The Retirement to Paris
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The Retirement to Paris
During the retreat of Allied troops towards Paris, French soldiers are awakened in the early hours by German bombardment of the cottage in La F貥 where they had taken shelter. Hastily taking up positions, the French reply to the German fire for as long as possible until further retreat is unavoidable. Date: September 1914
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Media ID 14148607
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Allied Bombardment Cottage Fare Retirement Retreat
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the raw reality of the First World War's early days, as French soldiers huddle in the early hours of September 1914 to defend against a German bombardment during the Retreat to Paris. The scene unfolds in the humble cottage in La Fère, a small town in northern France, where Allied troops had taken shelter after being driven back from the front lines. As the sun rises, the German artillery relentlessly pounds the cottage, forcing the French soldiers to respond with all the courage and determination they can muster. The Retreat to Paris, also known as the Great Retreat, was a pivotal moment in the war's history. The German army, led by General Helmuth von Moltke, had invaded neutral Belgium in August 1914, and the Allied forces, consisting primarily of French and British troops, were forced to retreat westward to avoid being encircled. The French army, in particular, suffered heavy losses, with many soldiers left without food, ammunition, or proper shelter. Despite the dire circumstances, the French soldiers continued to fight valiantly, holding off the German advance as long as possible. The image of these soldiers, awakened from their sleep and preparing to defend their makeshift position, embodies the resilience and bravery of the French military during this tumultuous time. The Retreat to Paris ultimately ended with the French army reaching the outskirts of Paris, where they were able to regroup and prepare for the next phase of the war. This powerful photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers during the First World War and the indomitable spirit that defined the human experience of this historic conflict.
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