PANORAMA OF THE BATTLEFIELD OF VERDUN, SEEN FROM MONTFAUCON.The above view was taken from the inside of the Observation-Post seen in the photo below, the camera looking through the slit-like embrasure.In the foreground are vestiges of shell-torn trees and the ruins of Montfaucon Village. Verdun is on the horizon between Mort-Homme and Hill 275.
PANORAMA OF THE BATTLEFIELD OF VERDUN, SEEN FROM MONTFAUCON.
The above view was taken from the inside of the Observation-Post seen in the photo below, the camera looking through the slit-like embrasure.
In the foreground are vestiges of shell-torn trees and the ruins of Montfaucon Village. Verdun is on the horizon between Mort-Homme and Hill 275.
GERMAN OBSERVATION-POST,through the embrasure of which the abovePanoramic View was taken.
GERMAN OBSERVATION-POST,through the embrasure of which the abovePanoramic View was taken.
[The left-hand side of the above panoramic view][Labels, from left to right: Hills on the right bank of the river, Road to Cuisy, Mort-Homme, Hill 275, Road to Malancourt, Hill 310.]
[The left-hand side of the above panoramic view]
[Labels, from left to right: Hills on the right bank of the river, Road to Cuisy, Mort-Homme, Hill 275, Road to Malancourt, Hill 310.]
[The right-hand side of the above panoramic view][Labels, from left to right: Montfaucon Wood, Vauquois Spur.]
[The right-hand side of the above panoramic view]
[Labels, from left to right: Montfaucon Wood, Vauquois Spur.]
SKETCH-MAP OF THE BATTLEFIELD, AS SEEN BY THE GERMANSFROM THE EMINENCE OF MONTFAUCON.
SKETCH-MAP OF THE BATTLEFIELD, AS SEEN BY THE GERMANSFROM THE EMINENCE OF MONTFAUCON.
AVOCOURT VILLAGE IN MARCH, 1916.
AVOCOURT VILLAGE IN MARCH, 1916.
From Montfaucon return by the same road to Malancourt.
The bad state of the Malancourt–Avocourt road (May, 1919) does not allow it to be taken from the former to the latter locality.(The road passes through the woods of the same names, disputed with incredible fierceness.)The tourist should, therefore, return to the Wayside Cross at Esnes, along the same road that he came by.
From Esnes Cross (seep. 100), take on the right the road to Avocourt, which marks approximately the extreme limit of the battlefield W. of Verdun.
Avocourt and Avocourt and Malancourt Woods.—One of the finest feats of arms in the Battle of Verdun was performed at Avocourt.
THE CROSS IN THE MIDDLE OF AVOCOURT VILLAGE IN APRIL, 1916.
THE CROSS IN THE MIDDLE OF AVOCOURT VILLAGE IN APRIL, 1916.
TRENCH IN THE RUINS OF AVOCOURT VILLAGE IN APRIL, 1917.
TRENCH IN THE RUINS OF AVOCOURT VILLAGE IN APRIL, 1917.
On March 20th, 1916, the Germans, who had never been able to take the village, attacked with a fresh division of picked troops (IInd Bavarians), which had taken part in the summer campaign in Galicia and Poland with Mackensen’s forces. The attack succeeded, with the help of liquid fire. A French counter-attack on the 29th by the 210th R.I., and a battalion of the 157th, recaptured the wood and the redoubt known as the “Réduit d’Avocourt,” situated on its S. edge. The attacking troops, which had not been revictualled for four days, had finished their reserve rations twelve hours previously. So fatigued were they that they slept standing despite the bombardment. To rouse them, their chiefs, at 3 a.m. next morning, ordered the buglers and drummers to play. As the day was breaking the music suddenly stopped, a shell having buried all save one drummer. Furious at this, the men,with the drummer at their head, rushed forward, and by 8 a.m. the wood had been entirely reconquered.
SITE OF AVOCOURT VILLAGE IN NOVEMBER, 1918.
SITE OF AVOCOURT VILLAGE IN NOVEMBER, 1918.
In 1917, hard fighting continued in this region with varying fortune. Powerful German attacks gave the enemy a little ground between Avocourt and Hill 304, and in Avocourt Wood. On August 20th, the French 25th D.I. drove the enemy from the S. part of the wood, advancing 1,200 yards and capturing 750 prisoners, thirty machine guns and ten trench mortars.
MALANCOURT WOOD IN 1916,seen from the French lines.The sandbags mark the German lines.
MALANCOURT WOOD IN 1916,seen from the French lines.
The sandbags mark the German lines.
On September 26th, 1918, the wood was entirely cleared of the enemy by the First American Army.
