$B 7M2 t.fl3 1 Co i-^/) ^•f^ } 1 i > 1 1 J J > > » J r c c c I f t c t « c < t C r f C < C C C I (' c c C I ( c c ^ccc tc » ' '■ " > :».' '.\» . > 1 > D510 ht5 Copyright 1919 hy AKERS, MAC RITCHIE & HURLBUT All rights reserved. CONTENTS HALF-TONE LIEUT.-COLONEL BERTON W. SIBLEY Frontispiece- LIST OF OPERATIONS VERDUN SECTOR (Toulon Sub-sector) CHATEAU-THIERRY SECTOR SOISSONS SECTOR ST. MIHIEL SALIENT CHAMPAGNE (Blanc Mont) MEUSE-ARGONNE MARCH TO THE RHINE Page 8 11 31 5^ 67 95 114 Ml.85161 PREFACE After receiving numerous requests for copies of the Third Battalion history, and after Sergeant Major Robinson had written two sets of five copies each on the typewriter it became evident that if every man who wanted and deserved a copy of the history of his battalion during the late war, secured one this history would have to be printed. After a great deal of thoughtful discussion Lieut. MacRitchie, former Battalion Quartermaster and Lieut. Charles F. Hurl- but, formerly of the 84th Company, both of whom have been with the battalion throughout the major portion of its history, convinced me that the history not only can be printed and put out in convenient form but that it is really a duty that the custodians of the battalion records owe to the members of the battalion. With this thought in mind Lieut. MacRitchie, Lieut. Hurlbut and myself formulated the plan and pre- pared to put it through. A preliminary canvass of the men aboard the Wilhebnina disclosed the wide- spread desire for copies of the history among the present members of the battalion. It is only reason- able to suppose that it will be equally well received by the other members of the Battalion who came home ahead of us. A history of this kind, to be of value, must be as accurate as the exigencies of war permit. This ac- curacy has been reached chiefly through the continu- ous and untiring efforts of Captain David Bellamy, former adjutant of the Battalion, who worked un- ceasingly to make the operations report after each engagement as accurate and complete as humanly possible. As the history is largely a collection of these operations reports our debt to Captain Bellamy can be easily seen. The first operations report for the period from June 1st to August 10th, was written by Captain Bellamy and corrected and edited by Major Sibley. The next report covered St. Mihiel and was also written by Captain Bellamy, who wrote the report for Champagne before he was evacuated to the S. 0. S. with an advanced case of Influenza. After the evacuation of Captain Bellamy it became my task as his successor, to write the report for the Argonne- Meuse and fill in the connecting matter and brief re- port of the return and demobilization of the battalion. The data for this I secured from my personal diary, from the Battalion file of orders and from records kept by Sgt. Ray E. Babcock, the Battalion historian. This work is concise, has no elaborate descriptive matter, and may appear to be unnecessarily cold, but it is believed that the plain narrative with accurate dates, hours and places will be the thing most desired in the years to come, and that memory will supply the cloak to cover these naked facts. To Major Berton W. Sibley belongs the credit for the supervision of the first operations report cover- ing as it did the two largest operations the battalion ever participated in. This ground work served as a standard upon which all later reports and the history itself were built and the entire work is dedicated to him. Herbert H. Akers Chicago, ni., 1919. . J J J I ' - 1 HISTORY OF THE THIRD BATTALION The Third Battalion of the Sixth Regiment was organized at Marine Barracks, Quantico, Virginia, August 1, 1917, with Major Berton W. Sibley in com- mand. The companies composing the battalion were the 82nd, Captain Dwight F. Smith commanding ; the 83rd, Captain Albert R. Sutherland commanding; the 84th, Captain Harry G. Bartlett commanding; and the 97th, Captain Robert W. Voeth commanding. The roster of officers at time of embarkation for over- seas was as follows: STAFF Sibley. Berton W ? Major Commanding: HickB, Frederick I Second Lieutenant Battalion Adjutant 84th Company Bartlett. Harry G i. Major Company Commander Smith, Mark A First Lieutenant Second in Command Maynard, Charles B First Lieutenant 1st Platoon Commander Mason, Horatio P First Lieutenant 4th Platoon Commander Kalbflelsch, Edw. D Second Lieutenant 2nd Platoon Commander Perklnson, Allan C Second Lieutenant 3rd Platoon Commander 4 HISTORY OF THE 82xid Company Smith, Dwight F Captain Company Commander McFarland, Hugh . . .» First Lieutenant Second in Command Roberts, Charles D ■ Second Lieutenant 1st Platoon Commander Bellamy, David Second Lieutenant 4th Platoon Commander SmalLman, Clinton I Second Lieutenant 2nd Platoon Commander Robinson, Caldwell C Second Lieutenant 3rd Platoon Commander &7th Company Voeth, Robert W Captain Company Commander Muckleston, Stanley M Captain Second in Command McEvoy, Thomas T First Lieutenant 1st Platoon Commander Marshall, Ralph W ^ second Lieutenant 4th Platoon Commander Moore, William B Second Lieutenant 2nd Platoon Commander Skelton, Albert G Second Lieutenant 3rd Platoon Commander 63rd Company Sutherland, Albert R Captain Company Commander Noble, Alfred H First Lieutenant Second in Command Holloday, Davis A First Lieutenant . 