September
VERDUN (Thiaumont)
Days at Rest: 12
Days in Trenches: 14
Days at Citadelle de Verdun: 5
Total Casualties (KIA): 113
Estimated: 260+ wounded
The below map of the Thiaumont sector in Verdun from late July 1916 frontline: by September the French had regained some of the ground up to the German frontline (purple line) of July 1916
1st September
7e DI JMO day review: General Weywada of the 7e DI arrived at DI Margueritte in Verdun along with other regimental commanders.
Nous allons a V, pour un retour ce n’est pas mal
Jules 1st day back from leave – POSTCARD 1ST SEPTEMBER
A day later and Jules has still have not arrived back with the 315e regiment, but Jules hopes to be back with them in the next 5 hours…..
Jules now confirms that he is going to Verdun. As Jules puts it … nowhere better to get back into the swing of things and break from civilian life, than with a trip to Verdun.
Letter – transit to his regiment 315e RI 14e compagnie
Casualties: 1 (Alphonse Vital Pilet 2e Classe)
J’ai pu voir à la citadelle où nous étions un monde fou, c’est une ville qui tiendrait en ce moment
letter 1st September herve lambert 315e RI 14e compagnie
Dear Parents
It is from the top of a box of grenades that I am writing this letter to prove that my health is still good. We are currently in the middle of a daily bombardment from our artillery, which from within our shelter its hard to imagine the intensity. The shells raining down are of all calibre, with many heavies and the Boche and not replying.
I do not know how they are able to survive and endure all that we are throwing at them on a daily basis. But sometimes the Boche do crack under our bombardments and surrender to us.
We have our provisions now, which are for 5 days: 3 musettes bags, 4 litres of wine and water and plenty of bread, so I can tell you the shoulders felt the weight, along with 250 cartridges and 2 grenades. This is the what a Hero of Verdun looks like when we go to the front.
I have been able to the citadelle and there is a crazy amount of people there, therefore the town will hold firm, despite being tired after months of being besieged
Herve Lambert Letter – 315e RI 14e Compagnie at Fort St Michel
In Herve letter he also mentions the provisions handed out on the 1st September before going to the frontlines at the boyau lagadec.
Un bidon de 2 litres, 1 musette supplémentaire, 2 sac à terre, 2 boules de pain, 3 boites de conserve, fromage, 200 cartouches, 3 grenades, 1 fusée éclairante et bien d’autres choses
Supplies for 5 days before going to the trenches
The major issue is that the above were previsions for 5 days until 7th September … the 14e compagnie stayed in the frontline until 12th September … as you will see later in Jules letters, food becomes a real issue.
2nd September
Notable event Hindenburg orders all offensive operations at Verdun are to cease
7e DI JMO day review: General Weywada of the 7e division gives orders at 11h00 to prepare for the attack on:
Abri 118 & Point 1795-1599 near Thiaumont
3rd September objectives
The first attack to be undertaken by the 102e RI. At 08h00 on the 3rd September. Today the 2nd September the General take command of the 7e DI who are in the following locations:
102e RI: In the frontlines since the night 29th/30th to the North West of Fleury near “location 1795”. 2e Bat at “Z PC” and 3e Bat at “PC 119” both at the frontline. Commander of 102e at the Maison Blanche PC, which the assumption is MF4 (L’abris caverne de Froideterre pictured below)
315e RI: One Bataillon at sous-Secteur MF4 and boyaux Lagadec and 2 bat located at Bois en Hache and PC MF2 since the night 31st/1st September (see picture below)
103e RI: 2 battalions in the frontline at Bois en T which is to the North of Bois en Hache , other bat is in reserve at at MF2 behind Ouv de Froideterre.
104e RI: travelling still to the sector
3rd September
7e DI JMO day review: 102e attack at 14h00 the German frontline between “abri 118 and Point 1795, with little success 13 officers killed or wounded and over 100 killed or wounded. The attack is halted at 14h30 and restarted at 17h00, but with little success. The Germans respond in the late afternoon/evening with a heavy bombardment of the frontline and reserve lines around Ravin des Vignes and Crete de Froideterre where the 103e are stationed (5 KIA and 19 WIA).
Correspondance des Armées de la République card is sent by Jules to simply state that he has arrived back in the trenches and not to worry about his watch that he left during leave at Jeanne’s.
Suis aux tranchées depuis cette nuit
CORRESPONDANCE DES ARMEES 3RD SEPTEMBER
His words from 1st September were ironically accurate about getting back into the swing of things, as on the day he arrives back with his unit on the 3rd September he earned his first citation near Thiaumont.
Citation for Sgt Jules Andre Destrigneville – for which he will late be awarded the Croix de Guerre on the 24th September.
“Destrigneville Jules Sergent,14e compagnie, matricule 4809. S-officier very energetic, whose actions were noted for his drive and positive attitude during combat of the 3rd Sept 1916, who personally rescued one of his men that had been buried alive by a shell”
It is interesting that Jules won a citation on the 3rd September, when in the JMO of the 7e DI, it states that the 315e 4e Bat were near Fort St Michel. So how was that possible?
The actual location of the 4e Bat of the 315e, is incorrect in the JMO; as we will find out later from Herve Lambert letters. The 4e bat in the evening of the 3rd September move up to support the 102e attack on the 3rd (see the above map with 14e compagnie movements). This helps us to understand the loses the 315e sustained during this period, as we can assume that the 315e loses from 3rd to the evening 4th September are all mainly due to the 4e Bat proximity to the frontline and the 102e RI.
