La Caverne du Dragon is located on the Chemin des Dames, in Aisne, Picardy. It was a strategic place during the First World War and more precisely during the Nivelle offensive.
Initially, it was an underground quarry dug into the limestone of the Chemin des Dames plateau. These quarries, or creutes, which are found in the Somme as in the Aisne, were used as shelters, aid stations, to accommodate staffs or, as is the case here, as an advanced defensive post. .
The Caverne du Dragon is indeed located near the isthmus of Hurtebise, that is to say where the plateau is the narrowest. On the other hand, its position on the edge of the plateau offers a wide panorama over the Aisne valley.
It was to consolidate their positions on the Chemin des Dames plateau that the Germans launched a victorious attack on the cave on January 25, 1915:they were now 600 meters from the French first line, 80 meters above sea level. above[1]. This outpost was then protected and fitted out:the Germans brought electricity and the telephone there, a well was dug there and a chapel was even built. Finally, they connect the Cave with the rear lines via a tunnel. So in the event of an attack, reinforcements and ammunition arrive quickly and safely while the wounded are evacuated.
On April 16, 1917, during the assault of the Nivelle offensive, the men coming out of the Caverne du Dragon attacked the Senegalese who had set out to conquer the isthmus of Hurtebise. The Senegalese are disoriented and give in to panic:this puts a stop to their progress. The existence of numerous hollows connected to the rear by tunnels is one of the explanations for the brutal failure of the offensive.
The French, after several attacks in April and May 1917, hold a few trenches at the isthmus of Hurtebise. On June 25, the 164th Infantry Division was tasked with carrying out a new attack to control the entire isthmus. During this attack, the French discover the entrance to the tunnel and trap the Germans. This pass of arms is then celebrated as a great military victory in France.
Today, the Caverne du Dragon has been converted by the General Council of Aisne into a museum dedicated to the First World War.