Battles & Campaigns · 1918
Third Battle of the Aisne
Chemin des Dames, Aisne, France
What happened
After a heavy bombardment, German troops broke through a gap about 40 km wide on the Chemin des Dames. They reached the Aisne within hours and pushed on toward the Marne. Allied counterattacks stopped them at the Marne by 6 June.
Why it matters
The Germans came closer to Paris than at any time since 1914. The battle also showed that American troops could fight effectively.
What came next
Duchêne was replaced, and Ludendorff launched more attacks that led to the Second Battle of the Marne.
Did you know?
The Kaiser met a captured Welsh brigadier, Hubert Rees, and was amused to learn he came from the same country as Prime Minister Lloyd George.
Timeline
- 16 Apr 1917Second Battle of the Aisne begins.
- 27 May 1918Third Battle of the Aisne begins.
- 6 Jun 1918Germans halted at the Marne.
- 15 Jul 1918Second Battle of the Marne begins.