Montfaucon d'Argonne

3 September: Montfaucon is the starting point of the 106th RI’s retreat. Maurice Genevoix and Those of 14 form the rear guard of the regiment, and witness the start of fire on Montfaucon. It’s the end of any illusions about stopping the German troops in the Meuse. Since the enemy is overcoming the French army on the left, after crossing Belgium, General Joffe orders the withdrawal of all troops between the North of France and Argonne.
The Verdun stronghold acts as a pivot for this movement, and is not affected by the withdrawal. This retreat also affects civilians, many of whom flee as the enemy approaches.
“A distant detonation, one that I recognise: German heavy artillery. When the whistle blows, I immediately realise that the shell is coming straight towards us. I look at Montfaucon, and see, near the church, a tongue of fire and a plume of smoke rising up” (Quote from the book by Maurice Genevoix, Ceux de 14, Editions Flammarion)