In 1917, hard fighting continued in this region with varying fortune. Powerful German attacks gave the enemy a little ground between Avocourt and Hill 304, and in Avocourt Wood. On August 20th, the French 25th D.I. drove the enemy from the S. part of the wood, advancing 1,200 yards and capturing 750 prisoners, thirty machine guns and ten trench mortars.
MALANCOURT WOOD IN 1916, seen from the French lines.
The sandbags mark the German lines.
On September 26th, 1918, the wood was entirely cleared of the enemy by the First American Army.
Malancourt Wood.—It was against a French trench, in this wood that on February 26th, 1915, the Germans made use of liquid fire for the first time, special pumps, operated by pioneers of the Guard, being employed.
VII.—Avocourt to Aubréville
From Avocourt take the road which follows the small valley running southwards (see [Itinerary], pp. 88 and 89). It was on this road, hidden from the view of the enemy, that the French concentrations were carried out in the rear lines.
Two kilometers from Avocourt, take on the left the road leading to Hesse Wood, scene of all sorts of concentrations, posts of commandment, dressing stations, batteries of artillery, depots, etc.