The town lies in the valley of the River Aisne, which is formed by two long ridges running south and north.
The Germans occupied the hills to the south, but when attacked offered only slight resistance and withdrew to the hills opposite.

In Soissons they left a rear-guard to protect their supplies, who were destroying all bridges leading into the town.

At the time I arrived a force of Turcos had been ordered forward to clean Soissons of the Germans, and the French artillery was endeavoring to disclose their positions on the hills.

The loss of the bridges did not embarrass the black men.

In rowboats they crossed to Soissons and were warmly greeted.