LA BATAILLE DU PONT DE BACCARAT

During the First World War, the great bridge of Baccarat was the scene of a deadly battle on August 25, 1914 (details available at the Tourist Office of Baccarat). In the early morning, the 86th Infantry Regiment of Le Puy-en-Velay tried to regain a foothold on the right bank of the Meurthe. Three assaults were made on the bridge, while the Bavarian troops had placed several machine guns, preventing any crossing of the bridge by the French. More than 90 people were killed and as many wounded on the bridge. During this tragic day, in the fighting that took place in the town and around Baccarat, the 86th R.I. lost a large part of its strength. As a result of this battle, the business district (Rue des Ponts, now Rue Adrien Michaut) caught fire and the work of destruction was then completed by hand by the German troops.