanche, <a href="#Page_68">68</a><br /> -<br /> -Marfontaine Manor-House, <a href="#Page_123">123</a><br /> -<br /> -Margny-sur-Matz, <a href="#Page_121">121</a><br /> -<br /> -Marquéglise, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a><br /> -<br /> -Méry, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_118">118</a><br /> -<br /> -Mézières, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a><br /> -<br /> -Montdidier, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>-<a href="#Page_106">106</a><br /> -<br /> -Moreuil, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_77">77</a><br /> -<br /> -Morisel, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_77">77</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -O<br /> -<br /> -Orvillers-Sorel, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -P<br /> -<br /> -Piennes, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>, <a href="#Page_108">108</a><br /> -<br /> -Pierrepont, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a><br /> -<br /> -Plessier, <a href="#Page_84">84</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -R<br /> -<br /> -Ressons-sur-Matz, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a><br /> -<br /> -Rimberlieu (Château), <a href="#Page_125">125</a><br /> -<br /> -Rollot, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a><br /> -<br /> -Royaucourt, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>, <a href="#Page_95">95</a><br /> -<br /> -Roye-sur-Matz, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_113">113</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -S<br /> -<br /> -St-Aignan Chapel, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>, <a href="#Page_85">85</a><br /> -<br /> -St-Claude Farm, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a><br /> -<br /> -Séchelles (Château), <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a><br /> -<br /> -Sénecat Wood, <a href="#Page_76">76</a><br /> -<br /> -Sorel (Château), <a href="#Page_115">115</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -T<br /> -<br /> -Thennes, <a href="#Page_68">68</a><br /> -<br /> -Thory, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>, <a href="#Page_83">83</a><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -V<br /> -<br /> -Villers-aux-Érables, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a><br /> -<br /> -Villers-Bretonneux, <a href="#Page_59">59-65</a><br /> -<br /> -Villers-sur-Coudun, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_126">126</a><br /> -</p> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_128.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption"><span class="smcap">German Tank captured near Villers-Bretonneux in 1918.</span></div> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p> - -<h2>MICHELIN DURING THE WAR</h2> - -<hr class="r25" /> - -<p class="center"><span class="xlarge">THE MICHELIN HOSPITAL</span></p> - -<blockquote> -<p>When the Great War broke out, Michelin at once converted -an immense new four-storied warehouse into an up-to-date -Hospital, with Operating Theatre, X-Ray, Bacteriological -Laboratory, etc. Seven weeks later (September 22, 1914) -Doctors, Dispensers, Nurses, Sisters of Mercy, and auxiliaries -were all at their posts. The first wounded arrived the same -night. In all, 2,993 wounded were received.</p> - -<p>All expenses were paid by Michelin.</p> - -<p>The story of how Michelin did "his bit" during the war -is told briefly and simply in the illustrated booklet, "The -Michelin Hospital", sent post free on application.</p> -</blockquote> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_129.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption">A VIEW OF ONE OF THE WARDS</div> -</div> - -<p class="center">MICHELIN & Cie., Clermont-Ferrand, France.</p> - -<p class="center">MICHELIN TYRE Co., Ltd., 81, Fulham Road,<br /> -London, S.W.3.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2><span class="small">THE</span><br /> -<span class="smcap"><span class="xlarge"><i>Michelin</i></span></span><br /> -TOURING OFFICE -</h2> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter"> -<img src="images/i_photo_130.jpg" alt="" /> -<div class="topspace1"></div> -<div class="caption">A VIEW OF THE MICHELIN TOURING OFFICE</div> -</div> - - -<p class="center">Open to all Motorists seeking information and<br /> -advice regarding Tours</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>The MICHELIN Touring Office saves the intending Tourist -time and trouble, and generally assists him in mapping out his -Tour <span class="u">free of charge, and irrespective of the make of Tyres he uses.</span></p> - -<p>Send us a rough draft of your next proposed Tour and we will -prepare a complete and detailed itinerary and forward it on to -you, within three or four days.</p> -</blockquote> - - -<p class="center"><span class="xlarge">MICHELIN TOURING OFFICE</span></p> - -<p class="center"> -81, FULHAM ROAD, LONDON, S.W.3. and<br /> -99, BOULEVARD PEREIRE, PARIS, XVII.<br /> -</p> - -<p class="center"> -Telephone: Kensington 4400. Telegrams: "Pneumiclin, London." -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p> - -<div class="break"> -<div class="center"><span class="large"><i>Copies of any of the</i></span></div> -</div> - -<div class="break"> -<p class="center"><span class="xxlarge"><b>IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM PHOTOGRAPHS</b></span></p> -</div> - -<p class="center">reproduced in this guide</p> - -<p class="center"><span class="large"><i>by permission of the</i></span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap"><span class="xlarge"><b>Imperial War Museum</b></span></span></p> - -<p class="center">can be purchased from the</p> - -<p class="center"><span class="large"><b>Photographic Section of the Museum</b></span></p> - -<div class="topspace1"></div> - -<p class="center"><i>at the Crystal-Palace, London S.E.19</i>.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="center"><span class="xlarge"><span class="smcap"><b>Michelin Touring Maps</b></span></span>,</div> - - -<p class="center"><i>as under, can be obtained from Michelin<br /> -Stockists and booksellers in Great Britain,<br /> -France, Belgium, Switzerland and Spain</i>:</p> - -<table summary="maps"> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Map of Great Britain</span></td> -<td class="tdl"> 31 sheets</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap"> " France</span></td> -<td class="tdl"> 48 "</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap"> " Belgium</span></td> -<td class="tdl"> 3 "</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap"> " Switzerland</span></td> -<td class="tdl"> 4 "</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap"> " Spain</span></td> -<td class="tdl"> 13 "</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<hr class="r25" /> - -<div class="transnote"> -<p>Transcriber's Notes.</p> - -<p>1. Silently corrected simple spelling, grammar, and typographical -errors.</p> - -<p>2. All illustrations and their captions have been centered. References within the text -(e.g "see sketch-map opposite" have been changed to "see sketch-map above/below".</p> - -<p>3. Page 24: Illustration caption should read "General Rawlinson". Caption corrected.</p> - -<p>4. Page 72: There ia a cross-reference to a photograph of Moreuil Château on page 28. There is no -photograph on this page. There is a photograph on page 27 where a large building can be seen in -the backround. This may be the photograph that the guide refers to. No changes have been -made to the text.</p> - -<p>5. Page 96: The original reads "The Liberation [on] Montdidier. (<i>August 8-10, 1918.</i>)." This is -probably an error and should read "The Liberation [of] Montdidier. (<i>August 8-10, 1918.</i>)." -Text not changed.</p> - -<p>6. Page 123: (<i>from Mareuil to Thiescourt</i>). Missing bracket added.</p> - -</div> - -<hr class="full" /> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Somme, Volume 2. The Second Battle -of the Somme (1918), by Michelin & Cie - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SOMME, VOLUME 2 (1918) *** - -***** This file should be named 53762-h.htm or 53762-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/7/6/53762/ - -Produced by Brian Coe, Brian Wilsden and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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