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0:00:37 > 0:00:43- As we travel along the Western Front - the horrors of World War I continue.
0:00:45 > 0:00:51- We drive south to an area where - the French fought for their lives.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- We leave the British part of - the line behind, at the Somme...
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- ..and travel towards - the Champagne area...
0:01:04 > 0:01:10- ..following the Western Front of - the Great War until we reach Marne.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14- This part of the story - is all about France.
0:01:14 > 0:01:19- To understand the Marne, - we return to the start of the War...
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- ..to August 1914.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30- France, having lost Alsace - and Lorraine to Germany...
0:01:30 > 0:01:35- ..in the 1870-71 Franco-Prussian - War, was resentful and bitter.
0:01:35 > 0:01:40- By the summer of 1914, - Europe was a boiling cauldron.
0:01:40 > 0:01:45- Many were thirsty for power - and wanted to extend their empires.
0:01:47 > 0:01:53- When Gavrilo Princip shot Archduke - Franz Ferdinand dead in Sarajevo...
0:01:53 > 0:01:58- ..the powers of Europe - quickly prepared for war.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03- There was genuine enthusiasm - for going to war.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08- France were eager for revenge - and mobilised a million men...
0:02:09 > 0:02:14- ..but Germany had unashamedly been - preparing for war for a decade.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19- Germany hoped to snatch an early - victory at the start of the war...
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- ..before turning on Russia.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- This was the Schlieffen Plan.
0:02:26 > 0:02:32- By the end of August 1914, German - armies were sweeping towards Paris.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39- Both the French armies and the BEF - soldiers were in a sorry state...
0:02:40 > 0:02:46- ..but they pushed back to Marne - after 12 days of constant attack.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54- 1914 saw one of the hottest summers - for over 150 years.
0:02:54 > 0:03:00- The French infantry uniforms were - quite inappropriate for that heat.
0:03:00 > 0:03:06- They wore red trousers, long coats, - flannel shirts, broadcloth tunics...
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- ..and the terrible Brodequin boots.
0:03:12 > 0:03:18- The French retreated carrying their - Label rifles and 60-pound backpacks.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24- "The Prussians are coming" was - the cry that echoed through France.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29- The French retreated over 100 miles - in the first week.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- It was a military retreat - of epic proportions.
0:03:33 > 0:03:39- With the Germans nearing Paris, the - French planned to evacuate the city.
0:03:41 > 0:03:47- Paris had to be defended and General - Joffre ordered a defensive line...
0:03:47 > 0:03:52- ..to be held south east of the city - and south of the river Marne.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- The exhausted BEF - came to support them.
0:03:57 > 0:04:03- Britain and France, in international - agreement, attacked the Germans.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- This took place on - 6th September 1914.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- The French army, led by - General Manoury, had 150,000 men.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- They attacked Germany's 1st Army - on the flanks.
0:04:18 > 0:04:24- This opened a 50km gap between - the 1st and 2nd German armies.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- The French threw everything they had - at the enemy for three whole days.
0:04:32 > 0:04:38- They believed in "l'offensive a - l'outrance", an all-out offensive...
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- ..in order to conquer the enemy.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46- But in September 1914, - this was little more than suicide.
0:04:47 > 0:04:53- Human flesh was no match for - the machine guns and artillery.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- Manoury's brave 6th French Army - came close to defeat.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- The French were losing men - at an alarming rate.
0:05:02 > 0:05:08- Reserves were badly needed as the - Germans were about to break through.
0:05:12 > 0:05:18- One amazing story of World War I - is when 6,000 French troops...
0:05:18 > 0:05:24- ..raced to the front in the quickest - way possible - a fleet of taxis!
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- They were requisitioned, - filled with water and petrol...
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- ..and assembled at the - 'Invalides' at Paris.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- With no definite orders, soldiers - went to the front in the taxis.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- With the meter running, - the French line was held!
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- On the 8th September...
0:05:51 > 0:05:56- ..the French 5th Army launched - an attack on the German 2nd Army.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01- Germany's Chief of Staff, - Von Moltke was now a broken man.