Malancourt Wood.—It was against a French trench, in this wood that on February 26th, 1915, the Germans made use ofliquid fire for the first time, special pumps, operated by pioneers of the Guard, being employed.
From Avocourt take the road which follows the small valley running southwards (seeItinerary, pp. 88 and 89). It was on this road, hidden from the view of the enemy, that the French concentrations were carried out in the rear lines.
Two kilometers from Avocourt, take on the left the road leading to Hesse Wood, scene of all sorts of concentrations, posts of commandment, dressing stations, batteries of artillery, depots, etc.
This road is in good condition almost as far as Aubréville, with the exception of two or three places on leaving Hesse Wood, beyond Bertrame’s Farm.
On entering Aubréville, take on the left N. 46 which skirts the St. Menehould-Verdun railway.
The tourist passes through Parois and Récicourt, where numerous cantonments and rest camps were installed for the relief of the troops.
Dombasle, where a large munitions depot blew up, is next reached.
From Dombasle one of two Itineraries may be chosen to return to Verdun.
The first, by continuing to follow the National Road, via Blercourt.
The second, which follows the crests dominating N. 3 from Paris to Metz.
For the second Itinerary, on leaving Dombasle, take the small road on the left, which leads to Sivry-la-Perche, 4 kilometers distant.
N. of the latter village, at the N.E. extremity of Hill 357, there still exists an observation-post, from which there is a general view of the entire rear-ground of the battlefield W. of Verdun.
If it is desired to visit this observation-post before the descent leading to Sivry-la-Perche, take the Béthelainville road on the left for about 700 yards going thence on foot to the right in a N.E. direction. The observation post is about half-a mile further on.
From Sivry-la-Perche continue along the road, which passes first on the left ofSartelles Fortand then to the left ofChaume Fort. These two forts only played a minor role in the battle of Verdun, and suffered but slightly from the bombardments. In front of Chaume Fort there was an observation post for heavy artillery, whence there is a splendid view of the Meuse Valley.
From Chaume Fort the road is rather steep and in bad condition. Going down on the left and flanking a hill isGlorieux Cemetery, near the evacuation hospital.
Verdun is entered by the Porte-de-France.
IN THE RUINS OF VERDUN.
IN THE RUINS OF VERDUN.
REFUGEES FROM VERDUN DISTRICT PASSING THROUGHSOUILLY ALONG THE “SACRED WAY.”
REFUGEES FROM VERDUN DISTRICT PASSING THROUGHSOUILLY ALONG THE “SACRED WAY.”
PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED.LONDONXIV.-2120-7-19-25
THE “TOURING CLUB DE FRANCE.”If you arenota Memberof the Touring Club de France:Join to-day. You will thereby help France and, at the same time, yourself. (Intending Members should be introduced by two actual Members, or furnish references.)If you are already a Memberof the Touring Club de France:Introduce new Members. It will only cost you a little good will, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped to augment the Association’s beneficent influence.SUBSCRIPTIONS:The yearly subscription is:6 francs for new Members of French nationality.10 francs for new Members of other nationality, wherever their residence may be.New subscriptions paid from October 1st. are valid for the following calendar year.Life subscriptions may be effected in one payment of 120 francs for persons of French nationality, or 200 francs if of other nationality.The title of “Membre-Fondateur” may be acquired by the payment of 300 francs.A minimum payment of 500 francs confers the title of “Membre-Bienfaiteur.”THE TOURING CLUB DE FRANCE,65, AVENUE DE LA GRANDE ARMÉE, PARIS (16).
THE “TOURING CLUB DE FRANCE.”
If you arenota Member
of the Touring Club de France:
Join to-day. You will thereby help France and, at the same time, yourself. (Intending Members should be introduced by two actual Members, or furnish references.)
If you are already a Member
of the Touring Club de France:
Introduce new Members. It will only cost you a little good will, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped to augment the Association’s beneficent influence.
SUBSCRIPTIONS:
The yearly subscription is:
6 francs for new Members of French nationality.
10 francs for new Members of other nationality, wherever their residence may be.
New subscriptions paid from October 1st. are valid for the following calendar year.
Life subscriptions may be effected in one payment of 120 francs for persons of French nationality, or 200 francs if of other nationality.
The title of “Membre-Fondateur” may be acquired by the payment of 300 francs.
A minimum payment of 500 francs confers the title of “Membre-Bienfaiteur.”
THE TOURING CLUB DE FRANCE,65, AVENUE DE LA GRANDE ARMÉE, PARIS (16).
