LES BOMBARDEMENTS

Although the town narrowly escaped the German invasion in September 1914, it nevertheless suffered human losses and destruction during the war. These were caused by aerial bombardments by the enemy. A few bombs were dropped in 1915, without causing much damage. In 1916, the first bombing took place on 21 February, the very day the German offensive on Verdun began. About fifteen others followed until the end of the war. The most destructive one took place on the night of 30 September to 1 October 1917. 90 bombs were dropped on the town. The vast block of houses opposite you, between the Rue du Cygne and the Ornain, was destroyed. On the picture, you can see this area reduced to ruins, dominated in the distance by the bell tower of the Notre-Dame church. After the war, a department store ("Dumas et Pinguet") was built at the corner of the street, in the "Art Deco" style. The initials of the owners (D.P.), in ceramic, have been preserved on the façade. In 1944, a bomb destroyed its dome, which was never rebuilt. After 1987, the building was transformed into small shops and apartments. Aerial bombings also caused many victims: at least 80 dead and 150 injured, both military and civilian. The most deadly one took place on June 1st 1916, Ascension Day. In splendid weather, 16 planes dropped 80 bombs, mainly on the centre of the town, killing 59 people including 39 soldiers and very young children.