0:06:01 > 0:06:07- He suffered knowing he'd sent - thousands of Germany's finest men...
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- ..to their death.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- His conscience was bruised and hurt.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- The battle hung in balance and - the Germans could well have won...
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- ..but he played safe, - fearing a French breakthrough...
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- ..and ordered a German retreat.
0:06:27 > 0:06:33- The Germans fell back to the river - Aisne and started digging trenches.
0:06:33 > 0:06:39- This was the beginning of trench - warfare and a bloody stalemate.
0:06:40 > 0:06:46- The French refer to this battle - as 'The Miracle of the Marne'...
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- ..but this was a costly miracle.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- Time and time again on this journey, - what really hits us...
0:06:53 > 0:06:58- ..is the unbelievable numbers and - sheer scale of loss of young lives.
0:06:59 > 0:07:05- The French suffered losses - in excess of 250,000.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- The Germans suffered - similar losses...
0:07:09 > 0:07:14- ..and the British- only - suffered 13,000 casualties.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21- Our journey now takes us - from Marne towards Reims.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26- As we travel to that city, - we stop at Chateau-Thierry...
0:07:26 > 0:07:32- ..in the Champagne area and we - must leap forward in time to 1918.
0:07:33 > 0:07:39- The Germans gambled everything they - had in the last year of the war.
0:07:40 > 0:07:45- Following the Russian Revolution - of 1917, the Germans had more men...
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- ..and equipment to send - to the Western Front.
0:07:50 > 0:07:56- It is debatable whether the Germans - had to take this risk in 1918...
0:07:56 > 0:07:58- ..but they were worried.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- Four years of war had taken - its toll on their resources.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- Britain's naval blockade - was damaging the German economy.
0:08:07 > 0:08:13- The German people were tired - of the war and were starving...
0:08:13 > 0:08:19- ..and the Kaiser faced a new enemy - - America had joined the war.
0:08:20 > 0:08:26- America, with its seemingly endless - manpower and resources.
0:08:27 > 0:08:32- Before the Americans deployed their - full might on the Western Front...
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- ..Germany struck a mighty blow - and broke through.
0:08:38 > 0:08:44- In this final initiative, - they swept across the Somme...
0:08:44 > 0:08:49- ..the river Aisne - and once again threatened Paris.
0:08:50 > 0:08:56- They appeared to have found the key - that unlocked the Western Front.
0:09:06 > 0:09:12- This is Chateau-Thierry, the high - water mark of the German advance.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- The inexperienced Americans raced - to battle, full of enthusiasm...
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- ..reminiscent of - the British at the Somme.
0:09:21 > 0:09:27- The Americans first fought at - Chateau-Thierry on 3rd June 1918...
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- ..as they stopped the Germans - crossing the Marne.
0:09:31 > 0:09:37- Inspired by this comparative success - they went on to take Belleau Wood...
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- ..a German strong point.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- But as we saw - on the Somme at Mametz...
0:09:45 > 0:09:51- ..taking control of a defended wood - is easier said than done.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57- The American Marines attacked - the Germans here at Belleau Wood...
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- ..on 6th July 1918.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- They were clumsy and naive, yet - brave in their tactics of attack.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12- Wave after wave fell into - a wall of machine gun fire.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- It took them nearly 20 days - to clear this wood...
0:10:18 > 0:10:23- ..but they lost 10,000 men - including half of their officers.
0:10:23 > 0:10:28- This action effectively brought - an end to German advances in 1918.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33- From here on, - it was retreat all the way.
0:10:33 > 0:10:38- The French have named the wood - 'Bois de la Brigade de Marine'...
0:10:38 > 0:10:44- ..in honour of the tenacious - Americans who fought and died here.
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0:11:21 > 0:11:25- As we leave Chateau-Thierry - and the Belleau wood...
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- ..we reach a famous and - historic city in France.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47- This is Reims, or 'Rance' - as pronounced correctly in French.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- It's famous for its cathedral.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55- Many French Kings - were crowned here...
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- ..including Charles VII in 1429.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06- On that occasion, the legendary - Joan of Arc was at his side.