1st Platoon Commander MacRossle, Allan, Jr Second Lieutenant 4th Platoon Commander Murphy, Richard W Second Lieutenant 2nd Platoon Commander Timmerman, Louis F., Jr Second Lieutenant 3rd Platoon Commander Organized with Company Commanders and senior non-commissioned officers from the old Marine Corps school of experience and junior officers and men from the recruit depot at Paris Island, S. C. and Mare Island, California, the training of the battalion for service on the Western front began. This training included close order drill, skirmish drill by platoon and company, trench digging; erecting barbed wire THIRD BATTALION 5 entanglements, signalling of all kinds, and rifle prac- tice. The rifle and machine gun practice took place on the newly completed Quantico Rifle Range. Prac- tice marches and open warfare maneuvers were in- terspersed with the specialty training and the men hardened to the game which was to become their lot in France. At 9 :30 a. m., October 24, 1917, the battalion be- gan its journey to France, travelling by train to Philadelphia where the troops were embarked on the U. S. S. Von Steuben, then lying at anchor in the Delaware River off League Island. At 5:00 a. m. October 25th, the Von Steuben weighed anchor and sailed, arriving off Tompkins- ville, in New York harbor, at 9 :00 a. m., October 26th. Here the ship remained at anchor five days but no one was allowed to go ashore and all mail was care- fully censored. Absolute secrecy was maintained as to the time set for departure and as to the destina- tion. The remaining ships of the convoy, three trans- ports, one armored cruiser (North Carolina) and two destroyers, gathered within the next few days and at 7 :00 p. m., October 31, the convoy moved out on its way to France. The weather was unusually fair and all went well until 6;13 p. m., November 9th, when, due to a mis- understanding of orders, the Agamemnon and the Von Steuben collided, making a large hole in the bow of the Von Steuben. This occurred in the edge of the submarine zone and the ships of the convoy were ordered to separate and meet the following day. Af- 6 HISTORY OF THE ter steaming all night alone at seven knots per hour, her bow in the air, to keep the hole above the water line, temporary repairs were made, the remainder of the convoy was picked np and at noon the group continued the trip at 15 knots. Later in the day ten destroyers from the American fleet in European wat- ers joined the convoy and the North Carolina turned back for the United States. The journey through the submarine zone was made without further accident and early November 12th, land was sighted. At noon the convoy dropped anchor in the harbor of Brest, France. While awaiting debarkation orders and transporta- tion to the final destination the Battalion Commander ordered one company ashore each day for a practice march. November 17th the 83rd and 84th Compan- ies with Battalion Headquarters paraded in Brest. Early Monday morning, November 19th, the troops disembarked and entrained in a French troop train which left at 12:30 p. m. on the Chemin de Fer de L'Ouest Southward, arriving at Lormont, France, a suburb of Bordeaux, at midnight, November 20, 1917. The Battalion here rejoined the regimental head- quarters 73d and Supply companies and was assigned to duty with the 18th Engineers building docks at Bassens. The following detachments were deailed for provost and engineer duty in the neighboring campa and towns: Captain Voeth Provost Marshal Tours, November 27-January 21; First Platoon, 97th Com^ pany. Provost duty. Tours, November 27-Janu'ary 21, Lieut. Skelton in command; the 84th Company, Pro- THIRD BATTALION 7 vost and fati^e duty La Corneau, December 18- January 5th, Major H. G. Bartlett, commanding; Lieutenant Marshall and twenty men from the 97th Company, La Cortine December 8th to January 5th, fatigue and provost duty; Lieutenant Timmerman and 30 men, 83rd Company, Marche Prime December 6th to January 4th, fatigue duty ; Lieutenant Roberts and 1st Platoon 82nd Company, Cenon, provost duty, December 27th to January 6th. The regiment was relieved by the 162nd Regiment Inf. (Montana National Guard) on January 8th and entrained January 9th, 1918, at Carbon Blanc for the Second Division training area. After a three day trip in 3rd class and box cars the troops were de- trained at Damblain, Haute Mame, January 12, 1918 and marched to Chaumont-la-ville, a distance of five kilometers. Here intensive training for trench and open warfare began at once. This training was very severe due both to strenuous schedule and the winter season which set in in earnest about this time. How- ever, gruelling as it seemed then, it so hardened the men that they were able to bear up under the strain of continuous fighting which later became the lot of the Second Division. The schedule included hikes, close order drill, extended order, bayonet fighting, games, practice in both rifle and hand grenade throw- ing, rifle range practice, storming trench systems, taking strong points, defense against gas attacks and all modes of signalling then in use. Steel helmets were received shortly after arrival in this area and included in the uniform for drill in order to accus- 8 HISTORY OF THE torn the men to wearing them at all times when in the line. A great deal of gas defense drill was included in the schedule and men were required to shoot, march, throw grenades and perform every possible duty with the masks on. In March, trench knives, extra clothing, etc. were received and issued, preparations were made for stor- ing extra baggage, and men only allowed to keep what clothing they could carry in their packs. Orders