This little place played the part, in relation to the extreme German left, that Trocy played in the centre. It was a heavy artillery position supporting the advanced line of defence.
THE BILLIARD-TABLE OF THE CHÂTEAU
At the entrance to the village, on the left side of the road, is a large residence surrounded by a park. It was occupied by the Germans and converted into a field hospital. In order to make room rapidly, the furniture was flung outside. It was thus that the billiard-table was found in the park. A soldier who was evidently a lover of fresh air used it as a shelter. On the opposite photograph can be seen a fish-kettle which did duty as a basin: frequent washing being indispensable during those hot September days.
The façade shown in the view is the one which faces the road.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS LEFT AT GUÉ-À-TRESMES BY THE GERMANS
A certain number of German wounded died in the hospital and were buried in the garden; their belongings were left behind at the time of the retreat, as shown in the opposite photograph.
This retreat must have taken the occupants unawares, for a meal was on the officers' table when the French troops entered the château.