1903 Battlefields in France

[Jim Tarleton]

Got to playing with Google Earth Pro, and decided to see what the view the soldiers had on the various battlefields of France in 1918. GEP allows you to skim the surface of the earth as if present at the site. I found the following battlefields and traced the path of advance from the various battlemaps of the time. It was very interesting indeed. First of all, the actual battlefields are not easy to find (just try finding Blanc Mont), and one has to use the verbal descriptions to actually find the paths taken, even after you find the location.

I discovered the 2nd and 42nd Divisions pretty much fought side by side or within a few miles of each other. The two worst battlefields I found was the taking of the heights of the Ourcq River by the 165th, 167th, and 168th Regiments and the taking of Blanc Mont Ridge by the 5th and 6th Regiments. Both battles entailed crossing open fields with zero cover against highly fortified high ground. In GEP you get the true sense of distance, and realize that the long range of the 1903 was a very important asset.

The 3 pictures on the left are the German view from Blanc Mont Ridge.

I also discovered that when the Marines took Hill 142, they were actually traveling downhill towards Torcy.

It was entertaining.

Jim

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[Lancebear]

Hey Jim,

Thanks for your work, as usual, very interesting.

The Jerries sure knew how to pick positions. Seems like all the high ground was on their side.

Death to tyrants,

Robert

[Long Island]

Today I received an excellent photo history of the US Marines in WWI.
"The Devil Dogs At Belleau Wood by Dick Camp" over a hundred photos, many rare and never before published from the Marine Corps archived. The text also looks very intresting. If this has been brought up before please excuse the interuption.
Thank you.
Bob

[Jim Tarleton]

I just read "To the Limit of Human Endurance" (I think I have that right) which is about the 2/6 in WWI. Very detailed concerning the commanding personnel and their habits and shortcomings, as well as the mistakes made and their causes. A good analysis of the Captain Powers situation at Blanc Mont (accused of cowardice). Also discusses the reasons the 5th Regiment was slaughtered at Blanc Mont ("Bull" Williams' erroneous message and the lack of artillery support) and the almost unbelievable actions of Cpl. John Pruitt (MOH), a 2/6 Sniper.

I'll have to buy "The Devil Dogs at Belleau Woods" now.

Try the GEP thing. You will be amazed at how it clears up questions in one's mind and just how insane some of the advances actually were. By the way, a GL view shows the Essen Hook clear as day off to the left flank of the 2/6. The Blanc Mont battle site is the least visited of all the battle sites, and the easiest to access as a highway runs right beside it.

Jim

[Jim Tarleton]

The book is "To the Limit of Endurance, A Battalion of Marines in the Great War" by Peter F. Owen. Highly recommended for those who like "behind the scenes" reports.

Jim

[JGaynor]

Jim do you have a copy of "American Armies and Battlefields in Europe" GPO 1938, prepared by the American Battle Mouments Commission?

Regards,

Jim

[Jim Tarleton]

Jim,

No, but I will see if I can find one. Some of the battlefields are hard to find, like the Ourcq River crossing point. My grandfather was in that one. He was in the 2/167, E Company. One of his boyhood friends, Pvt. John Lavender, was killed (along with most of 1/167, and 2/167 which were reduced to single Company strength). The 47th took part also, and got slaughtered.

Interesting times, indeed.

Jim