Fère-en-Tardenois in Aisne, Upper France, France — Western Europe
The Battle of the Ourcq River
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 8, 2024
1. The Battle of the Ourcq River Marker
July 25 - 25 August 3, 1918
La Croix Rouge Farm ∙ Seringes et Nesles ∙ Meurcy Farm ∙ Sergy
In memory of those gallant men of the French and American Armies who gave their lives here in the defense of freedom
Late in the afternoon of July 26, 1918, units of the American 42nd Rainbow Division attacked heavily defended enemy positions at La Croix Rouge Farm, south of the Ourcq River. As the enemy retreated to fortifications north of the river, the Rainbow formed up on a 3000 yard front just south of the Ourcq. Under constant enemy machine gun and artillery fire, the Ourcq was crossed on July 28, and in six days of hand to hand combat, key positions at Hill 212, Sergy, Meurcy Farm, Bois Colas, and Seringes et Nesles were captured. The Rainbow Division, including attached units, suffered 6,459 casualties; 5,049 wounded and 1,410 killed.
Comrades, true, born anew, peace to you!
Your souls shall be where the heroes are
And your memory shine like the morning-star.
Brave and dear,
Shield us here.
Farewell!
From "Rouge Bouquet"
by Sgt. Joyce Kilmer
165th Infantry
Dedicated May 27, 2001 at Meurcy Farm
Rainbow Division Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc.
A la memoire de ces hommes vaillants des armees francaises et americaines qui ont donne leur vie ici pour defendre la liberte
En fin d'après midi le 26 juillet 1918, plusieurs unités de la 42ème Division Américaine Rainbow attaquèrent les positions ennemies très défendues de la ferme de la Croix Rouge au sud de la rivière Ourcq. Pendant que l'ennemie se retranchait dans des fortifications au Nord de la rivière, la division Rainbow se reforma sur une ligne de 3 km juste au sud de l'Ourcq. Sous le feu constant des mitrailleuses et de l'artillerie ennemies, l'Ourcq fut traversée le 28 juillet, et durant six jours de combats corps à corps, les positions clés de la Côte 212, Sergy, ferme de Meurcy, Bois Colas et Seringes et Nesles, furent prises. La Division Rainbow avec ses autres unités connurent 6,459 pertes dont 5,049 blessés et 1,410 tués.
Vrais Camarades, nés à nouveau, la Paix est en vous!
Vos âmes sont là ou sont les héros
Et vos mémoires brillent comme l'étoile du petit matin
Braves et chers soldats,
Protégez nous ici.
Adieu!
Extrait de « Bouquet Rouge »
Sergent Joyce Kilmer
165 ème Infanterie
Erected 2001
this page online
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World I. A significant historical date for this entry is May 27, 2001.
Location. 49° 7.966′ N, 3° 31.302′ E. Memorial is in Fère-en-Tardenois, Hauts-de-France (Upper France), in Aisne. It is on La Croix Rouge (Route D3) north of Route A4, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Memorial is in this post office area: Fère-en-Tardenois, Hauts-de-France 02130, France. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a French colony and also the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: James Butler, R.A., M.B.E. (a few steps from this marker); Rainbow Soldier (a few steps from this marker); The 42nd "Rainbow" Division Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Oise-Aisne American Cemetery and Memorial (approx. 7.8 kilometers
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 8, 2024
2. The Battle of the Ourcq River Marker
More about this memorial. As the marker text notes, it was dedicated in 2001 at Meurcy Farm, which is some distance north near the Aisne-Oisne American Memorial and Cemetery. The current location is La Croix Rouge Farm.
Also see . . .
1. History of the Battle of La Croix Rouge Farm. (Submitted on July 5, 2024.)
2. Rouge Bouquet poem by Joyce Kilmer at Wikipedia. (Submitted on July 5, 2024.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 612 times since then and 126 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 5, 2024, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
