On arriving at the Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, we shall retrace our steps as far as the Church of Brabant-le-Roi, then turn to the left towards Nettancourt by C. G. D. 15.
Continue along the road and go over a level-crossing, then follow the valley of the Chée to reach Nettancourt (30 km.), and turn to the left to reach the chapel. The church is not in the village, but on a hill to the west. It dates from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, and is classed as an historical monument. It has suffered from fire and from shells.
RUINS OF SOMMEILLES
Nettancourt fell into the hands of the Germans on September 6. On leaving the village, strike off G. C. D. 15 and take on the right the Sommeilles Road or G. C. 27. Go over a level-crossing and turn immediately to the left. At Sommeilles (34 km.), turn to the left to reach the church, then to the right in order to visit the town-hall. The church is capable of restoration, but of the latter only the front remains. As for the houses, they were completely destroyed by fires lighted by the Germans under the same conditions as at Revigny—by spraying them with paraffin from hand-pumps.
It was on the 6th, when the 51st German Infantry Regiment arrived, that fires broke out in the whole of the village. The inhabitants fled before the flames, but the soldiers seized them and asked for information regarding the movements of the French troops, threatening at the same time to shoot them. Eight hostages were led as far as Brabant-le-Roi, where they were released after having been made to kneel, whilst their captors made a dumb show of firing at them.
TROOPS VISITING THE RUINS OF SOMMEILLES
The Germans committed still more inexcusable crimes at Sommeilles. On September 12, when the Light Infantry entered the village, the officers and the doctor found in the cellar of the Adnot family's house, seven corpses. Death had taken place under particularly atrocious conditions. The Official Report gives the following details:
