On September 4, the first German shells fell on Reims, preceding the troops’ entry into the city. On September 13, Reims was retaken by the French. The Germans hunkered down in the immediate environs and resumed bombing on the 14th. On the 19th, the cathedral was hit by 25 shells out of the 288 that were fired. 85 % of the city was destroyed. These acts were condemned by international opinion.
