Soissonnais 1914 -1918

(1st Part)

  Make an inventory and Protect

 The association Soissonnais 14-18 was created on 7th April 1986 by a few passionate friends. Their aim was to save from oblivion a past which was still not too distant, to make an inventory and to protect the remnants of W.W.I. : such was the prime aim reinforced by an exhibition entitled :

" The French soldier, warrior and artist "

  

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Association ruled by the Law of 1901, all the members of Soissonnais 14-18 are voluntary people.

Making a complete and accurate inventory let by the French, German, English or American soldiers of W.W.I requires outstanding researches and meticulousness.

A tremendous program was awaiting the founder members since the French county of the Aisne contains an enormous amount of caves, quarries and sites where many heavy combats took place. There were over 200 caves to file, numerous monuments which had almost been completely neglected, a continuous research of documents or objects... the task was immense and arduous.

Nowadays a great number of files have been completed and each bears the exact location of the site, the description of the collect of evidence and statements, the corresponding photos as well as an account of the events which occurred in the area.

Those works have been acknowledged by the " Direction Régionales des Affaires culturelles ", which stands for the Regional Direction of Cultural Affairs of Picardie which has granted its patronage to the association.

 

 

Carrière du 1er Zouves

 

La Croix Brisée

 

Protection

 

The protection of the sites was efficiently lead as far as the means and availability of the voluntary members allowed them to. The Soissons region has a major asset with the site of Confrécourt. This site is unique and its protection is a top priority.

 

The first success of the association was its registration to the French Ancient Monuments Department which has included the old farm, the cave of the 1st Zouave regiment, the hospital site as well as the monument of the Broken Cross.


1st photo : entrance of the cave of the 1st zouave regiment.(246Ko)

2nd photo : monument of the Broken Cross. (149Ko)

 

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