On the same day in the reserve lines at Thiaumont before leaving for Fleury in the evening (supporting 102e), Herve Lambert also writes to his parents.
Dear Parents
Only a couple of lines will be enough to update you on my news. My health is excellent, despite our location surrounded by shrapnel.
Nobody can have any idea what happens in these surroundings. There are horrifying views in front of us, however I will leave it at that. If you go a couple of days without news from me, do not be worried, as it is likely that my letters will take longer than normal to arrive.
Herve Lambert letter 3rd September
Des vues effrayantes s’offrent à nos vues et je ne vous en dis pas plus long
Herve lambert view of thiaumont moonscape
Casualties: 2 KIA and 17 wounded
Sgt Louis Jean Baptiste Naveau – recorded as KIA on the 3rd September, but all documentation says the 6th September, therefore a recording mistake?
R1989 – Naveau – 179 – Chercher dans le document si necessaire. (lamayenne.fr) (p284 document)
Below is a nice example of how a JMO is very helpful for research, but can also be inaccurate, even when it comes to individually named casualties, such as SLT Vidis below:
KIA: SLT Auguste Denis Vidis 13e compagnie: 7e DI JMO: Vidis is clearly marked as KIA (see below), but the good news for Auguste is that he was wounded on the 3rd in the mouth (but survived) and on the 10th September was again seriously wounded whilst leading his section. After 12 months of recovery he is back on the 15th Oct 1917 with 117e and survives the war (below is his post-war identity card).
4th September
7e DI JMO day review: Calm day until at 20h00 an attack by the enemy by grenade to the south of Thiaumont. The attack was easily pushed back by the French with grenades and rifle fire. Following the attack of the 3rd September, work is done to quickly create a new frontline made out of shell holes from PC Maroc and PC Z (more information on these locations below). 14h00 German planes over the frontlines, which are engagement by French soldiers. In the evening a violent German artillery barrage between 19h50 and 20h25 near the “Rechanchement Z”
In addition at around 16h30 a German medic was seen walking in no mans land near the French lines, whilst waving a large white flag with a red cross.
On the 4th September in the evening the 315e regiment (only the 5e and 6e bat) get the orders to enter the frontlines near Thiaumont. During the night the 6e bat lead by Capitaine Olivier (right), occupied the right hand side of the sector next to the 206e RI, where they relieve the 1er bat of the 102e RI (additionally as we now know, they also relieved Jules and Herve and the 4e bat 315e aswell), which we assume was to the right of PC 119, between “point 1599 and 1795”.
We now know, the actual location Capitaine Olivier went to was PC Maroc to the NW of Fleury
The 5e bat lead by Captaine Eschbach, then relieved in the centre the 3e bat of the 102e RI at PC 119 (pictured below). The location the 5e bat was about to move too, is described in detail by Captaine Andre Guillaumin 102e RI:
My compagnie was in the line to the left of the “Abri 119”. My PC consisted of a shell hole in the mud, which myself and my orderly huddled in, with shells falling around us, which created giant geysers of mud…
Quote from Captaine Andre Guillaumin in Jacques Pericard Verdun
315e regiment leader Col Devaux moved from the hospital St Nicolas to la Maison Blanche, which we assume is MF4/L’abris caverne de froideterre also known as “abri des quatre cheminees”. In addition nearby is the PC120 (pictured below), which may have been used aswell, as it is located within 50m of “les Quatre Cheminees”
Jules letter from 4th September is written in two part, potentially at different times during the day. The 14e compagnie as we know from Herve are still supporting 102e and are under heavy daily bombardments until they are relieved by the 5e and 6e bat of the 315e in the late evening, where they then go back to Froideterre for less than 24 hours rest.
Tout ce que je peux vous dire c’est que je suis encore sain et sauf
LETTER 4TH SEPTEMBER
First message is a departure from his normal letters: Jules notes “that he is alive, but cannot say anything else … but his health is something else as they have nothing to eat or drink and therefore its impossible to have “la sante”
J’en aurai long à vous dire après
trenches VERDUN 4TH SEPTEMBER
Second message, to say, not sure how long they are there for (either near the frontline near Fleury or back near Froideterre; most likely the former), but he does not think a long time, but he ominously states that he will have plenty to say about what he has seen.
He then passes on his apologies that he has not been able to write to his cousin, as he has lost his bag and half his belonging and most importantly all his tobacco…
Jules Letter – reserve lines at Verdun near Thiaumont
Une odeur de décomposition qui nous coupe la gorge
Herve lambert letter 4th september
Interestingly Herve Lambert also writes at the same time on the 4th September to his parents:
Dear Parents
A couple of lines from the mass grave trenches “tranchées du charnier”. Health is still good, but we are now in the 2nd line supporting the 102e in the frontline. Despite heavy barrages, there are still 4 of us, out of the 9 soldiers in our “escouade”. 5 have already been wounding.
In regards to the view I have in front of me, its impossible to describe or recognise. It is hard to recognize as it is so macabre, with shattered bodies pilled on top of each other, with a smell that sticks in your throat. Its horrifying, along with the size of the craters that you can fit a tram in.
I will not say any more.
