Rheims and the Battles for its Possession

by Pneu Michelin

DESTROYED BRIDGE OVER THE CANAL, NEAR LE GODAT

From Cormicy to Godat Farm

(See Itinerary, p. [134].)

Pass straight through Cormicy, leaving the church on the left. Take G.C. 32 to the Rheims-Laon road (N. 44), where turn to the right. Rather less than a mile further on, near the Maison Blanche, is a road leading to Godat Farm. Cars can only go as far as the canal, the destroyed bridge (photo above) not having yet been rebuilt. The lock-keeper's house seen in the photograph below was completely destroyed.

THE LOCK-KEEPER'S HOUSE AT LE GODAT
(Now destroyed.)

Cross the canal on foot to reach Godat Farm, situated about 300 yards further on.

Le Godat, formerly a small fief with a castle and chapel (destroyed during the Revolution in 1793), was merely a farm and a plain country house when the war broke out. By reason of its position, north of the Aisne Canal, this bridgehead was, throughout the war, one of the most fiercely disputed points in the sector north-west of Rheims, even during the period of trench-warfare. At the time of the French offensive of April, 1917, the 44th Infantry Regiment advanced beyond Le Godat, where the French held their ground until the powerful German push of May 27, 1918.