Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Share #1 Posted August 19, 2011 Yesterday, I went to Chateau-Thierry (France), en route I visited the Belleau Wood battlefield, the Aisne-Marne American cemetery and the Chateau-Thierry monument on hill 204. Here are the pictures I took, hope you'll enjoy. Entrance to the Belleau Wood memorial (South West). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #2 Posted August 19, 2011 Entrance (left) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #3 Posted August 19, 2011 Entrance (right) "Wood of the Marine Brigade" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #4 Posted August 19, 2011 Belleau Wood is maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission as a memorial to the American fighting men who fought in the AEF during World War I. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #5 Posted August 19, 2011 Vestiges of trenches, shell holes and relics of the war to include weapons found in the vicinity may be seen. A monument erected by the U.S. Marines and a flagpole are located on an island in the road passing through the clearing in the center of Belleau Wood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #6 Posted August 19, 2011 Captured German guns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #7 Posted August 19, 2011 German shells. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #8 Posted August 19, 2011 The monument is a black granite stele to which has been affixed a life-size bronze bas-relief by Felix de Weldon of New York, NY of a Marine attacking with rifle and bayonet. It commemorates the 4th Marine Brigade of the U.S. 2d U.S. Division which was primarily responsible for the capture of the Wood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #9 Posted August 19, 2011 Below the bas-relief at the base of the stele is a bronze plaque on which is engraved in English and French: Bois de Belleau officially renamed Bois de la Brigade de Marine by commanding general commanding French 6th army on 30 June 1918 in recognition of the courageous action of the 4th United States marine brigade in the seizure of this wood in the face of determined German resistance on 27 May 1918. The Germans launched a major surprise offensive which crossed the Chemin des Dames and captured Soissons. By 31 May, their armies were advancing rapidly down the Marne valley toward Paris. The 2nd United States army division of which the 4th marine brigade formed a part, was rushed into the deepest point of the penetration to assist the French forces in stopping the advance of the ennemy. Rapidly occupying defensives positions South and West of Belleau wood, the 4th marine brigade, composed of the 5th and 6th marine regiments and the 6th machine gun battalion, stood firm under unremitting ennemy attacks from 1 to 5 June. On 6 June, the marines began a series of attacks which culminated on 25th June with the capture of the entire Belleau wood area, and the defeat of the German offensive in this sector. My the gallant marines who gave their lives for corps and country rest in peace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #10 Posted August 19, 2011 German ordnances: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #11 Posted August 19, 2011 German ordnances: Front Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #12 Posted August 19, 2011 German ordnances: back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #13 Posted August 19, 2011 Damaged shield Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #14 Posted August 19, 2011 Damaged shield: close-up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #15 Posted August 19, 2011 German gun & mortar baseplate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #16 Posted August 19, 2011 Destroyed German gun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #17 Posted August 19, 2011 Muzzle of the gun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #18 Posted August 19, 2011 Muzzle of the gun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #19 Posted August 19, 2011 The hunting lodge : Now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted August 19, 2011 Share #20 Posted August 19, 2011 Great pics Thanks for posting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #21 Posted August 19, 2011 and then : Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #22 Posted August 19, 2011 Trenches: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #23 Posted August 19, 2011 Trenches: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #24 Posted August 19, 2011 Exit (North East) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squad leader Posted August 19, 2011 Author Share #25 Posted August 19, 2011 Road to Aisne-Marne American cemetery Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now