Beyond the Church take the road on the right to Cumières. That on the left, leading to Bourrus Woods, is impracticable for cars.
II.—From Charny to Cumières
Return to the level crossing, then turn to the right on leaving Charny. The road skirts the northern slopes of the hills on which stands the modern forts of Vacherauville, Marre and Bourrus Woods.
Cross through Marre village, in ruins. Beyond the ruined church follow the right-hand road (photo above) to Cumières. Half-way between Marre and Cumières are (on the right) the station of Chattancourt, (on the left) the road leading to that village.
CUMIÈRES IN MAY, 1916
Attacked on March 14th and destroyed by shell-fire on April 25th, Cumières was only captured by the Germans on the night of May 23rd. Three days later the French retook the eastern portion after a desperate combat. On May 29th and 30th, after two days of continual bombardment, they were momentarily driven back towards Chattancourt, but a vigorous counter-attack brought them back to the southern outskirts of the village. Caurettes Wood, to the S.W. of Cumières, remained, however, in the enemy’s hands.
On August 20th, 1917, Cumières village and wood were retaken by a regiment of the Légion Étrangère, who attacked singing the famous popular song “La Madelon.”
