Bellenglise


Bellenglise is a commune in the department of Aisne in Hauts-de-France in northern France.

Geography

The village lies close to the N44, in a loop of the St. [Quentin Canal], nine kilometres north of St. Quentin.
Image:Riqueval [Bridge 1918.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Brigadier General J V Campbell addressing troops of the 137th Brigade from the Riqueval Bridge over the St. Quentin Canal, 2 October 1918]

History

About two kilometres to the north is the Riqueval souterrain.
On the 28 August 1914 the French 10th Regiment of Territorial Infantry opposed a German invading force. The French unit was essentially from the local Département, with its depot in St Quentin. Despite a fierce defence, the French line gave and a battalion of the unit was taken prisoner.
The famous picture of the British 137th Brigade, gathered on the canal bank at Riqueval Bridge, for a pep talk after the crossing of the St. Quentin Canal, was taken nearby.

Sites and monuments