were received that the Second Division was going in line just south of Yerdun for thirty days, training under fire, and on March 14th the battalion marched to Breuvannes and entrained for the front, moving at 9:42 p. m. HOLDING TRENCHES, VERDUN SECTOR (Toulon Sub-Sector) FIRST CASUALTIES Arriving at Dugny, 10 kilometers from Yerdun, at noon, March 15th, the battalion detrained and moved out by companies as quickly as possible. Or- ders were to clear loading platform within two hours to avoid shelling. After walking approximately 16 kilometers to the support position of the Toulon sector, companies were billeted in the following camps: 82nd Co., Camp Richert and Camp Ronde Fontaine; 83rd Co., Camp Marquenterre ; 84th Co., Camp Massa; 97th Co., THIRD BATTALION 9 Camp Fontaine St. Robert; Battalion Headquarters, Camp Ronde Fontaine. The battalion went into line in the C. R. M^ont- sous-Ie^Cotes, sub-sector Bonchamp the evening of March 18th, 82nd, 83rd, 84th Companies in line, the 97th Company in reserve at Camp Fontaine St. Robert. Being relieved March 28th by the 2nd battalion, 6th Marines, the battalion marched to Sommedieue for billet, arriving at daylight March 29th. Ordered to march on the 31st, 82nd and 84th Cos. and Bat- talion Headquarters moved at dark four kilometers to Camp Douzains; 83rd Co. going to Camp Somme- dieue and 97th Co. going to Camp Eveche. Remained here working on defenses, building en- tanglements and digging trenches until April 7th. At dark April 7th the battalion relieved the Sec- ond battalion, 6th Marines in C. R.f Mont-sous-le- Cotes, three companies in line and one in reserve. Without incident until the night of April 20-21, when Cermans after putting down a box barrage around the outpost town of Villers, attacked P. P.* *16 at 1 :00 a. m. with flame-throwers, grenades, and knives, about thirty men being seen. This raid was repulsed by rifle fire and grenades in the hands of the men assigned to this post, the Germans leaving two dead in our wire. Relieved night of April 24th by 3rd battalion, 20th French. Marched to reserve position at Camp) Chiffoure. tCenter of resistance. •Petit post. 10 HISTORY OF THE May 1, sent one officer and two NCO's. from each company to 1st Corps Schools at Gondrecourt. May 2 relieved the 1st hattalion, 6th Marines in strong point Haudiomont with two companies in the line, one in support and one in reserve at Camp Chiffoure. Battalion Headquarters and support Co. 84th at P. C.t Bordeaux. The battalion spent a quiet ten days in this sub-sector. May 9th Lieut. Marshall and four NCO's. left to secure billets in a new area. May 13th relieved by a battalion of the 174th Fl'ench. Marched to Haudainville, arriving at 2 :00 a. m. Remained here until 1 :00 p. m. May 14th when battalion marched to Ancemont and entrained. De- parted 6:30 p. m. TRAINING Arriving at Blesmes (Mame) at 3:30 a. m. May 15th, the battalion marched without breakfast to new training area. Battalion ijHeadquarters, 83rd and 84th Cos. were billeted at Vavray-le-Petit, the 97th Co. being billeted with Regimental Headquarters at Doucey and the 82nd Co. in Vavray-le-Grande. Training schedule was put into effect and followed until May 19th. The 97th Co. was assigned as a load- ing detail for the 2nd Division and proceeded to Vitry-le-Francois May 16th. On May 19th at 10 :00 p. m. the 82-83-84th Com- panies and Battalion headquarters marched to Vitry- le-Francois, a distance of 17 kilometers, arriving at JPost de command. THIRD BATTALION 11 4 :30 a. m. Breakfast was served at 5 :00 a. m. on loading platform and entire battalion entrained and left at 5 :30 a. m. At 5:55 p. m. May 20tli, arrived at risle-Adam and detrained, marching to Nesle-le-Ville, five kilo- meters distant, for billets. Marched at 8 :00 a. m. May 21st, arriving at Marines at 4:44 p. m. where battalion billeted for the night. May 22nd marched at 6 :(X) a. m., arriving at Mon- tagny-en-Vexin at 10:30 a. m. and billeted together with the 2nd Battalion, remaining there until May 31, A training program including divisional terrain exercise was carried out. Men were issued clothing and equipment and the battalion was put in first class condition in all respects. OPERATIONS CHATEAU-THIERRY SECTOR The 30th of May, 1918, found the Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, stationed at IMontagny-en-Vexin. Regimental Field Order No. 2, of that date contemh plated a march movement to a new area to begin at 11 :00 a. m., on the 31st. The following order was received at 6 :00 p. m. on the 30th : ''Headquarters, Sixth Regiment, Marine Corps, A. E. F., France, 30 May 1918. MEMORANDUM : 1. Advance information official received that this Regiment will move at 10:00 p. m. 3C May by bus to new area. All trains shall be loaded at once and arran Clements hastened. Orders will follow. Wagons 12 HISTORY OF THE when loaded will move to Serans to form train. By order of Colonel Catlin: F. E. Evans, Major, U. S. M. C, Adjutant. tf Sometime after 10:00 p. m. same date, this regi- mental memorandum was received: *'The 3rd Battalion will take Camions at Serans at 4 :45 a. m. tomorrow, 31 May, for 8 hour trip. Destination Meaux." At 3 :00 a. m. battalion left Monta^y for Serans where a hot breakfast was served from the kitchens which had been sent ahead. Camions were boarded at 8:30 a. m. After a day and night in the tru Necessary movement of runners and scouts in the vicinity of our P. C. and observation from low fly- ing enemy planes soon brought down a