Herve Lambert Letter: Enveloped is marked Fleury
Les macabés se touchent de près
Below map shows the location of 4e bat 315e during 4th September
Artillery (Rounds fired) for the 7e Division:
75′ – 6061
65′ – 125
90′ – 761
95′ – 604
Total – 7,551
Casualties: figures are missing for 4th September in the JMO, as the JMO captures the casualties from the previous day. Therefore real number of casualties on the 4th is unknown.
Notable event between the two days there is the explosion that happens at the Tunnel de Tavannes during the night of the 4th/5th September, that lead to at least 500 victims from the 24e and 18e and 4e regiments. Neither Jules or Herve mention it in their letters
5th September
7e DI JMO day review: Calm day again until 20h00 when a violent barrage from the French artillery started along with rifle and grenade attacks from both sides. At roughly the same time, a violent bombardment of the right side of the sector by the Germans. Work on individual shelters and additional work is done in the creating better communication between crates and water drainage
German aircraft activity over French lines between 18h00 and 19h00.
During the night of the 5th to the 6th September the 315e 4e bat, after less that 24 hrs rest, relieves the 2e Bat of the 102e RI on the left side of the sector next to the 103e RI. The location the battalion move too is not mentioned, but we know from the 102e JMO that the 2e Bat is at Z PC or PC Z.
However we can assume they are coming from the “boyeau Lagadec/Froideterre area” therefore it would make sense that they move to the vicinity of PC 119, where the 102e 2e bat is located.
So where is Z PC or PC Z?
Having scanned many maps, one option for Z PC is potentially the “Retranchement Z” located to the W of Thiaumont, which currently is the working assumption of their location, as it would place the 4e bat near to the frontline.
This put the 4e bat just in reserve, ready if required in join the offensive of the 6th September. As it would mean that all 3 battalions are near to each other in the front line trenches ready for the next days attack. For the following day attack the 4e will be in reserve for the 5e and 6e bat are the main thrust of the attack on point 1599 and 1795.
C’est terrible ce que nous endurons ici
LETTER 5TH SEPTEMBER
Therefore the 4e bat have 24 hours of “rest” at Froideterre, before leaving again in the evening of the 5th September, therefore Jules and Herve have time to write about the letters to describe the horrors of the battlefield they have just endured:
Jules confirms that from tonight they will be in the trenches for a full 9 days with no down time. This tour is going to be long and Jules says “those that will survive will be lucky”. His health is ok and has not caught anything yet, but he is tiring form the lack of food and the constant rain. Interesting line of “nouse sommes propres” (not sure if its ironic because they are covered in mud or because it is raining so much).
The letter finishes with a description of their current location, where they have no shelters in the frontline front or even in the reserve trenches, the only shelter are the shell holes.
Jules finishes his letter we a interesting line: “At times it feels like we have been completely forgot, as we have not been receiving any supplies”
He then stops his letter and says “he can’t say and more, because he fears his letter may get read”
Jules Letter – trenches Verdun day 3: Rain and forgotten
Nous sommes complètement oubliés. Je ne peux vous en dire davantage, j’ai peur que ma lettre soit lue
LETTER 5TH SEPTEMBER
Dear Parents
Yesterday we came back down from Fleury last night (4th September) where we helped out the 102e. We are now back near Froideterre, where we are not too bad. We are still only 4 left with the caporal, the rest are all wounded, as you can imagine.
To leave this place we need to have 60% casualties, but unfortunately the majority of ours are wounded. The terrain is so churned up, that you can put a large bus in a crater and nobody would know it was there.
I am closing my notebook now.
Letter Herve Lambert (note the envelope is from Froideterre)
Casualties: 3
Georges Grassin “disparu” near Fleury-devant-Douaumont
Charles Gatignol – potential died 5/6th Sept, conflicting records
Louis Victor Delatre near Fleury -devant-Douaumont
6th September
7e DI JMO day review: 315e, 5e and 6e battalions attack the German lines at the 1795-1599 points to the SE of Thiaumont, with “light progress”. To the north a night patrol has spotted a new German post at point 613. The French 220 destroy the German “flanquements” on the side of the Ouvage de Thiaumont. Whilst during the night “special rounds” are fired at the ravins near to Douaumont
On the 6th September after a 9 hour bombardment, at 17h00 the 315e RI, 6e battalion – 21e and 22e compagnie on the right with the 23e in reserve and the 5e battalion. On the left 17e compagnie with the 18e compagnie in reserve, attack with the objective of capturing the “crete 1795-1599”.
Capt Allix 23e Cie 
SLT Maingourd 21e Cie 
Adj Major Recoing 5e Bat 
LTN Richard 21e Cie 
Chef de Bat Oliver 6e Bat 
Capt Tollard 17e Cie 
Capt Tassel 22e Cie
The 4e battalion with Jules and Herve are positioned in reserve (we believe) near PC Z near to the ouvrage de Thiaumont at retranchement Z.
The attack starts at 17h00, resistance is fierce and hand to hand combat breaks out, with casualties high on both sides. The attack is stalled by a machine gun placed to the SE of Thiaumont Ouvrage, which halts the 17e and 22e advance, before they can capture the “crete 1599”. The action is then called off, after some small gains were made and the successful capture of 24 German prisoners and a German Machine gun.
The below letter from Jules was written over two days, starting on the 6th September, but is interrupted by the intense bombardment by the French (we assume on the 6th) and counter bombardments from the Germans.
Bombardement terrible qui adure 9 heures par moments j’ai vu mon heure dernière
LETTER 6TH SEPTEMBER
Jules describes how his letter was interrupted (on the 6th September) by the the pre offensive bombardment, which lasted 9 hours and at times he thought his time was up.
