May, 1918: Toul (Boucq) Sector The La Reine (Boucq) Sector (also
known as the Toul Sector) was the southeastern aspect of the St.
Mihiel salient which was a bulge in the Allied lines remaining
from the original German advance in 1914. This salient continued
to threaten Verdun and Toul along with the entire right side of
the Allied front (See detailed maps of this salient in the “Map
Room”). The principle feature of the terrain in this sector was
a ridge east to west from Flirey to Apremont with a highway
running along it. The front line was anchored on the towns of
Seicheprey and Xivray-et-Marvoisin, continuing into Bois Brule
where it linked up with lines held by the French. The Germans
had the tactical advantage of both observation and attack as the
Allied front could be penetrated through several shallow
ravines. In addition, the Allied trenches were in very poor
condition and had drainage problems. The entire length of the La
Reine Sector front was 18 kilometers and this was the first time
an entire secto