very heavy fire from the enemy artillery upon the ravine in which P. C. was located. Several of these high explosive shells landed directly in the ravine and caused rather heavy casualties among the Battalion Scouts, Head- quarters Company and some of the machine gun units. Some machine guns were put out of commission. By 10:30 a. m. the 84th and 83rd companies, sent forward to re-enforce the first and 2nd Battalions had joined the first line and were participating in the attack. Reports from the Scout Officer who had been sent forward about 9 :10 a. m. and had established an observation post at the point where the Battalion P. C. was later established, indicated that the ad- THIRD BATTALION 37 vanced line was at that time (10:30 a. m.) two kilo- meters east of Vierzy. The Scout Officer's report also stated that the troops were being subjected to very heavy direct enemy artillery fire and to the cross-fire from numerous German machine guns ad- vantageously placed in the woods to the front and flanks. During this time nothing was heard from our own artillery. At about 10:40 a. m. reports came from both the 84th and the 83rd companies that they had suffered very heavy casualties, at that time estimated to be over sixty per cent, and that further advance was almost impossible without re-enforcements. Liaison between adjoining companies was maintained but was rendered extremely difficult because of the open country and the activity of snipers, machine guns and direct artillery fire. At about 10:45 a. m. the Battalion P. C. began moving to cross-roads about 200 yards south of the point 8160. At 10:55 a. m. the follov/ing message was sent: ''From: Hq. 3rd Btn. At: P. C. Date: 19 July 1918 — 10:55 a. m. by runner. To: C. 0. 6th. Your message saying your P. C. moving just re. ceived. My P. C. at that point at present. Am look- ing for another one. Shelling in this vicinity now. (Signed) Sibley." Shortly after 11:00 a. m. a runner from the 83rd Company Commander reported that the 83rd com- pany was held up by a machine gun fire on the left. 38 HISTORY OF THE The g-eneral situation on that flank appeared to be serious and the 82nd company, held in support, was ordered to re-inforce the front line, advancing east- ward along the line taken by the 83rd company, (left center), and to connect up the line between that company and the 2nd battalion. On the right the 84th Company, after suffering heavy casualties, dashed across the remaining open space and occupied a strong point in the woods half a kilometer north of Tigny. The company commander having been evacuated, what was left of the com- pany was now led by Lt. Mason. Twenty-six men, including 1 officer, 4 machine guns, 1 trench mortar and a projector ;were captured. The position taken was an unusually strong one and as shown by in- formation subsequently received was considered by the enemy an important strong point. Just prior ta this the reports received from the 84th company and from the 1st Battalion indicating heavy casual- ties, caused Major Sibley to order the 97th company from a support position into the line with orders to re-inforce the left of the first battalion and con- nect up with the 84th company. At that time the town of Tigny was still held by the Germans and, according to report received from Major Hughes of the first battalion, nothing less than a regiment would be able to drive them out. The following message was sent to Col. Lee, the Regimental Commander: THIRD BATTALION 39 ''From: Hq. 3rd Btn. 6th. At: P. C. Date: 19 July 1918, by runner. To: C. 0. 6th. Scout officer has just returned from Major Hughes. Says that Hughes is in a cut in road whose co-ordinates are 285-178.9 and that he has but about 100 men left. 97th as well as 84th have reinforced him and they are nearly all casualties. Germans still hold Tigny. Major Hughes stated need rein- forcements badly, nothing less than a regiment suf- ficient. (Signed) Sibley. T During the progress of the fight the platoon of the 81st company and the 77th machine gun company had been detached from this command by regimental orders and assigned to duty elsewhere. The separate platoon from the 73rd company and the 15th machine gun company and also the headquarters company, however, still remained as reserve for this battalion. Shortly before midday an urgent request was re- ceived from the 84th company for re-inforcements. The Headquarters company and the platoon from the 73rd machine gun company were then ordered to re- enforce Lt. Mason in the strong point held by him and the remaining officers and men of the 84th com- pany. The following message was then sent to Regi- mental Commander: "From: Hq. Third Btn. 6th. At: P. C. Date: 19 Julv 1918—12:05 p. m. by runner. To: C. 0. 6th. In reply to your verbal message, 97th company is now with Major Hughes, approximately 179-285, has 40 HISTORY OF THE about 50 men left. 84th company is between 97th. and 83rd. Has about 40 men. 83rd Co. is about 179-286, estimated about 50 per cent casualties, 82nd Co. has been sent to reinforce 83rd Co. on its left; casualties unknown, said to be heavy. Headquarters Co. is now advancing" to support 84th Co. on its right. Their casualties unknown. Vicinity of this P. C. now being shelled. (Signed) Sibley. '^ (Note) — Information had not reached the Battalion Commander at this time that the 77th company and the platoon of the 81st company had been disposed of by the Regimental Commander. The 15th machine gun company was ordered to re-inforce the reserve line occupied by the 2nd engineers. At about 12 :40 p. m. the following message was received from the Regimental Commander: *'From: C. O. 6th. At: P. C. Date : 19 July 1918—12 :15 p. m. No. 9 by runner. To: C. 0. 