The Woëvre Plain
The Woëvre forms a district by itself, geologically rather than geographically, and corresponds approximately to the “pays vabrensis” of the Merovingians. It lies between the Heights of the Meuse and Moselle. The soil of marl and clay becomes a slough after rain, and numerous pools and hidden sheets of water, known locally as “gorittis,” “noues,” or “crachettes,” make the ground slippery and treacherous.
Here may be followed step by step the stages of the Franco-American offensive of September, 1918 (see pp. [18-20]), which reduced the whole salient of St. Mihiel, and advanced the lines several kilometres to the out-works of the Forts of Metz, thus placing the Allied forces in strong positions in readiness for the new offensive planned for November 16, which the signing of the Armistice on November 11 prevented from being carried out to overwhelming victory.
VIGNEULLES
Entrance to concrete shelter near the Church, at the side of the road.
After visiting Hattonchâtel, proceed to Vigneulles by a road which describes a large loop.