The relationship between Quercetains and New Zealanders is truly unique and has only grown over the past century. We look forward to hosting Kiwis here as they make Le Quesnoy a must visit place. –The Mayor of Le Quesnoy, Marie-Sophie Lesne 

By Roger Childs

The challenge of Le Quesnoy in late 1918

After the failure of German’s Ludendorff Offensive in mid-1918, counter-attacks by French and British Empire forces pushed the enemy forces back to the Hindenberg Line by early September. 

… the New Zealanders halted outside the old fortress town of Le Quesnoy, which was distinguished by its elaborate and historic brick ramparts. –Historian Damien Fenton

Le Quesnoy is about the size of Otaki. After it was captured by the French back in 1654 it was fortified with an outer wall, a moat and an inner wall. Ramparts extended out so that defenders could fire both ways.  

The Germans had taken the town during their initial World War One offensive in August 1914. In early November 1918 the New Zealand Third Rifle Brigade was set the task of winning it back. The division commander, Major-General Russell, and his staff officers, thought through their tactics with great care. Le Quesnoy was not a main objective as the Allies advanced towards the German frontier, but capturing the town would speed up their offensive. 

The town was full of civilians and the war was drawing to a close, so it was vital to limit casualties as much as possible. 

It was hoped that the German defenders would realise that resistance would be futile, and surrender. However nothing could be taken for granted. There were 500 Germans troops in the town and more in the surrounding area, but to avoid civilian casualties there was no preliminary bombardment.

So the approach was to –

• encircle the ramparts
• capture the railway line
• arc around the town to isolate it from possible relief by nearby German forces.

A stunning success

The winning of Le Quesnoy was a triumph of valour and tactics. The New Zealanders did it. —New York Times, 7 December 1918

A major objective was to capture the tower in the middle of town as this was a key German observation post. However the walls would have to be scaled first and enemy machine gun posts on the ramparts needed to be silenced.

The moat was dry at the time and the outer 7 metre high wall was quickly scaled. Shells were aimed at the walls with the purpose of releasing smoke to provide cover for the assault. The inner wall was 18m high and this was scaled using an orchard ladder.

The Division’s Official History recorded the moment:

 … Lieutenant Averill quickly reached the top of the brick work and stepped over the capping onto the grassy bank. Crouching behind it, he peered over. It was one of the most dramatic moments in the Division’s history. There was an instant crashing through some brushwood on the far side and Averill saw two Germans of the bombing post rushing away.

To hopefully avoid stubborn resistance, there had been air drop of pamphlets to encourage the Germans to surrender. Three German prisoners were also sent forward with the same objective.

It was all over in a few hours. The artillery action was minor, but there was some stubborn resistance.  Nevertheless, most of the German defenders quickly surrendered. There were no civilian casualties and only minimal damage to the town. The Germans lost 40 guns and 1500 soldiers were captured. 

Lasting gratitude

There was a victory parade through Le Quesnoy on November 6 1918. The deliverance of the town by Kiwi soldiers 105 years ago, has never been forgotten. A monument in the town recognises New Zealand’s role in liberating Le Quesnoy: … pour le deliverance de cette ville. And there are other reminders:

• Place Des All Blacks
• Rue Helene Clark
• a school building decorated with New Zealand icons such as Captain Cook, Maori motifs and New Zealand flowers. (Sheilah Downs)

Any Kiwi visiting the town is, in Nick Gillard’s words, guaranteed free beer and coffee! 

The 11 October Museum opening is timely

I am very pleased we will soon have a uniquely New Zealand place where all ages can go to reflect and appreciate the sacrifice so many of our young men made, so far from home. –Sir Jerry Mateparae, Kapiti resident and former Governor General of New Zealand

The opening of The Liberation Museum (Te Arawhata) on 11 October 2023 will cement the friendship between the town’s people and New Zealand. Wellington’s Weta Workshops have played a key role in developing the exhibits in the traditional town building where the museum is located.