Comes with a hand-signed C.O.A.

This rare and museum-grade World War I map shows the Gondrecourt Area, Condé-en-Barrois Area, and Vaucouleurs Area, situated in northeastern France, played significant roles during World War I. These areas, while not as famous as the more prominent battlefields like the Somme or Verdun, were critical in the broader context of the war due to their strategic positions and the operations that took place there.

Gondrecourt Area

The Gondrecourt Area, located in the Meuse department, was crucial primarily as a training ground for the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). When the United States entered the war in 1917, General John J. Pershing, commander of the AEF, recognized the need for intensive training to prepare American troops for the European theater. The 1st Division, known as the "Big Red One," was among the first to undergo training in this region.

Gondrecourt became synonymous with the American military's efforts to modernize and adapt to the realities of trench warfare. Training programs were comprehensive, covering everything from bayonet fighting to gas warfare, artillery coordination, and trench construction. This rigorous preparation was crucial for the AEF's later success on the front lines.

Condé-en-Barrois Area

The Condé-en-Barrois Area, also in the Meuse department, was part of the Saint-Mihiel salient, a significant bulge in the German lines that threatened the Allied front. The salient extended from Saint-Mihiel to Verdun, creating a vulnerable point for the Allies but also an opportunity for a strategic offensive.

The Battle of Saint-Mihiel, launched on September 12, 1918, was the first major offensive undertaken by the AEF under General Pershing's command. The objective was to eliminate the salient, thereby straightening the front lines and easing the logistical difficulties faced by the Allies. This offensive was meticulously planned and executed with the participation of over 500,000 American troops, along with French support.

The 1st Division, having trained extensively in Gondrecourt, played a pivotal role in the attack. The operation was marked by the effective use of combined arms tactics, with coordinated infantry advances supported by artillery and tanks. The Americans succeeded in reducing the salient in just four days, capturing significant German positions and taking thousands of prisoners. This victory not only demonstrated the effectiveness of the American forces but also boosted Allied morale.

Vaucouleurs Area

Vaucouleurs, a town steeped in historical significance as the launching point of Joan of Arc's journey to Chinon, found itself once again in the pages of military history during World War I. The area around Vaucouleurs was strategically significant due to its location near major supply routes and its relative proximity to the front lines.

While not the site of major battles, Vaucouleurs served as a logistical hub and rest area for troops moving to and from the front. Its rail connections were vital for the movement of men and materiel. The town and its surroundings also hosted various military hospitals and convalescent facilities, providing critical support for the wounded and sick soldiers.

Divisional Participation and Operations

Several American and French divisions saw action in these areas, contributing to the broader Allied efforts during the war.

• 1st Division (U.S.): As mentioned, the 1st Division underwent extensive training in the Gondrecourt Area before playing a crucial role in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel. Their successful actions in this operation set the stage for future American offensives.

• 26th Division (U.S.): Known as the "Yankee Division," the 26th Division also operated in the Meuse region. They participated in the Aisne-Marne Offensive and later in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, contributing significantly to the final Allied push.

• 4th Division (U.S.): This division was involved in the reduction of the Saint-Mihiel salient and later fought in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Their actions were vital in breaking through German defenses and advancing towards the final objectives.

• 2nd Division (U.S.): The 2nd Division, which included both Army and Marine Corps units, saw action in several key operations, including the Battle of Belleau Wood and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Their involvement in the latter stages of the war was crucial in maintaining the momentum gained from earlier victories.

• French Divisions: Numerous French divisions were also active in these areas, supporting American operations and conducting their own offensives. French units often provided crucial artillery support and shared their extensive experience in trench warfare with the newly arrived American forces.

The Gondrecourt, Condé-en-Barrois, and Vaucouleurs Areas may not be as well-known as other battlefields of World War I, but their contributions to the Allied war effort were substantial. The Gondrecourt Area was pivotal as a training ground that prepared American troops for the rigors of combat. The Condé-en-Barrois Area witnessed significant action during the Battle of Saint-Mihiel, a turning point in the war that showcased the growing capabilities of the AEF. Meanwhile, the Vaucouleurs Area served as a logistical and medical hub, supporting the continuous flow of troops and supplies essential for sustained operations.

The divisions that trained and fought in these regions, including the 1st, 26th, 4th, and 2nd American Divisions, along with various French units, played crucial roles in the eventual Allied victory. Their actions in these areas demonstrated the effectiveness of combined arms tactics, the importance of rigorous training, and the critical nature of logistical support in modern warfare. These contributions, though sometimes overshadowed by more famous battles, were integral to the successful conclusion of World War I.