Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The chapel of the Red House quarry is an underground chapel in a semicircular niche of 70 m2, located in Vailly-sur-Aisne, in the department of Aisne. Its exploitation as a quarry has been attested since the 19th century, but it is best known for its carved decorations, made in October 1917 by the 1st and 3rd battalions of the 137th regiment of infantry (R.I.) French. These soldiers, stationed in the area during the First World War, adorned the walls of 18 sculptures, mixing religious symbols (Sacré-Cœur, crucifixes, chalices), patriotic (Blason of Jeanne d'Arc) and allegorical (biche, anchor of navy, Ten Commandments).

The cultural space, probably equipped with an altar of wood or stone, reflects both the piety of the soldiers and their need for spiritual comfort in times of war. Among the most notable works are a profile of Christ, a benefactor, and a table of the Ten Commandments, as well as motifs such as palms or radiant hosties. These achievements bear witness to the artisanal know-how of the military, but also to their creativity in a context of conflict. The chapel, classified as a historical monument by decree of 23 December 1998, is now protected for its heritage and memorial value.

The precise location of the chapel, at Red House in Vailly-sur-Aisne, is documented in the Mérimée base under Cadastre D 168. Although its access and current state are not detailed in the sources, its ranking underscores its importance as an artistic and historical vestige of the Great War. The sculptures, executed in a naive but expressive style, offer a unique testimony of the lives of French soldiers in 1917, between faith, patriotism and resistance to adversity.

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