3rd Btn. Has the town of Tingy been taken by our troops? If you don't know find out. If you are stopped, dig in. There are French troops on our right. Ammuni- tion for M. G. and Chauchat has been asked for. (Signed) Lee." At 12 :45 p. m. the following message sent to all companies : THIRD BATTALION 41 ''From; Ilq. 3rd Btn. 6th. At: P. C. Date: 19 July 1918—12:45 p. m. To: All Companies. Hold the line you now have — dig in — g:et in touch with Cos on your right and left. Reinforcements coming. (Signed) Sibley." At 12:50 p. m. the following message was sent to Regimental Commander: ''From: C. 0. 3rd Btn. 6th. At: P. C. Date: 19 Julv 1918—12:50 p. m. by runner. To: C. 0. 6th. Tigny had not been taken by our troops at 12:00 noon. Believe it has not been taken since. Am send- ing to verify this. Have just received information that enemy is massing troops to front and left of our 84th Company. Have no further troops to send to their assistance or to stop enemy counter attack. Re- ported ammunition getting short. Can some be sent from rear? I have no troops to send back for am- munition. Have ordered cc«npanies to dig in. (Signed) Sibley." "From: Hq. 3rd Btn. 6th. At: P. C. Date: 19 July 1918 — 1:20 p. m. by runner. To: C. 0. 6th. 1 :15 p. m. Scout has just returned and says that Tingy has not been taken. Major Hughes sent word that he is trving to hold what he now has and that he was expecting reinforcements from this Battalion. I have no more troopsi to send him. (Signed) Sibley." 42 HISTORY OF THE At about 2:30 p. m. it became necessary to have the exact location of the companies and Lieutenant Marshall, the Scout officer, was sent to get this in- formation. At about 4 :00 p. m. the Battalion P. C. was moved about 200 yards to the southward and located in a cut in the road to give a little better cover. At about 4:30 p. m. the following message was re- ceived : ''From: C. 0. 6th Regt. At: P. C. Date : 19 July 1918—3 :45 p. m. No. 10 by runner. To: C. 0. 1st, 2nd, 3rd Btns., Hqrs. Co., 1st En., 2nd Engrs. The Division Commander directs us to dig in and hold our present line at all costs. No further ad- vance will be made for the present. He congratulates the command on its gallant conduct in the face of severe casualties. Let me have a sketch of your position and dispo- sition. Ammunition at crossroads 122 southeavSt of Vierzy. (Signed) Lee." This message was sent in reply: "From: Hq. 3rd Btn. 6th Marines. At: P. C. Date: 19 July 1918—5 :00 p. m. No. 6 by runner. To: C. 0. 6th Regt. Your No. 10 just received — trying to consolidate positions and get companies into some kind of a line where they can dig in and hold. Accompanying sketch shows best information we have regarding dis- position. Believe positions of companies somewhat inaccurate. Am checkicg this up and will forward another sketch later. (Signed) Sibley, per Bellamy." THIRD BATTALION 43 After Lieutenant Marshall's return from the front line with definite information as to the positions of the companies, the following report was sent to the Regimental Commander: ''From: C. 0. 3rd Btn. At: P. C. Date : 19 July 1918—8 :05 p. m. No. 7 by runner. To: C. 0. 6th Regt. Lieut. Marshall has just returned from a most per- ilous trip which he voluntarily made to our entire front line. Am enclosing sketch of positions held at present. Situation worse than I had wished to believe. According to best information received present strength is as follows: 97th Co 4 Officers 50 men 84th Co 3 Officers 50 men 83rd Co 4 Officers 100 men 82nd Co 4 Officers 140 men Hqrs. Co. ( ?) . . 1 Officer 45 men 16 385 Also Battalion Hqrs. 4 officers 30 men. Strength of Bn. (estimated) this morning was 36 officers, 850 men. So far as known those unaccounted for are casualties. Quite likely some can be located later. It is reported that the fields between our P. C. and the front contain many killed and wounded. No facilities here for sending out wounded unable to walk. Under present conditions it wdll be very difficult to reorganize companies even under cover of dark- ness. Will continue holding line until we can be re- enforced or relieved. Companies have done all dig- ging possible under circumstances. Will continue to dig in all that conditions permit. 44 HISTORY OP THE On account of greatly weakened fighting force im- practicable to send out carrying parties to bring enough necessary water and provisions. In front line canteens are practically all empty and very fewi remaining rations. Can water and rations be sent to us or a relief sent? We have no flares, pyrotechnics or flare pistols, have no hand grenades. Consider- able amount of rifle ammunition remaining. Also some Chauchat. Many of their chauchats out of ac- tion because of loss of men. (Signed) Sibley." During these operations and during the entire day communications were accomplished with extreme difl:iculty. The Battalion P. C. was under continu- ous hostile artillery fire, also aeroplane observation and occasional fire from their machine guns. There was great need for water all along the line and wound- ed were sent to the rear only with great difficulty. Because of the lack of stretchers only walking cases could be moved. It had not been possible to serve a meal before the march was begun that morning and a small amount of reserve rations were all that the men had to eat. Notwithstanding the great difficulty, reduced fighting strength of the companies and the exhaus- tion of the men and their lack of food and water for eighteen hours, preparations were made for the con- solidation of the positions gained during the battle. Plans were made with the assistance and co-opera- tion of the first Battalion, 2nd Engineers under Major Fox, to dig trenches and put up wire as soon as dusk obscured enemy observation it was possible THIRD BATTALION 45 to move the wounded from the front line to the rear. Motor trucks from the supply train assisted in this work. At 8 :30 p. m. the following message was received ; ''From: C. 0. 