ManchesterPals

Former French Camp at Wiencourt-l'Équipée

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In January 1917 the British agreed to support a plan proposed by the French commander-in-chief General Nivelle. The plan involved the British taking over a section of the front line held by the French south of the Somme as far as the Amiens-Roye road. This would allow French forces to be freed-up to launch a planned offensive on the Aisne.

In February 1917 the 35th Division moved south to take over this section of the front line held by the French. En-route, troops of the 35th Division. including the 23rd Manchesters and the 17th, 18th and 20th Lancashire Fusiliers passed through the village of Wiencourt-l'Équipée and stayed there at a former French Camp 17-19 February 1917 (see below).

During the two day stay the 17th Lancashire Fusiliers held a Church Service on the morning of the 18th February 1917 and a concert in the evening in conjunction with the 23rd Manchesters. The magnificent church at Wiencourt remains intact (see photos below). The location of the former camp however became a mystery

The location of the camp at Wiencourt was unlocked by a random purchase on eBay of an original German reconnaissance photograph of the camp. The photo was dated 25th September 1916 and clearly marked "Wiencourt". The challenge remained to orientate the photo to align with recognisable features.

After a little trial and error the aerial photo was located on Google Maps.

Nothing remains of the camp today other than a feint imprint of the tracks when viewed from above. A military map of the time showing rail lines provides additional confirmation.

Some photos of the camp in 1916 when occupied by the French army:

War Diary entries of the 23rd Manchesters, the 17th, 18th and 20th Lancashire Fusiliers who passed through the village of Wiencourt-l'Équipée and stayed at Wiencourt Camp 17-19 February 1917.

23rd Manchesters - Wiencourt Camp 17-19 February 1917