Champagne 1915, the early years of 60cm gauge on the frontline

In 1915, as soon as its became obvious that artillery was going to play a major part in what was turning into a protracted war, moving the huge amounts of ammunition required became a major concern for the general staff. Designed for this purpose, 60cm gauge railways were soon found to be essential.

Éric Fresné

1904 Prosper Péchot explained to the students of the Ponts et Chaussées engineering school the French military doctrine applying to 60cm gauge field railways. It foresaw its use in the case of a siege war, either for attacking, or defending, a stronghold. This scenario was put to the test many times during major manoeuvers between 1894 and 1914. Ten years later, with war taking the shape of an extensive siege, 60cm gauge field railways quickly became one of the main means for supplying the frontline. As early as November 1914, the first massive orders of equipment were issued. It was also decided to organize the troops needed to build and operate the future networks, of which there was a serious shortage at the time. Péchot, called out of retirement in…

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Voie Libre International (Digital) - 1 Issue, No.111

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