The Battle of Saint-Quentin was a pivotal moment in the Hundred Days Offensive of World War I. This 7-hour private tour immerses visitors in the critical events that unfolded along the Hindenburg Line and the Canal. From the American divisions’ preparations in Buire Wood to the decisive victory at Bellicourt, the tour provides a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and sacrifices that shaped this historic battle. Discover the stories that have defined this significant chapter in the war’s final year.
Key Points
- The Saint-Quentin tour explores the decisive battle on the Hindenburg Line in September-October 1918, a key part of the larger Hundred Days Offensive.
- The tour visits the Buire Wood, which served as the initial staging ground for the American divisions involved in the Hindenburg Line assault.
- The Federal US Monument in Bellicourt commemorates the sacrifices of American forces and provides insight into the battle strategies and challenges faced.
- The tour covers key locations and features, such as the Riqueval Tunnel, restored German bunker, and Bellicourt Bridge, which were crucial objectives in the offensive.
- The 7-hour private group experience is available in English and French, and provides a rundown of the Saint-Quentin battle and its significance in the final stages of World War I.
Tour Overview
The tour, titled "Saint-Quentin, Battle on the Hindenburg Line and the Canal," is a 7-hour private group experience that takes participants through the key sites of the Battle of Saint-Quentin during the final months of World War I.
Priced from $630.97 per group (up to 3 participants), the tour is available in English and French, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot without immediate payment.
The itinerary includes visits to the Buire Wood, Ste Emilie, Gillemont Farm, Somme American Cemetery, and various monuments and cemeteries related to the battle.
Historical Context
Although the Battle of Saint-Quentin took place between September 29 and the end of October 1918, it was a crucial part of the larger Hundred Days Offensive that led to the eventual armistice and end of World War I.
The battle involved Australian, British, and two American divisions. Their objective was to break through the formidable Hindenburg Line, a heavily fortified German defensive position.
The battle was fierce, with both sides suffering significant casualties. Ultimately, the Allies were able to secure a victory, paving the way for the final push towards Germany’s surrender.
Departure From Saint-Quentin
At 9:00 am, the tour departs from the center of Saint-Quentin, allowing participants to begin their exploration of the historic Hindenburg Line battlegrounds.
The tour bus will take visitors to the Buire Wood, the site where American divisions were stationed prior to the offensive. From there, the group will continue to Ste Emilie and Le Ronssoy, where they’ll see the Knoll and the US 27th Division monument.
The tour’s first stop provides an overview of the key locations and events that unfolded during the fierce battles along the Hindenburg Line in the autumn of 1918.
Buire Wood: Site of American Divisions
Buire Wood served as the initial staging ground for the American divisions prior to the Hindenburg Line offensive. The following table provides key details about the American forces in Buire Wood:
| Division | Nationality | Arrived |
|———-|————|———|
| 27th | American | Sept 25 |
| 30th | American | Sept 27 |
| 33rd | American | Sept 29 |
| 37th | American | Sept 25 |
These American divisions prepared their assault on the formidable Hindenburg Line defenses in this forested area before launching their attack. The terrain and proximity to the enemy lines made Buire Wood a strategic location for the Allied forces to organize and coordinate their upcoming offensive.
More Great Tours NearbySte Emilie and Le Ronssoy: The Knoll and US 27th Division Monument
The tour next visits Ste Emilie and Le Ronssoy, where the US 27th Division’s monument stands atop The Knoll. This site marks the division’s determined advance through fierce German resistance.
The monument commemorates their heroic efforts in capturing this strategic position, which commanded views of the surrounding terrain. Visitors can imagine the intensity of the battle as they stand where American soldiers fought to break through the Hindenburg Line.
The tour provides insight into the critical role this division played in the broader offensive, ultimately contributing to the eventual Allied victory.
Gillemont Farm: Panorama View
Next, the tour visits Gillemont Farm, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
This vantage point provides the opportunity to:
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Visualize the scale and layout of the Hindenburg Line fortifications.
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Understand the challenges faced by the attacking forces in traversing the open terrain.
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Appreciate the strategic importance of the high ground and the sweeping views it afforded the defenders.
This stop allows participants to fully grasp the tactical considerations that shaped the battle and the immense obstacles overcome by the Allied troops in their push to breach the formidable Hindenburg Line.
Somme American Cemetery, Bony: Stop for Lunch (Optional)
After visiting the panoramic vantage point at Gillemont Farm, the tour makes its way to the Somme American Cemetery in Bony.
This is an optional stop where participants can pause for lunch. The cemetery contains the graves of over 1,500 American soldiers who died during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in 1918.
Visitors can explore the serene grounds and pay respects to the fallen. The cemetery’s visitor center provides information about the soldiers buried there and their service during World War I.
This stop offers a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made during the battle for the Hindenburg Line.
Federal US Monument, Bellicourt
Leaving the Somme American Cemetery behind, the tour now makes its way to the Federal US monument in Bellicourt. The monument commemorates the sacrifice of American forces during the battle.
Key features include:
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The Riqueval Tunnel, an extensive underground system used by German forces.
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A restored German bunker offering a glimpse into the defensive positions.
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The Bellicourt Bridge, a strategic crossing over the St-Quentin Canal that was a major objective.
Visitors can explore the trenches and gain insight into the hard-fought battle to break through the Hindenburg Line in this important location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Payment Options for This Tour?
Customers can reserve their spot without immediate payment. There’s also free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour costs $630.97 per group (up to 3 participants).
Is There a Discount for Larger Groups?
The tour price is fixed at $630.97 per group of up to 3 participants. There’s no volume discount for larger groups, as it’s a private group experience. The price remains the same regardless of group size within the specified maximum.
Can the Tour Itinerary Be Customized?
The tour’s itinerary can be customized to the group’s interests. The tour provider offers flexibility to adjust the stops and timeline to meet the needs of each private group.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can also reserve their spot without immediate payment through the "Reserve now & pay later" option.
Are There Any Dietary Accommodations Available?
The tour doesn’t mention any dietary accommodations. Participants will need to bring their own food and snacks if they have any dietary requirements or preferences. The tour provides bottled water, but no other food or drinks.
The Sum Up
The "Saint-Quentin, Battle on the Hindenburg Line and the Canal" tour provides an immersive experience, allowing participants to explore the significant events of the Hundred Days Offensive during World War I. Visitors will gain insights into the strategies and challenges faced by Allied forces, culminating in their decisive victory. This educational journey offers a compelling 7-hour private experience, departing from Saint-Quentin and visiting critical sites along the way.
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