French soldiers, in a remote tree line, observing German artillery shells striking at a distance, during World War 1. (Rising smoke indicates possible gas shells.) Separate scenes show squads of french soldiers moving forward, slowly, through fields of farm crops.
Group of French soldiers direct moving artillery barrage ahead of advancing infantry, during World War 1. (The actual artillery is not seen.) Two of them wear headsets. One holds field chart, while another transmits instructions to the artillery via teletype. The French soldiers walk across a field and take up new observation post in a tree line.
German shells exploding on Mount Rouge, in Flanders, during World War 1. (The so-called Mount Rouge is one of several hills in this relatively flat region.) Some of the shells burst in the air. But most strike the ground and raise considerable smoke and dust. Buildings can be seen in the background, and crops and trees in the vicinity, as well as lines of barbed wire on the hill itself.
President Poincaré and other officials attend the official commissioning of Polish Regiments (Blue Army) raised in France, during World War 1. Polish troops stand in formation with their respective unit colors. A Catholic Priest blesses the Polish units and sprinkles holy water. (Some falls on a small dog standing nearby, causing it to move away.) Polish Commanders of the units stand in center of a field and raise their hands in sign of allegiance, and troops do the same . Officials walk on the field. Polish Soldiers lower their flags, in salute, as they pass. Mounted Polish artillery units, followed by cavalry, pass in review before the President and officials.
A French Officer steps up and motions to others (unseen) near a direction sign on road in rural France. French soldiers relax in shrubbery. One cleans his rifle. They talk amongst themselves. Soldiers digging foxholes in a field. French soldiers relaxing in trenches. One is camouflaged with grass.
French Regiment marches into its home garrison town, returning from the battlefields, during World War 1. People walk along with the soldiers. Houses on the street side. The Regiment is assembled on a field, as local citizens watch. Upon order from their Commanding Officer, the soldiers afix their bayonets to their rifles and come to attention. Officer salutes the soldiers. Elsewhere, French troops proceed toward the front, in armored cars and trucks, passing through a town with some war-damaged buildings. .
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