Arras - Souchez

Souchez Mairie

The village of Souchez lies 13km north of Arras situated between the vital ground of Notre Dame De Lorette and Vimy Ridge.

Souchez Topography

In the initial stages of World War One, during the Race to the Sea, the Germans seized Vimy Ridge and part of Notre Dame de Lorette, Souchez becoming a German defensive position.

Front line Souchez January 1915.

In May 1915, the French launched an attack (Second Battle of Artois) to size the high ground under German control. They were successful in capturing the German positions on  Notre Dame de Lorette, but were unable to seize Vimy Ridge. A partial breakthrough had been achieved, however this could not be exploited. At the end of the battle, Souchez remained in German hands.

Second Battle of Artois
9 May - 18 June 1915

Despite the failure to capture Vimy Ridge the French Commander in Chief, Joffre, was determined to launch another offensive. The partial break through during the fighting in May convinced him that success was possible. Joffre intended to focus his main effort in the Champagne Sector with a secondary attack in the Artois Sector supported by the British attacking Loos.

In Artois, the French 10th Army would attack with three Corps preceded by a 4 day bombardment. The artillery preparation commenced on 21st September 1915. The assault was launced on the 25th September, and despite some early gains, the French were unable to penetrate beyond the German Second Line. The Battle ground on till 13th October.

Third Battle of Artois
25 September - 15 October 1915 

Vimy Ridge remained in the possession of the Germans, however the French Army did capture Souchez and ground up to the base of the ridge.

 

Souchez Ruins

Arras - Souchez General Barbot Memorial

General Barbot Monument
Souchez

In October 1914 the French 10th Army clashed with the German 6th Army around Arras. To the east of the City, at Feuchy, General Ernest Barbot commanding the 77th Division engaged in ferocious fighting. His Division was pushed back towards Arras, whilst on his left flank, the 70th Division had lost the vital ground of Vimy Ridge.

First Battle of Artois

Barbot's Division withdrew into Arras. Rallying his men to defend the city the General declared;

Whilst I am alive we do not retreat. So, Gentlemen of the Staff go to the men. Raise their hearts! Repeat everywhere: We stand fast, we will not let Arras go!

Barbot's men fought till they were exhausted, but they were instrumental in saving the city before being relieved by the 45th Division.

General Ernest Barbot

The 77th Division were moved to the front in front of Souchez. On 9th May 1915, the French launched an offensive to try to capture Vimy Ridge supported by the British to the North (Battles of Festubert and Aubers Ridge).

2nd Battle of Artois
 

During this battle, on 10th May,  General Barbot was mortally wounded. He is buried in a simple grave in the Cemetery of Notre Damme de Lorrette.

General Barbot

 

General Barbot Grave
Notre Damme De Lorrette

 

In 1937, a memorial to General Ernest Barbot and his division was inaugurated in Souchez. He was a soldiers general, his popularity was such that 100,000 Veterans attened the monuments unveiling.  Général Keller read the address:

Général Barbot was a man who knew how to natter with his men, to praise their courage and his ease of attitude, far from diminishing his prestige, created an atmosphere of that mutual affection which can be found in men who pursue the same goal and expose themselves to the same dangers.