Today 7th September it is a lot more quiet, but for how long Jules asks. Days at the front are going so slowly at Verdun, that he thinks he is growing grey hair. Also Jules is currently without his watch, so he really does not know what time it is!
Supplies to the front are broken. Jules and his men are currently living off small pieces of chocolate and d’”eau de vie” and the bread will not even go down … Jules finishes to say, that they will be a pretty sight went they leave the trenches
Letter – 6/7th September – describes bombardment of the 6th and lack of food
Jules description of the intensity of the bombardment is understandable when looking at the number of rounds fired (see below table).
Les blesses ne se comptent plus
Letter 6th September Herve Lambert
Herve Lambert Letter 6th September
Dear Parents
Again a couple more lines to give you sign of life, despite the the challenging times under intermittent bombardments that cant be counted. You will never he able to imagine the suffering and the sacrifices that are being taken for this country.
The number of wounded is at a point where we don’t count them any more, thankful the number of dead are rarer. Yesterday I was buried alive twice by large calibre shells, but somehow I managed to escape unscathed, to fight another day. I will not say anymore, and hope this letter arrives quickly to reduce your anxiety.
Letter – Herve Lambert: Horror of war
Artillery (Rounds fired) for the 7e Division
Below are the number of rounds fired before and during the attack of the 6th September. If we take that around 18000 rounds were fired during the 9 hour bombardment, that means a shell roughly being fired every 1.7 seconds, which is likely why Jules and Herve thought they had seen their “mon heure dernière“
Total Number of Rounds: 19,896
Casualties: 53 KIA (3 sous-LTN, 1 adjudant, 4 Sergent) Wounded: Unknown
SLT Jeremie Ferdinad Tiby – 22e compagnie
Captaine Pierre Ernest Tassel 22e Compagnie (6th or 8th conflicting documents)
SLT Auguste Henri Mathiere – 23e compagnie
Mathiere died 6th Sept 1916 at around 5pm on the battlefield. Buried Tombe 56 at the Fauboury Pave Cemetery in Verdun (Picture below: Source Verdun tourist office)
Wounded: 5 Officers: Captaine Tollard 17e – LTN Richard 21e and SLT Maingourd & SLT Laze 22e and LTN Daurat CM6
Prisoners: 23 and 1 Maxim Machine Gun
7th September
7e DI JMO day review: After yesterday attack, a quieter day, but with violent bombardments during the day. Enemy infantry engagements by grenade and rifle fire by the 315e 6e battalion near Fleury. Minimal German aircraft activity in the afternoon over the frontlines. Focus on work around PC Z to lengthen and deepen the trenches and communication down to PC Maroc near Fleury
Artillery (Rounds fired) for the 7e Division
75 – 1522
65 – 306
90 – 623
95 – 656
Total: 3,103
Casualties: 1 KIA and 12 wounded 1 disparu (JMO) however official records confirm: 5 KIA
Caporal Marcel Rene Chedeville
Maurice Henry Lemaire
Etienne Camille Margaud
Jean Marie Richard (17e Cie)
Louis Leon Desire Rousseau
8th September
7e DI JMO day review: active day in the afternoon, with a grenade attack following an initial bombardment in front of point 0908 – pictured below to the NW of Thiaumont. 315e attack again with the same objectives as the 6th September with limited success. German artillery mount a heavy bombardment of the Ravin des Vignes between 11h30 and 17h00 and smaller scale bombardments on the front lines in the evening and early morning.
315e RI records indicate at 16h30 the compagnies from the 6th September, attack again apart from the 17e, which suffered heavy losses and is replaced by the 18e. This time they have about 50m less to travel due to the land captured on the 6th, but gains are hard and the 18e compagnie struggle to make any headway and casualties are high, but the regiment do manage to capture 9 prisoners.
During this time the 14e compagnie with Herve and Jules are still located at PC Z.
Jamais je n’ai vu des choses plus horrible qu’ici
LETTER 8TH SEPTEMBER
Despite his positivity at the start of this letter, it is soon apparent Jules and the compagnie are still going through hell, as he comments “still the same hell hole here” but at least the weather has now improved.
Unfortunately there is no time to make the most of the weather, as during daytime they are having to lay on the ground, because of enemy planes. At night thankfully they can walk around a bit more, which is good news because the nights are starting to get cold.
Jules does not hide the horrors of the situation by saying “he has never seen such horrific things as what he is seeing on the battlefield”. The last 5 days has already started to take its toll on the compagnie, Jules comments that soon there will be nobody left…..
However he finishes with a positive thought, that he is sure that he will survive, and be back safe and sound
PS (Jules writes)
“Do not be alarmed by my handwriting, its because of the bombardment and at times I need to get down quickly”
Jules Letter – Frontline trenches
Toujours le même enfer ici
Herve Lambert also writes briefly today to his parents:
A quick couple of lines just to reassure you of my well being……. My health is good, despite the the unmentionable suffering happening here. Do not be worried, if you do not get any news from me, I will try a write when I can.
