One Of The Most Striking Images Of The Great War

This remarkable World War I photograph from the very earliest weeks of the conflagration shows a German shell bursting against Reims Cathedral on September 20, 1914. The photograph provides one of the most striking images captured by the camera on any front during more than four years of The Great War.

Before the conflict was over, Reims Cathedral was largely destroyed.

With American funds, the cathedral was rebuilt from 1919 to 1938. One year after reconstruction had been completed, war between Germany and France was renewed.

The cathedral was damaged but not destroyed in World War II. Repairs were completed by 1962.

Reims Cathedral’s stained glass lost in World War I is still being replaced to this very day. Indeed, a new series of stained glass windows at Reims Cathedral was unveiled early this morning in France.