This part of the panorama fits on to the right of panorama II (p. [161]).

The plain which stretches at our feet, as far as the eye can reach, right up to the Aube, and of which the panoramas on pages [160] to 163 give a good idea, was the stake in the battle which for five days engaged the army of Foch and those of Von Bulow and Von Hausen. The heights whose crest we have been following since leaving Sézanne assured its control. From there the Germans with their powerful artillery would have been able to destroy the French Corps which had withdrawn to the plain. They would also have been able to manœuvre freely in order to fall on the rear of the army of Espérey on the west, and that of Langle de Cary on the east. The whole plan of the battle of the Marne would have collapsed. The nature of the ground permits us to understand the particular violence of the struggle at this point: the Germans ready to sacrifice everything in order to attain the heights, the French disputing fiercely every inch of the ground.

II. PANORAMA OF THE PLAIN OF THE AUBE.

This part of the panorama fits on to the left of panorama I (p. [160]).

III. PANORAMA OF THE PLAIN OF FÈRE-CHAMPENOISE.