2nd day.—CHÂTEAU-THIERRY—SOISSONS.
The following itinerary will enable the tourist to follow, step by step, the course of the battle for the straightening out of the Château-Thierry salient. It will also enable him to form a correct idea of the German offensive of May 27, with its alternations of advance and retreat around Soissons, the northern pivot of the battle.
Leave by the Avenue du Maréchal Joffre, take the second street on the right (Rue Gare-des-Chesneaux), whence there is a fine view of the town and castle. Do not cross the railway by the level crossing on the right of the station, but continue straight ahead, leaving on the right the street which leads to the entrance of the Castle (photo below). Pass the “Octroi,” turn to the left about 100 yards further on, under the ruined bridge. The hospital on the left was badly damaged by shell-fire, as were also the neighbouring embankment and houses.
ENTRANCE TO THE OLD CASTLE OF CHÂTEAU-THIERRY.
The itinerary follows the road on the left.
Follow the G. C. 15, to the left of which, hollowed out in the sloping sides, are many ammunition shelters. Pass under another damaged railway bridge. Near the bridge over the small river which flows in front of the village of Verdilly are numerous shell-holes and large heaps of ammunition and rubbish.