FROM MEAUX TO MARCILLY
(28 km.)
(See plan inserted between pp. [78]-[79])
via Chauconin, Neufmontiers, Monthyon, Penchard, Chambry, Barcy.
Start from Meaux in front of the cathedral. Go down the Rue Saint-Rémy, pass under the railway bridge, then turn to the left and take the N 3 for about 2 km. Turn to the right in front of a beetroot factory and follow the road planted with plane trees which leads to Chauconin (4 km.).
After having a peep at the little country church, we take a few steps along the path shown in the view below. The houses which border it still show traces of the incendiary fires of September, 1914. The Germans occupied the village for a few hours on the 5th, just long enough to pillage the dwellings and partly burn them by means of grenades flung on to the roofs, and sticks of resin thrust under the doors.
Having crossed the village, we have before us the buildings and high chimney of Proffit Farm, situated at Neufmontiers. Take the road which leads to it. On reaching the level of the farm, some French and German graves (of which a view is given on p. [81]) will be seen to the right of the road.
BURNT HOUSES AT CHAUCONIN
The German grave is on the left, isolated. It is marked by a black cross on which is painted the letter A. In the background can be distinguished the wooded heights of Penchard, in the conquest of which fell the French and Moroccan soldiers here buried.