Artillery (Rounds fired) for the 7e Division
75 – 7062
65 – 256
90 – 717
95 – 720
Total: 8,755
Casualties: 28 confirmed KIA, but only 16 in 7e DI JMO (1 SLT – 2 Sgt)
SLT Pierre Cardin 18e Compagnie
Wounded: 98 + 1 disparu
9th September
7e DI JMO day review: Calm day (still over 5,000 rounds fired) in the sector, until 15h30 grenade attack, which lead to a German artillery riposte on the Ravin, Froideterre and Belleville and finally an intense barrage between 21h00 and 22h00. In addition work is carried out during the day to create a communication trench between PC119 and PC.Z (see below map). Plus PC Maroc is no longer part of the frontline as a new frontline trench is built on new captured ground.
Quelle boucherie
9th september
Nos pertes sont fortes, il manque déjà le tiers de la compagnie
LETTER 9TH SEPTEMBER
Confirmation of the violent bombardment of the 8th and 9th September, where Jules states that it has led to “high losses”, with a 1/3 of the 14e compagnie now missing.
Jules comments that the wounded are being left on the battlefield as the shelling is so intense nobody ventures out. Therefore they have to leave colleagues there for hours, groaning until another shell finishes them off or when the shelling does stop they can try to drag themselves to safety or get help.
As Jules mentions such intensity can and will send people mad, if they are not mentally strong enough, as the struggle is now more mental than physical.
However what is alarming to Jules and this section, is that its unclear when they are due to be relieved. As Jules mentioned “when they do leave, they will have all lost something at Verdun, along some weight!”
Jules confirms that they are receiving no post, so no extra provisions can arrive. Therefore all that they have to eat are tinned beef, sardines and chocolate, but as Jules says “we will forgot the food situation very quick if we get out of here alive”.
Letter is cut short as “la danse recommence” artillery and shelling has started again
Letter – Day 7 in Verdun trenches: No Post, lack of Food and wounded in no mans land
Artillery (Rounds fired) for the 7e Division
75 – 3535
65 – 288
90 – 609
95 – 596
Total: 5,028
Casualties: 15 KIA and 20 wounded – CM5 SLT Desmarieux wounded
10th September
7e DI JMO day review: relatively calm day, with a lot of aircraft activity, with a dozen German planes between 9h00 and 18h00. RI indicates that the 5e and 6e Battalions are relieved at midnight on the 11th by the 104 RI. During this time the 4e Battalion and 14e Compagnie stay in the Thiaumont sector frontlines around PC Z.
Both battalions (5e and 6e) take up their old positions at the “carrieres” and “M2” in the reserve line of trenches.
Postcard 10th September from Jules to say:
All is well and that today the sector is a bit more calm (still +4,000 round today), which makes you think you have been transported to another world, after the days we have just endured. This is a positive change for us.
Artillery (Rounds fired) for the 7e Division
75 – 2729
65 – 206
90 – 483
95 – 600
Total: 4,018
Casaulties: 1 KIA and 3 wounded
11th September
7e DI JMO day review: Calm day and the last day in the frontline for the 4e bat of the 315e who are replaced by the 3e bat of the 104e. Germans attempted a grenade attack in the evening, with little to no success. German artillery had an active day focused on Ravin des Vignes, Bois Gravier, Ravin des 3 Cornes and frontline trenches. Plus a certain amount of wreaked equipment including machines guns and rifles are sent to the rear.
Enfin patience, je crois que notre plus dur moment est passé
letter 11th september
Confirmation that tonight they will be relieved to go into the reserve lines, which Jules questions if it is going to be any better “car c’est encore comme ici” as the shelters are the same i.e there are none. Therefore Jules and his men have got use to laying down in the mud, with no shelter over their head, for the shells start to fall.
From tomorrow they are said to be in reserve for 9 days and then Jules hopes that will be the end of their time at Verdun, but his gut feeling it that it will not……
Health is good and he hope the worst has passed, but the lack of food and the conditions have taken its toil on his waistline and looks. In addition they are covered in blood and flesh, as Jules states “we have quite the look, people would mistake us for assassins”.
Letter – last day frontline trenches
J’ai déjà bien maigri avec cela plein de chair et de sang
Artillery (Rounds fired) for the 7e Division
75 – 1925
65 – 225
90 – 655
95 – 600
Total: 3,405
Casaulties: 2 KIA (Alphonse Baptiste Ferault and Emile Edouard Ozange)
Around midnight on the 12th the 4e compagnie is now out of the front line and the whole of the 315e RI is now in reserve trenches near Froideterre.
12th September
7e DI JMO day review: confirmation that during the night the 315e 4e battalion is relieved by the rest of the 104 RI and 4e move back to the “sous secteur M3 and le boyau Lagadec. 7e DI attack at 15h15, no regiment is credited in the JMO with spearheading the attack.
Looking at troop movements and casualties we can be sure that it was the 104e RI (Pericard Verdun book p533-534 notes this attack was done by the 315e RI, which is incorrect). The attack from the 104e is successful and the 7e DI has taken the “1795 objective”, but “pointe 1599” was only taken in early October 1916.
The 1795 and 1599 objectives were first attacked on the 3th September and it took until the 12th September to partially fall into French hands, which on the 12th cost 104e an additional 53 men and 5 officers lives and 109 wounded
These two objectives “1795 & 1599” cost an estimated 312 casualties and 821 wounded soldiers from the 7e division for a gain in total of around 100/150m in 10 days. For the 315e RI it was there 2nd bloodiest battle after Auberive Offensive of 25th September 1915.
