Origin of "Friedensturm" - Operation Marneschutz-Reims / Operation Strassenbau

[r.m.willis]

Good morning,

 

Does anyone know the origins of Operation "Friedensturm" or the Peace Offensive?

 

The offensive of 15th July 1918 was originally called the less-than-secret Operation Marneschutz-Reims (Marne-defence-Reims), as per the Marne Sourcebook  https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.$b743074&view=1up&seq=7.  This isn't a great name for an offensive as it clearly gives away the location of the attack.

 

On or around June 21st 1918 the name of the operation was changed to Operation Straßenbau, which translates to "Road Building".  However, "Marneschutz-Reims" was still being used in orders as late as July 11th.

 

Nowhere in contemporary documents can i find any reference to Friensturm, but this is mentioned in many, many documents, including Ludendorff's memoirs, written later.  Petain mentions German prisoners captured in the days immediately before 15th July talking about the great Peace Offensive.  If anyone knows of any decent sources, I'd be most appreciative. 

Thanks,

 

Richard