REMAINS OF LOCON VILLAGE
Contrarily to other forests in the battle area, Nieppe Forest did not suffer greatly, although, like the others, it concealed munitions and stores. (Note the numerous narrow-gauge rails lying along the roadside.)
The roads themselves bear traces of hastily constructed defence-works.
On the left, near the outskirts of the forest, a pathway leads to a cemetery containing British soldiers' graves.
La Motte-au-Bois, lying in a clearing, suffered little. Its 17th century château, which escaped destruction, can be reached by crossing the canal over a temporary bridge, leaving on the right a small octagonal chapel of no special interest.
Return by the same road to Merville, and pass through it, taking a glance at the ruins of the church on the right. Cross the canal, the Lys, and the railway near the station, and turn to the left immediately afterwards.
Follow the railway, then re-cross it. The road here runs parallel to the canal. At the next fork leave on the left the road to the Gorgue; turn to the right, cross the railway, and enter Lestrem. Beyond the bridge over the Lawe, pass the church, then turn to the right, and skirt the grounds of an old ruined château.
This château—completely restored in 1890—was used by the Germans as an observation-post, and subsequently blown up by them on April 10, 1918 (photo, p. 122).