312 KIA and 821 wounded
The total estimated casualties for 7e DI for objective 1795 from 3th to 12th September
315e RI: 100 KIA – 260 wounded (estimate due to 6th Sept figure being unavailable)
102e RI: 99 KIA – 129 wounded
103e RI: 45 KIA – 207 wounded
104e RI: 65 KIA – 125 wounded
As of the 18th September “point 1599” was still in German hands, as shown, by the frontline sketch from the 18th September
pendant 8 jours j’ai dormi assis
letter 12th september
Jules has now ended his time on the frontline, with the 4e compagnie being relieved during the night, but it was not a simple handover, due to a large concentration of shells falling during the night.
Now into the reserve trenches he is hoping for some sort of rest as the shelters are a bit better than what he was expecting, but considering he was expecting nothing … the bar was not set very high!
Jules comments that for the last 8 days he has been sleeping sitting up right and therefore he only got a couple of hours sleep each day, before being woken up by shells falling around him.
Therefore he is glad to be in the reserve trenches now, as he can at least lay down.
Jules Letter – into reserve trenches: sleeping upright
On the 12th September, Herve Lambert writes for the first time in 4 days, to say he is now in hospital in Chaumont for a sprained ankle.
Dear Parents
Here I am in hospital, where I am not too bad. I have sprained my ankle, but it is getting better. I hope in a short period of time to be able to visit, as I will soon have leave. That is what I hope
Do not be worried, I have escaped and survived Verdun, but I will never be able to describe it to you as it was so terrible. I hope that my compagnie and friends are soon relieved. The situation had become so bad, that I was undertaking the role of a “sergent” as we had nobody left, due to the number of wounded.
Herve Lambert Letter from Chaumont Hospital
13th September
7e DI JMO day review: Active day in the frontlines particularly around 22h00 with a 104e attack that gained 25m …. (cost 31 KIA and 47 WIA)
Jules and the 14e compangie are in the reserve trenches near Froideterre
Jules is happy being in the reserve trenches as life is a bit better, but then that not hard compared to the previous 10 days…..
Weather has started to turn and its getting chilly at night, so he will soon be asking for some warmer clothing, as Jules mentions “because here such items do not exist”.
Despite being in reserve lines, Jules mentions that they still have a lot of work, mainly at night repairing trenches, but at least they can get some sort of rest during the day.
Letter – reserve trenches
On the 13th September we have a remarkably detailed account by Herve Lambert on his time at Verdun, which he sent from hospital in Chaumont:
Now that he has time on his hands and emotions are no longer running high, Herve decides to put pen to paper to describe his time at Verdun, he starts by recapping his Journey to Verdun:
Il nous a trouvé tous frais et roses et bons à supporter une attaque à Verdun
Herve lambert 13 september letter
Dear Parents
I thought its as good a time as any to now put pen to paper, to recount my sad life I have been leading. At present, I am finally rested and over my emotions and suffering that I faced at Verdun.
Whilst we were at rest at Epense we had a review by the General (Weywada), who found us to be “fresh as a daisy” and ready for an attack at Verdun. On the 29th August all previsions were distributed, which includes biscuits, tinned food, ammo etc.
On the 30th at 03h00 the whole compagnie was woken up and soup along with wine and coffee was served ready for our long road ahead. The journey finished about 2km from Nixeville where we decamped and we were placed in barracks in the woods for the day, near the redoute de Blercourt. We then left this area at 6pm in the evening, in the direction of Verdun, where we arrived under heavy rain.
Mouillés comme des poules on grelotte comme des chiens
Arriving in Verdun we were directed to the Citadelle, where we arrived at 20h00. The rain by now was falling heavily and we were forced to wait for two hours for the 103e RI to leave for the front lines. At last once they had left the citadelle at 10h00 we were able to take their place inside. Drowned like rats (french expression mouilles comme des poules) we were trembling like dogs, but somehow we manage to get too sleep.
The next day the 31st August, there was a bit of sunshine that appeared, so we quickly went to dry our clothes and then we were distributed food and equipment:
- 2 litres water bottles
- 1 spare shoulder bag
- 2 bags for putting in soil
- 2 bread rolls
- 3 cans of tinned food
- Cheese
- 200 cartridges
- 3 grenades
- 1 flare
- Many other items
With that we got our gear together, even items that will be of no use got put into the the bag. We decided to keep the “blanket” and soil bags. Then at 7pm we got ready, we rolled up our blanket like a sausage and grab all our equipment and got ready to leave. You don’t need to ask if the musettes and the rest was heavy on the shoulders ….
We went in the direction of Belleville, where we went round the fort and then we were on the slopes of “Froideterre” at 11pm. Here we (14e cie) were placed in a trench (boyau Lagadec near MF4), with nothing, not even any shelter … We could lay down, but to do so we had to dig holes in the parapet and then we tried to go to sleep. During this time shells were raining down on us, despite “only” being in the reserve trenches.
The above journey would have been around 9km from the Citadelle to the Boyeau Lagadec, but most importantly for the soldiers legs, is would have been all uphill (226m elevation change).
On the 1st and 2nd September in the evenings at 10pm, we would go to Froideterre Ouvrage to get shelter during the night and try to sleep.
The next day at 3pm ( 3rd September) in the afternoon the 102e attack. The artillery has at this point not stopped since the 31st August and at 4pm we got orders to support the 102e. We then had to cross the “ravin de la Mort” (most likely Ravin des Vignes, as he mention going up a steep incline, see map below) running through a heavy German bombardment. Men were falling wounded or dead on the way, but we had to carry on running to reach our final destination (behind the 102e to the north west of Fleury at PC Maroc). Breathless and the chest starting to tighten we arrived, where we took our places in some shell holes, which provided us with some cover.
