Sunday 12 March 2023

Somme 2023 - Péronne,

 

Péronne River Somme IJ

Péronne lies on the River Somme and surrounding lakes. It was fortified during medieval times, when the town ramparts were built. 

Péronne Fortifications

It was the scene of conflict from Norman times thought to the Franco-Prussian war. 

Chateau de Péronne

In 1914 when the Germans invaded France, Péronne was occupied and used as a Headquarters.  

Péronne

During the Anglo-French offensive on the Somme, the town remained in under German occupation. 


During the German occupation the town hall bore a sign in German - “Nicht argern nur wundern!” - “don’t be angry only marvel!”

Péronne Town Hall under German Occupation
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Péronne Town Hall under German Occupation

Péronne - German Soldier
November 1916

The German evacuated Péronne in 1917 during during Operation Alberich which was a strategic withdrawal to shorten the German frontline by 40km (25 miles).


Péronne German Retreat 1917

The British moved into the area vacated by the Germans, which they had left devastated. Péronne would come under British control.

Péronne after German Retreat

Péronne would again fall into German hands when the Germans launched their spring offensive, Operation Micheal. 

Péronne would finally be re-taken in September 1918 by the Australians during the 100 Day Offensive. 


Péronne - Australian Soldiers 1918

Péronne - Tank

Péronne - Le Chateau Wartime damage

Péronne - Le Chateau post WW1

Péronne - Le Chateau March 2023

Péronne - Le Chateau March 2023 IJ