From Moreuil to Montdidier,
via Mailly-Raineval, Grivesnes and Cantigny.
Mailly-Raineval and Hill 103
On leaving Morisel, there is a large German cemetery, from which a very fine view of Moreuil and the valley of the Avre may be had. Take the G.C. 14, on the left, as far as Mailly-Raineval, entering the village by the road on the left. (See sketch-map, p. 77.)
Mailly-Raineval, seen from the Road to Hill 103.
Mailly-Raineval.—Ruins of the Chateau.
This village, first known as Raineval, took the name of Mailly-Raineval in 1744, when it became the property of the illustrious house of Mailly. The Château, in ruins since 1879, was mostly built in the 16th century, on the site of the former castle, destroyed at the time of the Jacquerie. The ruins of the Château include a broken tower dating from the end of the 14th century, and substructures still measuring 250 feet in length. The latter, which were severely damaged by the bombardments, used to support the three stories of the imposing Château (photo above). The village is now a complete ruin.
Mailly-Raineval, seen from the West side of Hill 103.
On the right: The Church and Chateau;
in the background: Arrière-Cour Wood.
200 yards further on, the road leads to the foot of Hill 103 which can be ascended on foot.