At 20h00 on the 4th September we were relieved by the 5e and 6e bat of the 315e. We then retraced our steps back to froideterre in the pouring rain that made our journey slow and treacherous and close to impossible to stand up. When we did manage to stand up we would then fall into another shell hole. Covered in mud from head to toe we were back in our old trench (boyau Lagadec) at 23h00. The day was still not over, as we had another 2km to walk to go and get some hot food.
Les hommes tombaient ça et là, blessés, tués mais on courait toujours
The next day on the 5th September, we are on the move again in the evening to relieve the 102e near Thiaumont Ouvrage. A drizzle kept on falling as the evening turns into a cold black night. Not a good start….
On the 6th September the 5e battalion and 6e attacked and the shells seemed to never stop falling, which meant we did not know where to hide, we all thought we would die.
On croyait tous y rester
On the 8th September the two battalion tried again. Everybody is glued to their shell holes and we had a massive number of wounded. Nearly all the “Caporal” are wounded; the head of our section gave me the command of the 7e escouade. Plus he then gave me the order to start watch duties at 14h00. With binoculars hanging around my neck, a periscope in my hand, I started my watch.
At about 16h00 my section “sergent” was hit and blown away by an exploding shell. The “sergent” foot was ripped off and he had a head wound, but nobody in my section wanted to help him, as they were frozen by fear of his injuries. Therefore I called over a colleague that looked operational and got him to help me dress the “sergent” wounds. We then made a make shift stretcher out of a tent and started to move him to safety. We had not moved more than 10m, when a 150’ shell fell on our previous position. We had to scramble away, with all my strength dragged myself. With my colleague we then managed to get the “sergent” to safety. We finally got him to a safer location and I manged to put a proper bandage on his head and foot and get him some blankets. Then we went back to our “trenches/shell holes”. I had the strength of a lion to be able to lift the “sergent” to safety with my colleague.
le sergent est emporté par un obus, la patte lui est arrachée par un éclat, une blessure à la tête et personne ne voulait le toucher
The next day the 9th September I tried to take me foot out of my boot, but was unable too. Therefore in the evening I went to see the major (we assume Cavailles who was the Medic of the 4e bat), who ordered me to stay and rest the ankle.
10th September – the major massaged my ankle with “camphrée” and then he evacuated me to the poste de secours at 22h00. The next day (11th September) I was sent to Vadelaincourt by car.
On arrival I was categorised with the cripples. The next day I was sent to St Dizier, where I was categorised with the wounded rather than cripples, before leaving for Chaumont on the 12th September. I then arrived this morning at 10am at Chaumont, where I have been well massaged, had a warm bath and eaten well, but most importantly I have a good bed.
I should be out in a couple of days and then I will have 7 days leave. See you soon
Enfin voilà mes quelques jours de souffrance terminés et pour le moment le bonheur
14th September
7e DI JMO day review: Violent German barrages aimed at the Bois en T and Ravin des 3 Cornes. Side note of the day: Noted that the cause of death for many German soldiers found in captured craters/trenches is from French grenades.
Still in reserve, but in a couple of days they will be going to Verdun and hopefully the end of their time at Verdun. The health is still good, but the weather has not been helping
Time in the reserve trenches has given Jules some time to rest, but the food situation is still dire and so is the weather. It has been grey and miserable with rain and fog, which have hidden the sun. As Jules says “however it does not stop the artillery from firing and the fog does not hid the din of the artillery”.
Letter – reserve trenches
15th September
RI information, the whole Regiment apart from the 13e and 15e compaignes regroups back at the Citadelle de Verdun where they had previously stayed on the 30th and 31st August.
je ne demande que ça, car ce coin me fait peur
Quick postcard from Jules to confirm they are leaving the trenches tonight and going to the Citadelle. Jules one hope is that they do not need to go back …. because as he states “this sector scares me, because everyday there were casualties and unfortunately there were many”.
16th September
C’est ennuyeux ou nous sommes logés car on ne voit pas clair, heureusement que j’ai encore quelques bougies
Lack of lighting in the citadelle
Jules confirms that they arrived at Verdun during the night. He also confirms that they are staying in the Citadelle due to the light that is very dim and making it hard to write, but luckily he has some candles to hand.
They are currently in reserve, but maybe called up at a moments notice. This does not fill Jules with much joy, but it does mean during the day they are being put to work: repairing bomb/shell damage. As Jules comments “anything is better than going back to the frontlines”.
One positive for Jules is at least the food is better (due to the kitchens within the Citadelle-see below) and they now have space and some benches to sleep on, which Jules concludes “this is something we have not had for a long time and I have slept well today”.
Jules believes that they will stay in reserve, but as he says, if they have to back to the front soon, it will not be in good spirit. As Jules says “they need a break from the carnage and constant whistling of shells”.
Letter – Citadelle de Verdun
18th September
Aussi je voudrais bien aller faire un stage a l’hôpital
Assumption is that the 315e are still at the Citadelle:
Jules has just received Jeanne letter from the 15th September. Nothing new to reporting, apart from Jules is now certain they will not be going back to the Verdun frontlines. There are rumours going around that they are going back to Champagne region, which everybody is pleased to hear.
