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© Stéphane Compoint
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The Chemin des Dames: Aerial view of the Chemin des Dames (shown left to right), the Dragon's Cave (center left) and Hurtebise farm (center right). Very large, the cave of the Dragon could hold an entire battalion, which was like an underground barracks. In September 1914, this "Creute" remains the only strategic position still held by French troops and becomes a strategic issue. Despite the challenge, it pass into the hands of the Germans (they are the ones who surnommeront "Drachenhöhle" which means Cave of the Dragon) in January 1915 and will resume bu french only in June 1917. It is now a memorial site and a museum area. On April 16, 1917 at 6:00 am begins the great offensive commanded by General Nivelle, to end the endless trench warfare. Nearly a million people were gathered between Soissons (west) and Reims (east). Without an appropriate strategy, it has been a dismal failure for the French army, which cause the largest movement of mutinies of war and the resignation of Nivelle.
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