Forêt Domaniale d’Apremont – Apremont Forest

After the Germans captured Fort Camp des Romains and the bridgehead on the western side of the Meuse in late September 1914, the lines were pushed forward into the forests south of the road to protect today’s D 907. Months of bitter forest fighting ensued, particularly in the Bois Brûlé and the forest areas adjoining to the west. Well into 1915, the French tried in vain to push back the German units. On the German side, a deeply echeloned position system was created.

Around mid-1915, the French offensive efforts subsided. Strategically, the Germans had planned early on to abandon the exposed positions in the salient in the event of a massed attack. For this purpose, a rear chord position, the Michel-Stellung, had been constructed starting as early as 1915. This was to be occupied in an orderly fashion starting on September 11, 1918, as a major Allied attack was looming. The surprisingly early attack by the French and Americans on September 12, 1918, which pushed American assault troops far into the German rear, collided with this withdrawal movement. The still inexperienced Americans were unable to make effective use of this unexpected advantage. Despite heavy losses of material, the German troops succeeded in occupying the Michel-Stellung and holding it until the end of the fighting on November 11, 1918.

Well-preserved position remains in a natural or restored state still allow one to comprehend the fierce struggle in this front sector. These include the Tranchée de la Soif in the Bois d’Ailly, the position system around the “Bayerngraben”, and the area of the field fortification (French La Redoute) in the Bois Brûlé. This area is of military-historical interest because over four years of war, no significant changes occurred in the front positions, and they are still well-preserved over large stretches today. On the French side, places like the Fort de Liouville as well as the village of Marbotte with its Saint-Gérard church and the museum located in the mairie are well worth a visit.