0:12:11 > 0:12:17- These days, its history - and produce attract visitors.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- Today, it's a place to relax.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- Here we are.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30- Champagne is serious business - in this city.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35- They say the best Champagne houses - are situated in and around the city.
0:12:36 > 0:12:42- Reims never fell into German hands - but it was never far from danger...
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- ..due to its close proximity - to the front line.
0:12:46 > 0:12:52- Just like Ypres, the place was - badly damaged by heavy shelling...
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- ..but it's been meticulously - rebuilt.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- It's a lovely city and - they've done a good job.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- It's wonderful, so let's drink - a toast to its resurrection.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- It's wonderful, so let's drink - a toast to its resurrection.- - Cheers!
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- It's nearly as good as - a pint of Buckleys in Llangennech.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- It's nearly as good as - a pint of Buckleys in Llangennech.- - Not quite!
0:13:15 > 0:13:21- Joan of Arc saved France in her day - but who was going to save Reims...
0:13:21 > 0:13:26- ..and France in 1917 - in the dark days of World War I?
0:13:34 > 0:13:40- A few miles outside Reims - is the Chemin des Dames.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45- It's a 12-mile ridge that - stretches from east to west.
0:13:45 > 0:13:51- Louis X named this ridge the - Chemin des Dames or The Ladies Way.
0:13:51 > 0:13:56- He built the road so his daughters - could visit their favourite teacher.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- It's an advantage of being a king.
0:14:03 > 0:14:08- The area is very flat, on the whole, - but to the north west of Reims...
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- ..the landscape changes - into a large wooded ridge.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- This was another difficult area - to control.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- This natural barrier split the - Ailette valley in the north...
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- ..and the Aisne valley in the south.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- In 1917, the Germans - held this ridge.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- The ridge, with its miles - of underground caverns...
0:14:33 > 0:14:38- ..was the scene of one of the most - tragic battles of World War I.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43- By 1917, France was - short of hope and heroes...
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- ..and along came this man - - General Robert Nivelle.
0:14:48 > 0:14:54- A charming, charismatic, persuasive - man who spoke excellent English...
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- ..and to all accounts, - a new leader.
0:14:57 > 0:15:02- He offered France an answer to the - stalemate on the Western Front...
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- ..no less than a breakthrough - and victory.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- The plan was simple.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- A quick but overwhelming - artillery attack...
0:15:12 > 0:15:17- ..coupled with well-prepared - infantry attacks...
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- ..an all-out attack - by 27 divisions.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27- Many voiced their concerns - so Nivelle offered to resign...
0:15:28 > 0:15:33- ..but France was tired - and desperate for a victory.
0:15:33 > 0:15:39- Too many promises had been made - and to stop now was unthinkable.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- Just like the British - on the Somme...
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- ..the French believed they would - take part in- the- offensive...
0:15:47 > 0:15:52- ..that would end the War and drive - the Germans out of France for good.
0:15:53 > 0:15:59- Thousands gathered behind the lines - of attack on the Chemin des Dames.
0:16:01 > 0:16:07- Victory was at hand and Nivelle - appeared drunk on hope and power.
0:16:10 > 0:16:16- The key element of this - offensive was secrecy...
0:16:16 > 0:16:20- ..but it was - the worst-kept secret in France!
0:16:21 > 0:16:26- Nivelle was less than discreet - at social gatherings in Paris.
0:16:27 > 0:16:33- He was portrayed as the man who'd - save France and defeat the enemy.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- As you'd expect, he loved the role.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43- One could say that he spoke - too much about his own qualities.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- The Germans had contacts in Paris - who learnt of the plans...
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- ..months before the attack - was to take place.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- The Germans even found - the exact battle plans...
0:16:56 > 0:17:02- ..on the body of a dead French - officer just days before the attack.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- They moved swiftly to prepare.
0:17:08 > 0:17:14- The Chemin des Dames is a warren - of tunnels and underground caves...
0:17:15 > 0:17:20- ..that can protect thousands of - soldiers from any bombardment.
0:17:20 > 0:17:26- The Germans took advantage of this - and the French faced a disaster.
0:17:29 > 0:17:35- The attack on and around the Chemin - des Dames began on 16th April 1917.
