For those with Google Earth, I discovered an interesting "accident of nature". About 34 km ESE of Rhiems, France I can see an area used for armor training. In the satellite picture currently used there has been a light snowfall… enough to fill small depressions in the ground but leave the ground cover (grass)exposed. Zooming in to an elevation of 2500 ft. I can make out the outlines of the WW I trench system in this area.
Three lines of trenches are outlined in white on a green field. The distance from the front line to the second is about 250 m while second to third is about 150 m. Parallels between the lines zig-zag at 100-150 m intervals.
Brief research leads me to believe these are French lines, or possible American as they seem to be in the eastern most area of American deployment. 800 m to the from the German lines can just barely be made out. It takes a little effort to see past the AFV tracks to make out the trenches, but once seen it is clear what they are.
Coordinates are 49 degrees 05' 34.36"N 4 degrees 23'-47.20"E
The area appears to be due east of the AFV park and SE of the village of Mourmelon-le-Grand. Two other parks / training areas also show faint traces of the same snow outlining trenches.
Now I'm going to have to build some trench sections for the table.
