Implementing Discipline

The original French War Plan (Plan XVII) of 1914 required their soldiers to throw themselves at the Germans in all out attack. In their red and blue uniforms they presented easy targets to the German machine gunners. Apart from the horrendous casualties incurred, this style of attack resulted in some units realising that they were being asked to achieve the impossible - morale started to fall.

In October 1914 General Villaret issued orders that the troops must be dealt with in a strong and disciplined manner. His orders resulted in numerous Courts Martial and often for trivial offences.

At Fontenoy there is a small monument to two soldiers who were shot by firing squad. Make your way to the village and then walk down the side of the church (there is a sign) towards the playing fields.

About 200 metres down the lane you will come to small obelisk proclaiming the story of these two men. Leonard Leymarie of the 305è RI (Infantry Regiment) was shot on 13 November 1914 for supposedly deliberately injuring his right hand - in fact he had been hit by an enemy round.

Lucien Bersot of the 60è RI was shot on 13 February 1915. His own uniform had become ripped and he was ordered to use that of his friend who had been killed in front of him. When he refused to put them on he was charged and convicted of disobeying an order in the face of the enemy.

Continue on to Nouvron and then to the nearby village of Vingré.

Nouvron and the Broken Cross
Vingré and the trial of a unit
Mutiny on the Chemin des Dames

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The Aisne Bridge

The nearby bridge over the river Aisne was infamous for its casualty rate and the French National Cemetery at Ambleny on the main road is the largest and most important in the area.

French National Cemetery at Ambleny