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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.
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Péronne Fortifications |
It was the scene of conflict from Norman times thought to the Franco-Prussian war.
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Chateau de Péronne |
In 1914 when the Germans invaded France, Péronne was occupied and used as a Headquarters.
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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 |
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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).
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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.
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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.
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Péronne - Australian Soldiers 1918 |
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Péronne - Tank |
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Péronne - Le Chateau Wartime damage |
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Péronne - Le Chateau post WW1 |
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Péronne - Le Chateau March 2023 |
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Péronne - Le Chateau March 2023 IJ |