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On 17 June, IR 169 was pulled out of the Juvincourt trenches and moved to the Lappion Base Camp, 12 miles behind the front lines. Here, the regiment received replacements as the commanders established a program of individual training, field exercises and area familiarization. It started as a miserable refit. In the summer of 1917, Germany’s logistical apparatus was stretched to near breaking point, making this period of refitting remembered for the abysmal quality of the food. The variety and quantity of food was severely lacking, and weeks would pass without the provision of meat. In typical rear area settings, established commissary and canteen dining facilities provided primary feeding services. In Lappion, there was simply not enough food available to keep the men from remaining hungry.

In mid July, there was a dramatic increase in the quality of rations, including the serving of ox meat, high quality bread, artificial honey and cherry cakes, fresh fruit from Belgium and caraway beverages. As Lais explained, ‘When the soldier only has something to eat, drink and smoke, then he is made whole.’ While all enjoyed the improvement in their diet, the veterans knew it meant one thing – a pending return to the front.

Sure enough, orders soon came for IR 169 to be prepared to march, but with no specific location designated. Speculation was rife. Soon it was leaked out that the regiment was destined the Winterberg. The news could not be worse, as the Winterberg, above all possible locations along the Aisne front, was certain to be a bloody grist mill. At one point, ‘latrine rumors’ speculated that the regiment would only be deployed to the Winterberg for only three days, and then rotated. Veterans scoffed, remembering that the their six months of intensive combat in Serre kept the men in the trenches for weeks, rather than days at a time. At 2:00 am on the night of departure, it became certain, IR 169 was deploying to the Winterberg.

In mid-July 1917, the French were able to wrest control of the northern edge of the plateau. This development resulted in IR 169’s deployment as part of the 5th Reserve Division.

The counterattack began on 19 July 19, as German 21 and 42 cm mortars pounded the French positions. On 22 July, a massive ground assault was made by the 5th Guards and 5th Reserve Divisions.

The regiment arrived in the vicinity of the Winterberg on July 21. The IR 169 line battalions were ordered forward to regain control of the plateau. The men proudly marched through the Ailette Valley, on the northern bank of the Chemin des Dammes, singing martial songs, causing Adjutant Muller to remark what an excellent impression was being made to on-looking, senior Prussian commanders. Nearing the northern slope, the regiment had to cross over a series of planked bridges that covered the marshland over the Ailette Creek. It was nightfall when the companies deployed in a battle line and labored up the steep slopes to the summit to take positions across the center of the plateau.

The German attackers absorbed heavy losses as they stormed over the French positions and pushed on to the southern portion of hilltop. There, scattered remnants of French units desperately fought and slowed the oncoming German tide. French commanders, disregarding the fate of their own courageous defenders, launched a massive artillery strike across the general battle line. The fires, which blew apart both friends and foes alike, succeeded in stopping the German attack. The plateau again became the no-man’s-land.

 

Map and Pictures. Pictures were taken in my June 2019 visit to the battlefields.

(1) Map shows the Winterberg on the western edge. A full google map of IR 169’s journeys is at the map page of www.ironregiment169.com.

(2) From the center of the plateau, looking south.

(3) View from the southern edge of the Winterberg, which gives a perspective of the steep slope.

(4) German troops on the Winterberg (image of a plaque on site.)