THE CANAL AT PARGNY (looking eastwards)
The road passes over the Ornain then over the canal from the Marne to the Rhine, of which the two photographs opposite and below give two views: the first to the west, the second to the east. The struggle was violent on the banks of the canal. The infantry of the Third Division was guarding the bridges, which were taken by the Germans on September 6, but the French, entrenched in Pargny (towards which the road leads the tourist), held out during the whole of the day of the 7th in spite of the terrific shell fire, which completely destroyed the little town. On the 8th, attacked on the north and east, Pargny fell. The next day, the valiant troops of the Second Corps re-took it. On the 10th it fell again into the hands of the Germans, to be definitely retaken by the French on the 11th.
CHURCH AND RUINS OF PARGNY
Pargny church (33½ km.), in front of which we pass, had its roof pierced, and the vaulting broken in. The spire was truncated by shells.
After having passed the church, we reach the principal street, in which we turn to the left. The scene is very desolate (see pp. [226]-[227]).
RUINS OF PARGNY
Having followed the principal street, we take the first turning on the right towards the level-crossing. Immediately beyond the crossing, we turn to the right in order to reach Maurupt by G. C. 61.
