Arras (Pas-de-Calais) After Bombardment in 1919. And 240 Executions.

            The Postcard

A postally unused carte postale that was published by Charles Ledieu of Arras. The card has a divided back.

Arras in the Great War

Arras is in Northern France by the Scarpe River. It is the capital ('chef-lieu') of the Pas-de-Calais department. In 2012 the city held over 43,000 residents.

During the Great War, Arras was near the Western Front, and a series of battles were fought around the city and nearby Vimy Ridge.

Medieval tunnels beneath the city, which were linked and greatly expanded by the New Zealand Tunnelling Company, became a decisive factor in British forces holding the city.

The Arras Townhouses

In Arras there is a unique architectural ensemble of 155 Flemish-Baroque-style townhouses bordering La Petite Place (also called La Place des Héros) and La Grand'Place. 

These houses were built in the 17th. and 18th. centuries, and were originally made of wood. After the Great War, most of these houses were so severely damaged that they had to be rebuilt, this time using bricks.

Arras in WW II

In the Second World War Arras was occupied by the Germans, and 240 suspected French Resistance members were executed in the Arras Citadel. 

During the invasion of France in May 1940, Arras was the focus of a major British counterattack. On the 3rd. September 1944 the town was entered and liberated by the British Guards Armoured Division.

'The General'

'The General' by Siegfried Sassoon:

'“Good-morning, good-morning!” the General said
When we met him last week on our way to the line.
Now the soldiers he smiled at are most of 'em dead,
And we're cursing his staff for incompetent swine.
“He's a cheery old card,” grunted Harry to Jack
As they slogged up to Arras with rifle and pack.

But he did for them both by his plan of attack'.

Taken on: September 15, 2023

Tags:

postcard

old

nostalgia

nostalgic

Arras

Pas

Calais

bombardment

1919

Charles

Ledieu

divided

back

33ENT54

Siegfried

Sassoon « less

Sets appears in: • Arras (Pas-de-Calais) in the Great War • Executions more » • France • Great War • Songs and Poems of the Great War « less

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