Debouching from Fargny Mill, on the morning of July 1, a regiment of the French 20th Corps carried all the German advance-positions with great dash, notably the "Gendarme's Hat." However, at the outskirts of Curlu, further advance was stayed by machine-gun fire, making fresh artillery preparation necessary, which destroyed most of the houses. Rushing again to the assault in the evening, the French, in a few minutes, drove the Bavarians from all their positions, and the enemy's numerous attempts during the night and throughout the next day to regain a footing in the village broke down before the French barrage fire.
CURLU CHURCH.
Fragment of 13th century wall—all that is left of the village.
The day after the capture of Curlu, the French resumed their advance, and soon reached the village of Hem, which they carried on July 5, after fierce fighting lasting the whole day.
The road follows the line of the advance, from Fargny Mill to Hem. At Curlu leave the church on the left. Numerous shelters, graves and cemeteries are seen along the road, which passes near Hem-Monacu (2 km. beyond Curlu); a few broken walls, 300 yards to the right of the road, are all that remain of the village (photo below).
HEM-MONACU. RUINS OF THE CHURCH.
