Arras - Albain Saint Nazaire

Selfie
Ablain St Nazaire

On the start of World War One, Germany enacted the Schlieffen Plan sweeping through Belgium forcing French and British Forces to retreat to the River Marne. After failing to penetrate further, the German Army withdrew to the River Aisne where they started to dig in.

The movements of both sides had left on open flank from the River Aisne, 170 km to the Channel Coast. Each side now tried to out flank each other and meeting engagements occurred during the phase which was termed the Race to the Sea.

In late September 1914 the French 10th and German 6th Armies moved towards each other, both intended on securing the vital high ground around Arras, Notre Damme de Lorrette and Vimy Ridge. The First Battle of Artois ended with Vimy Ridge and part of Notre Damme de Lorrette under German Control.

Arras Sector January 1915

During the Battle, the French had destroyed the Church at Ablain St Nazaire to prevent it being used as an observation post by the Germans.



Ruins of Ablain St Nazaire Church
looking towards Notre Damme de Lorrette

The Church dated back to the 16th Century. It was built by a local nobleman, Charles de Bourbon, to give thanks for a miraculous healing of his daughter.

Ablain St Nazaire Church
pre World War One

After the War the Church was not re-built, the ruins being left as they are, in memory of the French soldiers who lost their lives defending, and then recapturing the village.

Ablain St Nazaire Church
16th C Church Ruins

Ablain St Nazaire Church
16th C Church Ruins