Battles & Campaigns · 1917
Second Battle of the Aisne
Chemin des Dames, Aisne, France
What happened
This was the main part of the Nivelle Offensive. French armies attacked the Chemin des Dames ridge and the land near Reims. German troops sheltered in old quarry caves and tunnels under the ridge, and the French could not break through, though they took about 29,000 prisoners.
Why it matters
The failure badly hurt French army morale, and many divisions refused orders. Nivelle was replaced by Philippe Pétain, who restored order and improved food, pay and leave.
What came next
Pétain chose a careful strategy of 'healing and defence', and the British turned their main effort to Flanders.
Did you know?
The Chemin des Dames had been quarried for stone for centuries, leaving the caves the Germans used for shelter.
Timeline
- 9 Apr 1917Battle of Vimy Ridge.
- 16 Apr 1917The Nivelle Offensive begins.
- 9 May 1917The main offensive ends.
- Oct 1917French capture La Malmaison.