This part of the panorama fits on to the left of panorama I (p. 160).] [Illustration: Mont Chalmont N. 34 between Fère and Sézanne Linthes Pleurs Linthelles N. 34 between Fère and Sézanne Saint-Loup III. +PANORAMA OF THE PLAIN OF FÈRE-CHAMPENOISE.+ This part of the panorama fits on to the left of panorama II (page 160).] While attacking the height on its front, from the south bank of the Marshes (see the panorama on pages 182-183), the Germans also tried to outflank it on the east. We have seen in the general account of the battle how prodigious were their efforts to cross the Somme, which formed a covering line, and then to debouch from Fère-Champenoise. This locality is hidden behind Mont Chalmont, on the left of the panorama above. This manœuvre very nearly succeeded. During the day of September 9, the soldiers occupying the promontory, where stands the tourist, saw to the north in the direction of the Marshes, the advancing Germans arrive within firing distance of the farthest trench. If they turned their eyes eastwards, they saw the 17th Division falling back on Mont Chalmont (panorama above) and the artillery take up its position on the western slope. Further south, debouching from the screen formed by this ridge, the firing line came into view spreading towards Linthes and Pleurs. The terrible anxiety of these hours of waiting only ceased when the 42nd Division came into action.