0:17:36 > 0:17:42- The weather was dreadful and the - French shivered in the icy rain...
0:17:42 > 0:17:46- ..as they waited for - the signal to advance.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53- Just like the Somme, when the - French came out of the trenches...
0:17:53 > 0:17:59- ..they realised the 'overwhelming - barrage' had been ineffective.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- The barbed wire was uncut.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06- Germans rushed from their - dugouts to man the defences.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09- It was a terrible massacre.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- The French were slaughtered - in their thousands.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- It was suicide.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28- By nightfall on that dreadful day - in April 1917...
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- ..the French had suffered - over 90,000 casualties.
0:18:33 > 0:18:39- Nivelle refused to accept failure - and insisted the attacks continue.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45- They still failed despite - the heroic efforts of the soldiers.
0:18:51 > 0:18:57- The fighting was just as barbaric - in the deep underground caves...
0:18:57 > 0:19:02- ..and the miles of corridors - of the Chemin des Dames...
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- ..where soldiers on both sides - tunnelled to survive.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- This is the Dragon's Cave - of the Chemin des Dames.
0:19:10 > 0:19:16- How do you feel in such a place that - evokes the early stages of mankind?
0:19:16 > 0:19:22- Usually, people go to such places in - search of fossils and odd wildlife.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28- Here, man has found refuge in - these caves for millions of years.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- But then men were driven here - to wage war.
0:19:32 > 0:19:37- The progressives would say - that man evolved from these places.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- When you think of World War I...
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- ..you are struck by the numbers - of soldiers from both sides...
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- ..who were driven back underground.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- It's just amazing.
0:19:51 > 0:19:57- They even had a hospital - and some 6,000 soldiers here.
0:19:58 > 0:20:04- The machine gun was pointless here, - so they made their own weapons.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09- Their knuckle dusters had bullets - in them to smash enemy faces.
0:20:09 > 0:20:15- Some spades had edges like knives - whilst others were like a saw.
0:20:15 > 0:20:20- You'd think it was an era where - weapons were carved from stone.
0:20:20 > 0:20:26- I'm also amazed by human nature - throughout the centuries.
0:20:27 > 0:20:32- In the depths of barbarianism - we find the desire to create.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37- We try to create something whilst - living in the worst of situations.
0:20:38 > 0:20:44- It can be seen in the chapel which - is similar to that built at Henllan.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- They wanted something better - for themselves.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55- I also think of the politicians - who are meant to lead nations...
0:20:56 > 0:20:58- ..into a bright future.
0:20:58 > 0:21:04- They are responsible for sending - the soldiers to such places.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- This was hell, but another - living hell awaited them.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- This was hell, but another - living hell awaited them.- - Yes, exactly.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- Early man evolved from this - darkness into the light...
0:21:13 > 0:21:19- ..but the soldiers of 1914-18 - arose into an even worse hell.
0:21:20 > 0:21:26- We've seen many memorable places but - this is the most powerful of all.
0:21:28 > 0:21:34- It's taken 15 minutes to see only - a small percentage of the tunnels.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- It's incredible.
0:21:37 > 0:21:43- We return to the eternal fact that - man will do anything to win a war.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- We learn nothing.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- We learn nothing.- - No, not a lot, that's true.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- Nivelle was relieved of command - on 25th April.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- After abandoning - the disastrous attack...
0:22:00 > 0:22:04- ..the French had suffered - 200,000 casualties.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- By the end of - this disastrous attack...
0:22:20 > 0:22:26- ..I'm not surprised that elements - of the French army began to mutiny.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- They had fought fiercely...
0:22:31 > 0:22:36- ..to stop the Germans from - claiming the holy French soil...
0:22:36 > 0:22:42- ..but the suicidal attacks - had to stop - enough was enough.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46- I'm surprised that - this hadn't happened earlier.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52- Those who had survived the fighting - had seen enough at Verdun...
0:22:53 > 0:22:55- ..a year earlier.
0:22:56 > 0:23:02- One could say that Verdun - was possibly the saddest...
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- ..and bloodiest place in France.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06