100 years ago
the armistice of the first world war
was signed here
The Armistice that brought to an end of the greatest war in history,
was signed on November 11, 1918,
on this exact spot in the forest of Compiègne.
The clearing did not exist at that time
and the full-grown trees were so thick
that aerial observation was impossible.
The two railway tracks that ran across here
were part of a gunnery rail system branching off from Rethondes station
a mile away and could be used for heavy gun platforms.
The train bringing the German plenipotentiaries from Tergnier,
where they had boarded it after driving from La Capelle,
arrived at day-break on November 8 fot the encounter.
The train standing on the other track was used by Marshal Foch
as his mobile headquarters behind the front line.
The quiet seclusion of the forest seemed more suitable
for such an occasion than his General Headquarters.
The clearing was laid out and inaugurated in 1922
and between 1927 and June 1940
the carriage was housed in its own museum building.
On the same site as in 1918 the carriage was used
by the German and French delagates
who met to sign the armistice of June 22, 1940
which marked the end of the campaign of France.
Restauration of the clearing, the monuments and the museum
was undertaken
at the end of the Second World War ( 1939 – 1945 )
to etablish a permanent commemoration of this significant historic site.
4Trench warfare
The Armistice Monument
at la Pierre d’Haudroy, La Capelle.
It was here the German plenipotentiaries
presented themselves to the 1st Battalion,
171e Régiment d’‘Infanterie November 7 to 8:20 p.m.
Here, the tenacity of the Poilu triumphed.
compiegne
ICI & LA NATURE PICTURES 
Back in the late 1980s I drove from Luxemburg to Boulogne and let myself be talked into not stopping to visit Metz, Verdun, and Compiegne on the way. What a mistake! Hopefully I’ll have a chance to return some day. Thanks for the great photos!
LikeLike
I’d love to visit this place. I am interested in walks and hikes, and I also have an interest in World War I. Thanks for visiting my blog.
LikeLike
Splendid photos. And thanks for visiting my blog.
LikeLike
Thanks for liking our post! Your blog looks interesting as well!
LikeLike
Beautiful post. Beautiful photography. I REALLY feel like I’ve visited.
LikeLike
High praise! Thank you so much.
LikeLike
Once again I admire all the time and effort you put into your posts. They are both informative and entertaining.
LikeLike
thank you so ! Have a nice night (for us) day for you ? Thank you
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing!
LikeLike
It is nice to have people to share them with, so thank you!
LikeLike
Beautiful post!
LikeLike
Many thanks for liking and following our blog Ici & Là Nature Pictures ! Wish you all the best !
LikeLike
I do so enjoy your blog!
LikeLike
Were ‘re glad you enjoy the blog. Thank.
LikeLike