The Soissonais Caves
I've spent enough time lurking on these forums so I feel its about time I post my first report. These caves were my first real explore, I first visited in august of 2017 and have since returned maybe 5 times, it was only on my most recent visit that I took enough photos for a report. In recent years the caves have faced some vandalism, anyone in the nearby villages denies any knowledge of the caves existence to prevent further damage.
The History
The caves, originally stone quarries were first used in WW1 by the French army as barracks, not so successfully reused in the second world war. By WW2 the French tactics used in and around the caves were outdated compared to those of the enemy.
Inside the caves you will find a chapel, seats and portraits carved into the walls and the remains of an old car.
The carvings on the walls are the last traces of the caves first inhabitants, portraits include Kitchener and French royalty.
The car (a ford t model from 1928?) has its own haunting story. In WW2 the caves and nearest village had been captured by German soldiers. To set an example to the villagers, two French resistance members were taken and tied into the car. Despite the system of caves being at the peak of a particularly steep hill, the car was taken just inside the caves before being set alight. As far as I am aware the burnt out shell of the car remains there to this day.
I've spent enough time lurking on these forums so I feel its about time I post my first report. These caves were my first real explore, I first visited in august of 2017 and have since returned maybe 5 times, it was only on my most recent visit that I took enough photos for a report. In recent years the caves have faced some vandalism, anyone in the nearby villages denies any knowledge of the caves existence to prevent further damage.
The History
The caves, originally stone quarries were first used in WW1 by the French army as barracks, not so successfully reused in the second world war. By WW2 the French tactics used in and around the caves were outdated compared to those of the enemy.
Inside the caves you will find a chapel, seats and portraits carved into the walls and the remains of an old car.
The carvings on the walls are the last traces of the caves first inhabitants, portraits include Kitchener and French royalty.
The car (a ford t model from 1928?) has its own haunting story. In WW2 the caves and nearest village had been captured by German soldiers. To set an example to the villagers, two French resistance members were taken and tied into the car. Despite the system of caves being at the peak of a particularly steep hill, the car was taken just inside the caves before being set alight. As far as I am aware the burnt out shell of the car remains there to this day.
sorry for the blurry photos
