"Battle of the Marne Centenary" Topic

The First Battle of the Marne was a major turning point in the war. Until early September, the German invasion of Belgium and northern France seemed unstoppable. The battle was fought over several days and is commemorated in the magnificent memorial chapel that overlooks the town of Dormans. The town is located in the Champagne Region. It was used as the German Second Army's headquarters briefly. There is a photograph of the chapel here:

and a photograph of the chapel's magnificent stain glass window here:

This photo gives some idea of how vast the interior is, belying the term 'chapel' in English which tends to invoke the idea of small building:

On Saturday and Sunday, the interior will be given over to a demonstration of the First Battle of the Marne. There will be seven tables, each measuring 4' x 8'. Over 10000 6mm figures will be used. The battles of the Ourcq, the two Morins and the St Gond Marshes will feature. Visitors will be able to walk around the entire battlefield, getting a 360 view of the events that took place 100 years ago. Feel free to come if you are in the area. There won't be any admission charge.

Robert

A little farther than I can drive, but it sounds like quite a display. Thank you for posting the beautiful pictures of the Chapel and the stained glass window. Truely, a beautiful building.

Magnificent building! Would love to see that game. Hope you take plenty of pics.

It's almost Papal with the large balcony at the front.

Looking forward to seeing this.

I have lots of photos from the first run through. There will be lots more from the weekend too. Unfortunately with all the prep time needed I haven't had a chance to post any photos yet (other than a few on the Great War Spearhead Yahoo Group). Once I have recovered from the weekend then I will pull together an illustrated story of the whole project and post it online.

Prep time is not helped when you spray on two coats of matt varnish for two corps of French cavalry, only to have it dry in that frosted powdery look. Sigh. So last night it was a quick coat of Vallejo Satin Varnish by hand – more than 150 stands worth. All better! And the figures are well protected…

Robert

Oh yikes I hate it when that happens!

Yes, six divisions of French cavalry to revarnish. Thankfully they emerged from the mist with bright uniforms again. Perhaps after the weekend there might be a request for a less conspicuous uniform again ;-)

Robert

You are truly dedicated sir! Yeah, hate it when those things crop up and they always seem to at the last minute too.

I really enjoy it. The insights you get from this sort of thing are invaluable.

Robert

Yesterday was all about preparation. Rather like the lead up to the First Battle of Manassas/Bull Run in the American Civil War, the preparatory phase was affected by civilian visitors. It was great actually. Once the tables were put in place (seven 4' x 8' sheets of plywood on 18 smaller tables), we put out the location markers. Even without any other terrain, the visitors immediately understood the significance of what we were doing. It generated lots of questions and discussion, not least from the French WW1 tour guide who lives in Lorraine and organises trips to Verdun. She was especially interested as you could imagine. And very disappointed that she will not be here for today or tomorrow. The day ended at 9 pm, with some work still to complete on the setup. Unfortunately the only gates to the chateau and chapel were locked. We were facing a night under the stars. There is only so much one can do in the spirit of commemorating such an event. After an emergency call, the Mayor's assistant came quickly and let us out. Merci Mr. Gouin!

The day has dawned much like it did 100 years ago. There is a mist over the Marne valley and surrounding countryside. Aerial observation is poor (mainly because we don't have a plane but hey… seven tables ain't bad). Yesterday the sun burned off the mist by mid-morning, enabling us to enjoy ficelles in the sunshine on the grass. This morning it is pain au chocolat and then back to the battlefield set up. Even now it looks unbelievable. The scale is so much easier to appreciate now that all of the tables are in the same area.

Anyway, yesterday Maunoury's lead elements clashed with von Kluck's flank guard near the Ourcq river, just north of Meaux. The German force held the French attack but then fell back overnight. Today, Joffre's order goes out and the retreat is turned around. Expect heavy fighting around the St Gond Marshes, Esternay, from Courvignaux to Coulommiers, and to the west of the Ourcq. Unlike 100 years ago, colour photography will be in plentiful use.

Robert

There is a brief summary of the project here:

link

Follow the links on the page to a series of photographs that walk through the planning and set up. There is also some information on the town of Dormans, which kindly hosted the two events.

Robert

Another page has been added to the web site:

link

It provides more details and photographs about how the tables were set up for the wargames.

Robert

This page has several photos showing the tables readied for wargaming:

link

Here are some more views of the terrain and the figures:

link

Robert

very cool!

Are you going to do another event like this for the second battle of the Marne in 2018? I hope to be able to attend that one!

I will definitely be putting on the Second Battle of the Marne, yes. Next year will be Gallipoli (though not on the peninsula itself sadly), as well as the Battles of Artois (including Loos) and Champagne. Then Verdun and the Somme for 2016. Busy times ahead.

Robert

Four more photographs have been added:

link

Robert

An After Action Report and photos from our game of the Battle of the Saint Gond Marshes:

link

Robert

Thanks for more pictures and commentary Robert. I'm mightily impressed with what you achieved given the enormity of the task – many tables, large OOB, many miles from home etc! It's also pleasing to see that GWSH II brings about results in line with the historical one.

The look of the Woodlands Scenics clumps for your woods is very convincing.

Your future centenary commemorative events sound exciting – I'm amazed at how quickly time flies with the 100th anniversary. The recent impact of 'camp fever' at home and a return to study has scuppered my progress terribly. I'm still painting for Mons!

Cheers
Alan S

Thanks Alan. On the 12th October, a group of us are running a major demonstration game covering part of First Ypres. It will be at the SELWG annual show in Crystal Palace. The table will be a mere 6' x 10' ;-) Enough, however to showcase the fighting that took place either side of the Menin Road in October 1914. There will be plenty of pics if you can't make it along.

Robert

Looking forward to your write up of the First Ypres demonstration game – I've had that in mind for the next project – a mere 6' x 10' !! Oh if my gaming room could support that!

I'd love to pop over but the 10,000 mile trip is a little prohibitive! ;) I hope it goes well for you.

Cheers
Alan

Hehe, you never know.

The game will take in the BEF's defence of Gheluvelt by 7th Division mainly. There will be cavalry on the right wing. The table will be set up using the same approach, with Hexon terrain covered by Mat-o-War terrain cloth. This game will feature more of the TimeCast trenches, which weren't in the Battle of the Marne at all.

The next phase of the Marne project featured the setup in the memorial chapel. I am pulling the photographs together, plus the three video recordings that my son made.

Robert

Thanks a lot for all the coverage! Really enjoyed seeing all that. One day I would love to participate in a battle that massive. Lot of effort there.

More information and photos here:

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These cover the set up for the 100th anniversary commemoration in the Dormans' Memorial Chapel.

Robert

Another set of photographs uploaded here:

link

A couple of interesting visitor anecdotes are included as well.

Robert