His friend Barbier is on leave and having a jolly time in Paris …. much to Jules displeasure. Jules is already thinking the war not going to end this year and he has mentally accepted it will go on for another winter …. As Jules comments “we have now all got to the stage where it would be good to have some time in hospital”
Letter – from Citadelle
20th September
Ce n’est pas que l’on trouve le temps long d’être ici mais quelle vie d’être ainsi enfermés sans lumière du jour
Nothing new to report since the 18th September. They still at the Citadelle, stuck in the dark, wondering where they are going too next and therefore getting very bored. As Jules mentions “its not that we don’t like it here, but with no outside light, days are never ending and dull”
Letter – from Citadelle
21st September
Regiment diary indicates the regiment is taken by trucks to Louppy le Petit/Chateau for rest, training and re-enforcements. The exception is the 6e Bat that is a Genicourt sous Conde and they only arrive at Louppy on the 22th September.
Nous sommes tous heureux de quitter cet enfer
letter 21st september
Jules letter is just after leaving Verdun:
Today has been a sad day according to Jules, as the whole regiment was put on alert to get ready to go back to the trenches (at Verdun) at midday.
However the good news, is that at 10h00 there was a change of orders. The new orders are sending the 4e Bat in the direction of Bar le Duc and onto Louppy, for hopefully, so well earnt rest. As Jules says “we are all happy to finally be out of hell”
Letter – Time to leave Verdun
22nd September
A new LTN Hutin arrives at Louppy to join the 315e
Jules confirms in today letter that they have now left Verdun and what a great relief it is for everybody in the 315e. They are now in a small village called Louppy Le Petit/Chateau, which is around 50km to the SW of Verdun (see above map).
The village is nothing special, as the houses are half demolished, but it is quiet and well away from the front. Jules is very hopeful that they will have a good rest period here. In addition he is acting as the head of the grenadier battalion, replacing an injured sergent until he returns.
Letter – Hoping for a good rest period
les maisons sont a moitié démolies
Postcard 22nd september
23rd September
Quick postcard to say nothing news, but since they have arrived the weather has been excellent. Now they are settled in, they have been able to make themselves at home. They have set up a popote so they can get warm food, which makes a change from Verdun.
24th September
Nothing new to report today. Today they have spent the day cleaning themselves, their uniform and equipment of all the mud from Verdun. Today is Sunday aswell, so they have nothing to do, but rest and make the most of having beds!
25th September
Another day at rest, with very little to do and Jules does not know what to do with himself. This morning there was a service for the dead they lost at Verdun and in the afternoon some light exercise. He has to quickly finish his letter as he says the vaguemestre is coming and asking for letters: the time is 21h00
26th September
Awarded Croix de Guerre
RI diary shows that 200 re-enforcements arrived from the depot compagnies today
Depuis hier j’ai la Croix de Guerre et celle la a été gagnée a Verdun, c’est peu de chose mais cela fait quand même plaisir
Letter 26th september
Jules is delighted to announce he has some good news. He has been Awarded the Croix de Guerre for his actions on 3rd September at Verdun, which he says “its not much, but it nice to have received it”. Below is his citation:
“Destrigneville Jules Sergent,14e compagnie, matricule 4809. S-officier very energetic, whose actions were noted for his drive and positive attitude during combat of the 3rd Sept 1916, who personally rescued one of his men that had been buried alive by a shell”
The weather is great and there is little work to do and the daily exercise is very light, which is why the whole regiment is hoping they stay for a long time!
27th September
Regiment is on the move to Contrisson on foot on the 27th and then on another location tomorrow
Another change again today, as they are on the move again, but as Jules says “this time with no warning”. They left at 03h00 to stop off in Contrisson, but they will be on the move again tomorrow, but Jules does not know where too, but “they are moving away from the frontline which is good news”.
The area they are in is apparently rather disappointing and prices are outrageous. Therefore Jules is asking for more money 40F, as he has been spending quite a bit of money over the last couple of days. In addition, yesterday they had a drinks celebration with the other sous officier of the 14e compagnie, to celebrate his Croix de Guerre.
As Jules says “the hardest is now done, we managed to get out of Verdun”
Letter – Croix de Guerre celebration drinks
Hier encore j’ai arrosé ma croix
28th September
The 315e move to Alliancelles, whilst one bat moves to Villers La Sec (around 50km SW of Verdun) where they stay until 22nd October.
Nous sommes maintenant dans la Marne dans un petit pays qui est encore passablement démoli
letter 28th september
Again on the move today, this time just a short walk and they are now in the Marne near Alliancelles. Jules describes the area “as another village that has been quietly demolished by the war……”
The hope is they will now stay he for a while, plus the rumour is that when they go back into the line, they are likely to go back to one of their old sectors in Champagne.
In addition Jules is watch less, since he left his watch at Jeanne during his leave in August. Now he is keen to get it back so he actually knows what time it is!
Letter – New rest area
29th September
Nothing new, today the weather has changed and its been raining all day, so they have done little today apart from playing cards.
30th September
Je pars demain matin faire un stage jusqu’au 7 a Coulanges aux Forges (Cousances les Forges)
Change of plans, Jules is now off tomorrow morning to Coulanges aux Forges (only place with a similar name is Cousances les Forges) for training and will be on the course for 8 days until the 7th October. The course is for training on “engins de tranchees”, which Jules is looking forward too, but it does mean he will be without letters for 8 days.
Re the regiment rumours, nothing new, but Jules suspects the regiment will have moved again once he has finished his course. As Jules puts it “its means I will be having to try and find them again!”
Letter – Training course
Next Month: October
