Webmaster’s notes:  This two-part then and now report will focus on Griffin Group photos in the Bois de Consenvoye and on Richêne Hill–excluding Molleville Ferme.  More details on the Griffin Group photos can be found in this 30 April, 2017 post:  http://meuseargonnerg.wpengine.com/?p=2179.

 

 

Readers are also reminded that the offensive East of the Meuse was begun on 8 October, almost two weeks after the main offensive, in order to “neutralize” the enemy artillery that was shelling AEF positions West of the Meuse River.  The map below was taken from “American Armies and Battlefields in Europe,” page 264.

 

 

The map coordinates at the bottom of the Griffin Group photos align with the coordinates used on the ABMC Summary of Operations maps.  Each major block counts as 1 unit, with each unit being divided into tenths.  The longitude lines in the map below are #s 324, 325 and 326.  The latitude lines in the map below are #s 282, 281 and 280.

 

 

 

Caption:  Griffin Group Photo A.M. 156.  Narrow Gauge R.R. and Cross-Roads.  324.9 – 280.9.  15 January, 1919.

Location:  Looking at the above map, the “then” photo was taken exactly where the forest lane, denoted by dashes on the map, crosses over the road.  Unfortunately, it is difficult to see the forest lane in the “now” photo.  Looking at the surrounding terrain, it appears that the track headed straight towards the photographer ends in long, narrow indentation.  Perhaps this was a loading / unloading position.  The track that curves toward the right follows the diagonal path of the forest lane on the above map.

Source of Then Photo:  Griffin Group Photos, National Archives.

Source of Now Photo:  Graham Gaulke.

 

 

Caption:  Griffin Group Photo A.M. 165.  Richene Hill.  324.1 – 280.7.  8 January, 1919.

Location:  Looking at the above map, this photo was NOT taken on the D19.  Rather, it was taken from the little farm path, just off the D19, that runs south along the edge of the Forêt Communale de Consenvoye.  It is hard to see the D19 in the “then” photo.  The D19 is running along the green grass strip in the “now” photo.

Source of Then Photo:  Griffin Group Photos, National Archives.

Source of Now Photo:  Graham Gaulke.

 

 

Caption:  Griffin Group Photo A.M. 163.  American and German Dead.  324.8 – 281.8.  8 January, 1919.  This is a very unique photo in that it shows American and German dead buried side-by-side.  Most likely for convenience sake.

Location:  Looking at the above map, the webmaster believes the location to be between the D19 and the small lane running south that leads to Molleville Ferme and the Bois de Consenvoye.  The upward slope of the hill and the relatively narrow sliver of forest in the “then” photo suggests this location.

Source of Then Photo:  Griffen Group Photos, National Archives.

Source of Now Photo:  Graham Gaulke.