29 May 1916 : Caporal Pierre Jean Victorin Viguier

Pierre Viguier was born on 9 January 1894 in Aveyron, France.

Location of Aveyron, in the south of France (cc OpenStreetMap)

Pierre was a farmer before the war.

Peasants going to the fair, 1900. Aveyron

Pierre was called into service at Rodez in late August 1914 and first saw action with the 173e R.I. at Les Eparges in May 1915 before fighting in the 1915 battles on the Wöevre (Bois de la Grurie) until the end of the year.

Artillery in the Bois de la Grurie in 1915

After a spell on the Champagne front, he moved to take part in the Battle of Verdun and arrived at the frontline on Côte 304, north of Esnes on 19 May 1916.

The Battle of the Flanks - The Left Bank of the river Meuse (6 March - 31 May)

On 29 May 1916, after four days of continuous bombardment, the Germans launched two violent attacks on the hill, during which Pierre was killed in action.

He has no known grave.

1860 Caporal Pierre Jean Victorin Viguier, 173e Régiment d’Infanterie

29 May 1916 killed in action.

Research by David O'Mara.

REFERENCE

Livre d’Or de L’Aveyron (2 Vols) Pub. 1922

Historique du 173 e Régiment d’Infanterie, 1914-18 Pub. Paris (date unknown)

Tableau d’Honneur – Morts pour La France Pub. Paris 1921

Sepultures de Guerre (www.memoiredeshommes.sga.defense.gouv.fr)

Morts Pour La France de la Première Guerre Mondiale (fiches des soldats MPF) (www.memoiredeshommes.sga.defense.gouv.fr)

Views of France in 1900

The Battle of the Flanks (6 March - 31st May)