Before 1914, Royaucourt-et-Chailvet had been a village with a little more than 200 inhabitants. It was occupied by the Germans for the entire duration of the war, from September 2, 1914 until October 1918.
In March 1917, when the Germans retired to the Hindenburg Line to start preparations for the Nivelle Offensive, the population was evacuated. At the end of the year, the Front moved to the River Ailette and Royaucourt remained in the front line until May 1918.
The population increased again after the war and is now around the same as it was in 1914. Royaucourt-et-Chailvet, which received the Croix de Guerre in 1920, was in ruins. The castle of Royaucourt, which had been destroyed, was reconstructed, before disappearing in the Second World War. The castle of Chailvet, less damaged, was restored.
"My dear Erne!
After 3 hours' march, we have arrived here and are fortunate to have dry quarters. It rained heavily all the way but now everything's fine. We'll stay here for 2 days, then we'll move forward into "resting position". Good night now, my darling - I hope you're all right - sadly there was no post today, I'm going to bed, so sleep well and a kiss from your loving Lix.
We're fine".
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