The Fighting at Le Linge
The struggle for Le Linge, a hilltop located fourteen miles west of Colmar in the Vosges Mountains, was one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War, but is mostly forgotten today. Between 20 July and 15 October 1915, the Germans organised their defense here in order to prevent French troops advancing on Colmar. In 1915 this area was part of the Alsace, which Germany considered its own. The fighting was extremely violent, with 17,000 killed counting both the French and German losses. Gas and flamethrowers were used here. Subsequently, as both sides came to realize that a major breakthrough in the Vosges was unfeasible, the hill was the site of some of the closest, most intense trench fighting of the Great War.
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The area shown here between the 1914 border and the line of 1915-1918 was the only German territory occupied by the French Army before the Armistice.
Le Linge Today
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The view from the southern entrance to the site; below – a guide shows the trench network.
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Four views of the various trench lines
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Two distinguishing aspect of the Le Linge site: the extensive use of concrete by both sides and the well-preserved barbed wire barricades throughout.
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Visited the site today; it is well worth the winding trip up the mountain to get there. Moving experience. Much of the area is well preserved, and walking the trench lines really takes you back. The museum is well laid out and contains great exhibits.
ReplyDeleteRusty R, South Carolina US
Writing a horror short story that takes place in this location during March 1915, this was one of the most helpful articles of this obscure place I've found!
ReplyDeleteFor a world war 1 tour in the Vogezen where can i find a registered tour guide
ReplyDeleteContact the Le Linge Memorial Museum at
Deletehttp://www.linge1915.com/en/museum/
Visited in June 2019 very good experience
ReplyDeleteHow can iget to linge by walk or bus. I do not have a car thank you Christopher
ReplyDeleteHi Christopher, You need to get to Colmar and rent a taxi. You may be able to find a guide to meet you at the site or accompany you from Colmar. Try the Colmar Tourist Board or the Le Linge Museum online.
DeleteVisited the site back in 2014. It was very.. impressive. Seeing just how close the trenches of both sides were to one another. And the black and white crosses all across the battlefield.. Realising just how many people died there, it left a lasting impression on me. Sadly, the museum was closed at the time of our visit.
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