In 1915 and 1916 the Cathedral was struck a hundred times, but it was during the bombardments of April 15, 19 and 24, 1917, that it suffered most. For seven consecutive hours, at the rate of twelve per hour, the Germans fired 12-in., 14-in. and 15-in. shells on the edifice, causing terrible havoc, especially to the south-western side. During the terrible bombardments of April, 1918, the Cathedral did not suffer--for once the Germans seemed to have decided to spare it; but, unfortunately, the truce did not last. In the following months the bombardment began again, and the ravages increased, especially in the two towers and the vaulting. However, both vaulting and towers, in spite of their injuries, have not been irreparably damaged in their vital parts, and are capable of restoration. That the damage is not more serious is due to the protective measures taken by the Cathedral architect and by the Department of Historical Monuments. As early as 1915, the doorways of the western façade were protected with beams and sand-bags (_see photo, p. 25_), while the Treasure was removed and placed in safety, together with the paintings and tapestries. In 1916 and following years masonry protections were placed around some of the more valuable statues. The fallen fragments of carvings and sculpture were carefully collected, with a view to future restoration. In this way the débris of the head of the beautiful statue of the "Visitation" Group, known as the "Smile of Rheims," on the left-hand side of the central doorway of the western façade, were saved. At the beginning of 1918, it was found possible to save the remains of the stained-glass of the windows, and other glass-work still intact--amongst which was some of the finest in the nave. The salvage was difficult, for scaffolding would have furnished the Germans with an excuse for further bombardments. Recourse was had to a small body of Paris firemen and two glaziers who, in foggy weather, and before daybreak, climbed up to the iron framework of the windows and accomplished their work at great heights with remarkable courage and skill. [Illustration: REIMS] REIMS SCALE. ------------------------- 0 500 1,000 M. PORTE DE MARS A. D-3-4 MUSICIANS' HOUSE B. D-4 BARRACKS C. **CATHEDRAL D. D-4-5 ARCHI-EPISCOPAL PALACE E. D-5 CHURCH OF ST. MAURICE F. E-5-6 POLICE STATION G. D-2 HOTEL DE VILLE H. D-4 LAW COURTS J. D-4 *HOTEL DIEU K. E-6 *CHURCH OF ST. REMY L. E-6 MUSEUM M. D-5 OCTROIS (Tolls) O. SUB-PREFECTURE P. E-4-5 THEATRE T. D-4-5 POPULATION 115,178 H ALTITUDE 83 M