6th Regiment. At: P. C. Date: 19 July 1918—7:30 p. m. by runner. To: C. 0. 3rd Bn., 1st Bn., 2nd Bn. You will have guides for three companies of your battalion at the crossroads southwest of Vierzy about south of letter ''R" in Vierzy, co-ordinate 176.2- 285.7 at nine thirty (9:30) p. m. tonight, your en- tire battalion will be relieved and also Hqrs. Co., but guides for three companies are required as a French Battalion only consists of three (3) companies. Bring in all wounded when relieved. By direction, (Signed) W. H. Sitz, Capt. U. S. M. C In accordance with the above order guides from this battalion arrived at the designated rendezvous at the hour specified, and at midnight were in turn met by the fii^t Battalion of the 11th Tirrailleurs (French). Relief by this Battalion began about 1 a. m. and was completed at 4 :30 a. m. The companies when relieved assembled in the woods south of Beaure Paire farm where rations had been provided by the Battalion Quartermaster and they were given breakfast. In accordance with orders received from the Regimental Commander the Bat- talion was marched at 8 :15 a. m. to the edge of the Foret de Retz near Translor Farm and bivouacked there with the rest of the Regiment. At this time a 46 HISTORY OF THE check was made and losses during the previous day's fighting were estimated as follows: w f ^ .-». m ego (0 e m P P «5*cr?3 ^ 2 Cu • 3 c a- '< • • (T • a O.' M. 1 O. M. O. M. O. M. 1 O. M. Btn. Hdqrs. 5 6 82nd Co 6 217 4 1 55 10 1 69 83rd Co 6 212 5 3 51 2 3 58 84th Co.... 7 201 6 4 72 23 4 101 97th Co.... 7 213 12 4 105 15 4 132 Total. . . 31, 849 27 12 283 50 12 360 O. 5 5 3 3 3 M. 6 148 154 10 81 The casualties amounted to 39 per cent of the of- ficers and 42 per cent of the men present with the Battalion on the morning of July 19th.* The advance which this Battalion made in the bat- tle was over an open stretch of two and one-half or three kilometers. Half of this distance, however, was behind the lines already occupied by our troops but nevertheless exposed to continuous enemy artillery fire. The advance of the companies was in all cases cool and fearless in the face of tremendous hostile fire. They were stopped only when loss in numbers made further advance impossible. "While in bivouac near Translor Farm July 20th, the Battalion suffered three casualties from falling tree trunks and during the night of July 20-21 was subjected to intermittent long range shell fire. Seven- teen casualties, including one death, resulted fromi this. ♦This is orig-inal estimate, made July 20th, and has not been corrected to comply with latest revised reports. THIRD BATTALION 47 At noon July 21 Battalion moved about three kil- ometers westward to a point near St. Christine, where a halt was made until 7 :25 p. m., when, in accord- ance w4th orders from Regimental Headquarters, the Battalion moved ten kilometers due west to a point near Taille-Fontaine. On July 23 some clothes were issued. TRAININO This battalion joined Regimental column at 3 :00 a. m., July 24. Regiment marched westward approxi- mately fifteen kilometers and bivouacked for night in woods one kilometer southwest of town of Levignen. At 8 :00 a. m. next day Regiment marched to the town of Nanteuil-le-Haudouin and battalion was billeted there. A training program was put into effect here. Remained in this town until 7 :00 a. m. July 31 when battalion entrained and proceeded to Nancy, arriv- ing there August 1, 1918 at 10 :30 a. m. The wagon train and troops were unloaded one kilometer outside of the city limits and marched 15 kilometers to Chaligiiy-le-Mont where our advance billeting party met the incoming battalion at about 6 p. m. The batallion stayed in this town from August 1st to August 7th, during which time daily drills by companies were carried out, as well as swimming in- structions for the entire battalion. While in this place about 5 per cent of the battalion were allowed a short liberty in Nancy, the first liberty in several months. 48 HISTORY OF THE Field Order No. 21, Second Division, Au^st 5, 1918, received August 6, 1918, directed a change of station, the Division taking over the sector of Mar- bache. This battalion was to move on August 7 to Sexey-le-Bois and Aingeray, but the following order received on morning of August 7, 1918, changed our destination to Liverdun. ''Headquarters Second Division (Regular) American Expeditionary Forces. France, 5 August 1918. From: Chief of Staff. To: Commanding General, 4th Brigade. Subject: Station of troops. 