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the hand of Massiges (1914-1918): Natural fortress dominating the valley of Aisne, this hill located at the north of the village, which had its name with the level lines which draw on the ground and the charts a left hand. The fingers are separated by from it deep notches, that the combatants the indicator of the bottom of their trench called ravines. The Hand of Massiges marked the limit Is Champagne face. It is on this obstacle that as of on September 13rd, 1914 the troops of Corp Colonial of the IV° Armée butted, which took part in the counter-offensive succeeding the first battle of the Marne. It was the subject of ceaseless attacks, especially during the years 1914 and 1915, but in spite of the bravery of the Porpoises it never was completely invested. Are culminating point " the TETU" Mount; , that German called " Kanonenberg" , truffle of formidable defenses, without these reinforced, was definitively taken only at the time of the victorious counter-offensive of 1918. One can see on the ground the very particular shape of this hill and on the parts not given in culture the traces which on the ground the combat left to conquer or defend which if unrolled. Many bodies of the missings of the two camps rest there for always.

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== the Virgin with the Bees ==

Undoubtedly set up about 1854, by the population of Massiges, in recognition of the protection brought during an cholera epidemic, this statue out of cast iron carried out by foundries A. Durenne in the High Marne, represents the Virgin Mary, the arms tended like accommodating and protecting all those which approach it.

Taken in the storm of the engagements as of September 1914, it remained always upright among the combatants. Initially, in spite of the destruction of its base, close to its site, in the middle of the summary shelters of the combatants of the Colonial Body of the French Army IV°, until September 1915. After the great committed Champagne offensive from September 25th to October 6th, 1915, it was placed, supported against a support of fortune, in the middle of the provisional military cemetery located at the bottom of the Hand of Massiges, with a few 100 meters more in north, on the conquered ground of brave fight. During the stay in this cemetery, it received a ball in full heart, like offering protection to a swarm of bees which taken seat inside this refuge; only wound which it received during the war, in spite of the violence of the combat which lasted 4 years all around it. After the war, in spite of various adventures the bees remained. May 31st, 1931 the virgin found her place on the base remakes partly with the old stones, on the site of origin. The bees followed. April 12th, 1970 this statue was officialized " Monuments in Morts" commune of Massiges. It is at that time that the bees quitèrent this haven of peace, undoubtedly mission accomplished for the statue. How much combatants passed in front of the virgin, while going up on line, beseeching it in silence and asking him for protection? And how much these heroes fell on the sides of the Hand from Massiges, some resting there for always?

External bonds

Massiges on the site of the national geographical Institute
Massiges on the site of INSEE
Massiges on the site of Quid
Localization of Massiges on a chart of France and communes bordering
Plane on Massiges on Mapquest

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