BEAUTIFUL FRANCE.Brittany.Land of granite cliffs, rough seas and folk-lore, Brittany is one of the most picturesque provinces of France.The granitic soil, carpeted with yellow-gorse and shaded with the deep green of countless oaks, has bred a hardy race of sailors and fishermen, who combine strange pagan superstitions with the Roman faith. In historic and pre-historic memories, it is one of the richest lands in the world.The hinterland of Brittany consists of uplands broken by ravines, of low undulating hills, moors, rich pastures, living waters and crags.The coastline, broken with innumerable capes, creeks, gulfs and estuaries, is of unparalleled picturesqueness.Among the principal places of interest to tourists are the following: Cancale Bay and Grouin Point, the roadstead of St. Malo and estuary of the Rance, Cape Fréhel, St. Brieuc Bay, Bréhat Island, Ploumanach and Trégastel Cliffs, Primel Point, the estuary of the de Morlaix river, Roscoff and Batz Island, the Brignognan and Aber-Wrach Crags, St. Matthew’s Point and Brest Harbour.Further south are the Morgat Caves, Bay of Douarnenez, Raz Point, Penmarch Cliffs, Gulf of Vannes, etc.Numerous ancient fortified cities, whereof: Vitré, Fougères, St. Malo, Dinan, Morlaix, Carhaix, Quimper, Concarneau, Pontivy and Vannes are of especial interest, and old-time châteaux, churches and cathedrals lie scattered over the land.The three principal “Calvaries,” of which there are many, are in the “Département” of Finistère, at Trégonnec, Guimiliau and Plougastel.Numerous “menhirs” and “dolmens,” of which the most celebrated are at Carnac and Lochmariaquer, offer particular interest to the archaeologist and historian.ALL INQUIRIES WITH REGARD TO TRAVELLINGSHOULD BE ADDRESSEDTO THE “TOURING CLUB DE FRANCE,”65, Avenue de la Grande Armée, 65PARIS.
BEAUTIFUL FRANCE.
Brittany.
Land of granite cliffs, rough seas and folk-lore, Brittany is one of the most picturesque provinces of France.
The granitic soil, carpeted with yellow-gorse and shaded with the deep green of countless oaks, has bred a hardy race of sailors and fishermen, who combine strange pagan superstitions with the Roman faith. In historic and pre-historic memories, it is one of the richest lands in the world.
The hinterland of Brittany consists of uplands broken by ravines, of low undulating hills, moors, rich pastures, living waters and crags.
The coastline, broken with innumerable capes, creeks, gulfs and estuaries, is of unparalleled picturesqueness.
Among the principal places of interest to tourists are the following: Cancale Bay and Grouin Point, the roadstead of St. Malo and estuary of the Rance, Cape Fréhel, St. Brieuc Bay, Bréhat Island, Ploumanach and Trégastel Cliffs, Primel Point, the estuary of the de Morlaix river, Roscoff and Batz Island, the Brignognan and Aber-Wrach Crags, St. Matthew’s Point and Brest Harbour.
Further south are the Morgat Caves, Bay of Douarnenez, Raz Point, Penmarch Cliffs, Gulf of Vannes, etc.
Numerous ancient fortified cities, whereof: Vitré, Fougères, St. Malo, Dinan, Morlaix, Carhaix, Quimper, Concarneau, Pontivy and Vannes are of especial interest, and old-time châteaux, churches and cathedrals lie scattered over the land.
The three principal “Calvaries,” of which there are many, are in the “Département” of Finistère, at Trégonnec, Guimiliau and Plougastel.
Numerous “menhirs” and “dolmens,” of which the most celebrated are at Carnac and Lochmariaquer, offer particular interest to the archaeologist and historian.
ALL INQUIRIES WITH REGARD TO TRAVELLINGSHOULD BE ADDRESSEDTO THE “TOURING CLUB DE FRANCE,”
65, Avenue de la Grande Armée, 65
PARIS.
MICHELIN TOURING OFFICESMICHELIN TYRE CO., LTD., LONDONTouring Office :: 81, Fulham Road, S.W.MICHELIN & CIE, CLERMONT-FERRANDTouring Office :: 99, Bd. Péreire, PARISWhy ask the Way, when . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . Michelin will tell you free of charge?Drop a line, ring us up, or call at one of our Touring Offices and you will receive a carefully worked out description of the route to follow.
MICHELIN TOURING OFFICES
MICHELIN TYRE CO., LTD., LONDON
Touring Office :: 81, Fulham Road, S.W.
MICHELIN & CIE, CLERMONT-FERRAND
Touring Office :: 99, Bd. Péreire, PARIS
Why ask the Way, when . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . Michelin will tell you free of charge?
Drop a line, ring us up, or call at one of our Touring Offices and you will receive a carefully worked out description of the route to follow.
APPENDIX
List of Photographs
List of Maps