Inside the cathedral.

Plaque

A rectangular white plaque commemorating the 6th Regiment Engineers who gave their lives in defense of Amiens during March 1918 in World War I. The plaque is written in French and English.

In March 1918, the German army launched Operation Michael, the first and largest offensive of the Spring Offensive, aimed at dividing the British and French forces near Amiens. The city was a crucial railway hub that, if captured, would disrupt Allied supply lines and communications. 

The 6th Regiment Engineers, as part of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), were deployed to the Amiens sector to aid in the defense against this major German assault. While combat engineers are typically tasked with building fortifications, repairing roads, and ensuring logistical support, they were thrust into direct combat due to the intensity of the offensive. 

The defense of Amiens marked a turning point in the Spring Offensive. Despite suffering heavy casualties, including the deaths of the officers and men honored on the plaque, the Allied forces were able to halt the German advance. This successful defense laid the groundwork for the eventual Allied counteroffensives later in 1918, which contributed to the end of the war.

Source of information: www.cheminsdememoire.gouv.fr, airforceescape.org

Source of photo: roadstothegreatwar-ww1.blogspot.com

IN MEMORY

OF THE OFFICERS AND MEN

OF THE SIXTH REGIMENT

UNITED STATES ENGINEERS

WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES

IN DEFENCE OF AMIENS

MARCH 1918

✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮

A LA MEMOIRE

DES OFFICIERS ET SOLDATS

DU SIXIEME REGIMENT DU GÉNIE

DE L'ARMEE AMÉRICAINE

QUI DONNÉRENT LEUR VIE

POUR LA DÉFENSE D'AMIENS

MARS 1918