LA BASSÉE, from an old engraving
During the German offensive of 1918, the town again came inside the German lines, but the enemy were driven out shortly afterwards, during the Allied offensive that led to the Armistice and to the consummation of victory.
Go through the Rue d'Estaires, in which there is a large and very high armoured shelter that served as an observation-post. Pass the ruined church (photo, p. 132), then turn to the right into the Grande Place. Inside a three-storied house, which later collapsed under the shell-fire (photo, p. 132), there was a German observation-post of concrete, armed with machine-guns.
On leaving La Bassée continue along N. 41, with its fine trees cut down and left along the sides of the road. Pass the first houses of Illies village, on the left, and 100 yards further on, cross a large avenue (leading to the Château de Varneton).
LA BASSÉE. STREET CAMOUFLAGED BY THE GERMANS
(Note the high poles on the left.)
