If you are travelling the Western Front, this is a visit which should be at the top of your list. I travelled from Ypres and the journey took just under four hours. It is located between Reims and Verdun and overlooks the Argonne Forest. I would like to thank the historian, Phil Bradley from Australia who recommended I visit this site.
La Main de Massiges or the Hand of Massiges due to the hill formation and finger like slopes to the plain is a World War One trench network carefully recreated on the original trench lines. After the war, the trenches were filled in and then in 2008 an association was formed to excavate the land as clear lines could be seen indicating the trench network. Nine bodies have been found, both French and German. Only one has been identified due to a postcard to be sent by the soldier to his mother.
In 2012 work started to clear the land and return it to its 1915 form. The trench system is amazing with artefacts found within the trenches and littered everywhere. It is as if the soldiers have just got up and left.
The trench system was on the eastern edge of the Champagne front. It was started to be entrenched by the German Army in September 1914 while retreating after Battle of Marne. In late September 1915, the French had taken most of the trench network with huge casualty numbers.
I met Mark Smith from Baldwins in London. He is one of the leading Military and Medal experts in the UK.
This is a post which the pictures tell the story. All I can add is if you have not visited this site of remembrance, please make sure you add it to your next travel plans.
I am glad you made it Callum. It is a unique battlefield but it should be mentioned that due to Health and Safety concerns the site is not officially considered open so you enter at your own risk.
Phil
Many thanks for the note.
thank you for the info Callum.
I will go and visit next thursday on the way to Verdun.
Grts, Benoit
Benoit
Please let me know how your get on in Verdun.
Safe journey
I dropped a pin on my Google Maps to remember where this place is. I know we’ll be traveling from Reims to Verdun; La Main De Massiges is not mentioned in the draft itinerary with the Stephen Ambrose Tours. Great photos Callum!
Susan
As Phil states it is not officially an open venue although when I visited Mark Smith had a tour there. Mark is a leading Militaria and Medal expert in the UK working for Baldwins of London. You can google his YouTube channel which has some interesting details. Ask your Tour historian if there is time to visit on your way to Verdun. You can get a coach in and out Okay.