OLD TRENCH NEAR THE SOMME AT ÉCURY
We arrive at Normée (59 km.), which suffered much from bombardment (see p. [193]). Shells fell so thickly that the village was evacuated on the 6th, the troops retiring to the railway line and to the woods around.
In order to visit this portion of the battlefield, turn to the left immediately after leaving Normée, into G. C. 5, which goes towards Fère-Champenoise. 2 km. further on is the level-crossing (view p. [193]) which became famous after the events of September 6-8.
Leaving the car at the gate, cross the line on foot. In a clearing on the left (view below) may be seen the old French trenches and the graves which were afterwards made near by. Other trenches are to be seen in the pine woods which line the road.
The Colonel commanding the 42nd Brigade was killed whilst defending this level-crossing.
The German attacks, violent enough on the 7th, redoubled in fury on the 8th; the line of defence was pierced and the 35th Brigade, stationed in the woods adjoining the plateau of Rochelle, previously visited (see p. [187]), had to fight under difficult conditions. Certain sections were surrounded, and only fought their way out with heavy loss, all the officers being killed. It was under these circumstances that the fine defence of the standard of the 32nd line Regiment, related on p. [188], took place.
Return to G. C. 18 and turn to the left in it towards Écury-le-Repos. 200 yards before arriving at the village, in a field on the right of the road overlooking the Somme, is an old trench which has been used as a grave (view above).
TRENCHES AND GRAVES NEAR THE LEVEL-CROSSING AT NORMÉE