Combats de Vaux-Marie, World War I battlefield in Rembercourt-Sommaisne, France
The Vaux-Marie battlefield sits in hilly terrain near Rembercourt-Sommaisne and was a significant clash point between French and German forces in 1914. The ground spreads across natural ridges that both armies used to establish their defensive positions.
In September 1914, French forces under General Maurice Sarrail halted the advance of the German 5th Army. These battles proved crucial in stabilizing the front line and preventing a deeper German push westward.
Maurice Genevoix was a lieutenant in the 106th Infantry Regiment who documented his wartime experiences in the book 'Sous Verdun'. His firsthand account offers readers a personal perspective on what soldiers lived through during these battles.
The site includes an interpretation trail equipped with audiovisual devices and spatial sound effects to help visitors understand the battle. Wearing sturdy footwear is advisable since the terrain is uneven and best explored on foot.
A ten-episode docufiction follows the stories of two local farmers, Pierre and Arthur, during the 1914 battles. These personal narratives reveal how the war transformed everyday life for people living in this region.
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