Photograph attributed to A. Boiziau, dated 1906.

The First World War hit St Quentin very hard. In September 1914, the city was over-run, and it endured a harsh occupation. From 1916, it lay at the heart of the war zone, because the Germans had integrated it into the Hindenburg Line. Eighty percent of the buildings were damaged or destroyed. St. Martin's was heavily damaged and lost its spire. It has been rebuilt.