1. The Division Commander directs me to trans- mit to you the following instructions: Under orders from Headquarters, 32nd Army Corps, (French) the battalion of 6th Marines, or- dered to proceed to Sexey-le-Bois^ — Aingeray, on August 7, for station will instead proceed to Liver- dun for station. The battalion will march via Sexey- le-Bois in time to arrive at Liverdun NOT EARLIER than 1 p. m., August 7, 1918. PRESTON BROWN, Colonel, General Staff, Chief of Staff." In accordance with this order at 2 p. m. on August 7th the Battalion left Chaligny-leMont and proceeded to the town of Liverdun, a distance of approximately 22 kilometers, arriving there at about 7:30 p. m. This battalion was in reserve in "barrage position'^ at Liverdun, together with 2nd Battalion of 23rd Infantry. The following message was sent after our arrival in Liverdun. THIRD BATTALION 49 Headquarters, Third Battalion, Sixth. Regiment, Marine Corps, A. E. F. France, 7 August, 1918. MEMORANDUM. For Reg-imental Commander. 1. In accordance with Division Field Order No. 21, August 5 as modified by Division letter of 6 Aug- ust, 1918, this battalion left Chaligny at 2:00 p. m., proceeded to Liverdun and took station there at 7 :30 p. m., this date. 15th Machine Gun Company ar- rived from Haudiomont and took station with this Battalion. B. W. Sibley, Major, U. S. M. C, Commanding Btn." The following communication was received on August 7 relative to the barrage position: ''Headquarters, Second Division (Regular.) Ajuerican Expeditionary (Forces. France, 6 August, 1918. From: Chief of Staff. To: C. G., 4th Brigade. Subject: Barrage Position. 1. The Battalion of the 23rd Infantry, stationed at Liverdun and the Battalion of the 6th Marines, stationed at Sexey-le-Bois, on completion of the move- ment of the division to the Marbache sector will oc- cupy the barrage position. The senior battalion com- mander of the two battalions will command the troops occupying this barrage position. 2. Please direct Major Sibley, 6th Marines, Com- manding Officer of the battalion at Sexey-le-Bois, to call on and confer with Colonel Jacques, 145th Territorial Infantry (French) at Sexey-le-Bois, with the least practicable delay and obtain full informa- tion and instructions about the position. By Command of Major General LeJeune: PRESTON BROWN, Colonel, General Staff, Chief of Staff. 50 HISTORY OF THE Hq. 4th Brigade, Marine Corps, Am. E. F. 6 August, 1918 To: Major Sibley, 6th Marines. 1. Forwarded for your information. By command of Brigadier General Neville: (Signed) Carl R. Dietrich, 2nd Lt. For and in the absence of H. Lay, Major, Adjutant." The battalion remained in this town until the 14th of August. During this time there were billeted in the same town the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry; a detachment of the 24th Regt. of Engrs. ; the 15th Ma- chine Gun Company, which was assigned to this bat- talion, and numerous French troops, which made the procuring of drinking water difficult. A regular routine, consisting of drills, swimming instructions, etc., was arranged and carried out during the stay in this place. Plans were also made with the French Engineers for working on the trench system of the barrage position. Here also, liberty parties consist- ing of 25 per cent of each company were allowed 24 hours in the city of Nancy. Several nights German bombing planes passed over this place and dropped bombs, none of which landed in the city and no casualties resulted. On August 8th Major Sibley received notification of his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. On August 9th notification was received that seven days' leave for 5 per cent of the officers and men would be granted. Two officers left on August 11th, but leaves for men were not received from Regimental Headquarters until August 25. THIRD BATTALION 51 At 9:16 a. m. August 14 the following telephone message was received while the battalion was in the field : ''Telephone message Syke-6. at 2nd Division Hq. 9:16 a. m. August 14, 1918. This message just received: Copy to Col. Sibley and Maj. Fechet. ' ' The two battalions at Liverdun must be ready to march at 1 :00 p. m. today. Going to an area where will be cut off from the railhead for a couple of days. Better take 4 or 5 days' rations if you can get them. Inspect your billets as other troops will be in and an inspector will be over from Div. Headqrs. also. Leave no salvage here." Received by Sgt. Major Akers, 3rd Btn., 6th Marines. At 12 :30 p. m. the same date the following was re- ceived : ''ORDERS received from Division Headquarters by telephone, 12:30 p. m., Aug. 14, 1918. To: C. 0. 3rd Btn., 6th Marines. You will give the necessary orders for the move- ment at 1 :00 p. m., August 14th of the 3rd Btn., 6th Marines and the 2nd Btn., 23rd Infantry to Chal- igny where you will receive further orders. Four to five days' rations should be carried. The billeting capacity of Chaligny is 57 officers and 2,300 men. (Reed. V Lt. Pierce.)" In accordance with the above the battalion left Liverdun shortly after 1 :00 p. m., arrived at Chal- igny about 7 :30 p. m. and was billeted for the night. At 12 :30 a. m., August 15, the following was re- ceived : 52 HISTORY OF THE ( i Headquarters, Second Division, American Expeditionary Forces. France, August 14, 1918, 10 :30 p. m. MEMORANDUM FOR 0. 0., Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, and C. 0., Second Battalion, Twenty-third Infantry : Moves for Aug'ust fifteenth (15th) : Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, to Autreville. Second Battalion, Twenty-third Infantry, to Ger- miny. Rations will be delivered to above places on the afternoon of August fifteenth (15). By command of Major General LeJeune: J. C. RHEA, Colonel, General Staff, A. C. of S., G-3." In accordance with the above the Battalion marched at 9 :00 a. m., a billeting party having left at 8 a. m. The march was made at a steady pace and halts were made for dinner and supper. The Battalion arrived at Autreville at about 9:15 p. m. with no absentees after a total of about 50 kilometers of marching in a day and one-half. This niove was made in accordance with Field Orders No. 22, 2nd Division, August 14, 11 :00 a. m., which orders, however, were not received by us until the night of 15 August, 1918. The Battalion remained at Autreville until Aug- ust 21 and followed a regular routine of drills, etc. About 8 :30 p. m., August 20, verbal orders were re- ceived to move out at 7 :00 a. m. the following morn- ing for Camp Bois-de-rEveque, 28 kilometers away. The start was made as per instructions at 7 :00 a, m. and the camp was reached at about 6 :30 p. m. Dur- THIRD BATTALION 53 ing the stay at this camp a specified routine was fol- lowed out consisting of practice maneuvers, gas in- struction, bombing practice and rifle range prac- tice. On Sunday, August 25th, the Battalion participated in the ceremonies attending the presentation of awards for gallantry in action in accordance with the following orders : "Headquarters, Sixth Regiment, Marine Corps, Am. E. F., 24 Ausrust, 1918. MEMORANDUM to Lieut. Colonel Sibley: Colonel Lee directs that your battalion be the bat- talion representing this regiment in the ceremonies at Bois-de-PEveque tomorrow at ten o'clock a. m., full details of which are given in the attached memo- randum from division headquarters. The uniform for these ceremonies will be blouses, helmets and field equipment less the pack. W. H. Sitz, Captain, U. S. M. C, Adjutant. P. S. — The Colors will be sent to you by truck leav- ing here at 7 :00 a. m. tomorrow morning. W. H. Sitz." At 9 :30 a. m. August 25, the following instructions from Regimental Headquarters were received through Colonel Holcomb: "Headquarters, Sixth Regiment, Marine Corps, Am. E. F., 24 August, 1918. MEMORANDUM to Lieut. Col. Holcomb: The 1st battalion will leave Harmonville at five o'clock p. m. tomorrow afternoon for Camp Bois de 54 HISTORY OF THE TEveqne. Colonel Lee wishes you to notify the 3rd battalion, now located at Bois de TEveque, that they will commence their march for Harmonville also at 5:00 p. m. tomorrow. It will not be necessary for Colonel Sibley to send any billeting party to this as arranorements will be made with the Headquarters Company stationed here to learn where the billets are that are now occupied by the 1st battalion and to meet the 3rd battalion upon their arrival here to direct them to these billets. W. H. SITZ, Captain, U. S. M. C, Adjutant.'' In accordance with this, the Battalion left Camp Bois-de-rEveque at 5:00 p. m. for Harmonville, ai distance of 28 kilometers and arrived at the town at approximately 2 :00 a. m., August 26th, where they proceeded to billets previously occupied by the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines. Here again a regular routine of drills and forma- tions was taken up and followed daily. OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS ST. MIHIEL SALIENT. Verbal orders w^ere received during the day Sep- tember 1st, to stand-by to leave in camions that night. Preparations for leaving were made at once and the Battalion stood by all night awaiting orders to leave. Early September 2nd word was received that the movement was to be by marching and at 9 :00 p. m., September 2nd, the Battalion moved out in accord- ance with the followinor order: m XA^^hE: ^ ^^""^^^^ o *^ ^ ^^*^ (72 ^^ >f^ -/^ o ^^ — Jump 18 unti <^ OS J^y^^x^ • ^1 \^ wcat/nk. .2i ^ / V C3 ' w V ^ •^ 0) . -••^^Nk «^ :a a ^ ^ (St. Mi tion 11 ^Isk****^ ^ _^m- •1— • ^S\ N • • ^ ■^ 25^ \C-'*Jc s (v i§ V >> . \VX ^\^ ^ s H Ejvyp'^'^ w viA4.€i,-^S^ a a >^^ ». "^ // ^ CO c ff ^^^ ^.^"^"^T^^^TH^^s^ a. 2 C3 •♦J rk\ THIRD BATTALION 55 ** Headquarters, Sixth Rej2:iment, Marine Corps, Am. E. P., France, 2 September, 1918. SECRET FIELD ORDER No. 11. Map: Nancy-Commercy 1:80,000. Hour, 3:15 p. m. 1. The 2nd Division is to move to another area by marchinof. This regiment will mar-ch in accordance with march table. Annex 1, of Field Orders No. 24, 2nd Division, dated September 2, 1918. 2. The Regimental M. G. Company and 3 Stokes Mortars, 37 mm. and pioneer platoons of the Head- quarters Company, under command of senior officer present, will leave Camp Bois I'Eveque at 8:45 p. m. September 3rd and will join the regiment at Pierre la Triche at 10:45 p. m. 3. Organization commanders will make every ef- fort to conceal this movement and troops on the march, in bivouac, or in billets will be disposed ac- cordingly. 4. "While the movement is in progress, organiza- tions will endeavor to keep in touch wath the Regi- mental Headquarters as m.uch as possible. 5. Regimental Headquarters will close here at 9 :20 p. m., September 2nd, and will be at the head of the 3rd Battalion night of September 2-3 and thereafter at head of column. 6. Battalions will march with an interval of 100 yards between companies and trains T\dth an interval of 100 yards between each six vehicles. 7. Trains will follow units to which attached. March discipline and traffic regulations will be strict- ly enforced. By order of Colonel Lee : T. Holcomb, Lieut. Col., U. S. M. C, Operations Officer." 56 HISTORY OF THE Arriving at Thuilley at 1:30 a. m. September 3rd, Battalion was billeted in camouflaged camp in out- Bkirts of town and men kept under cover through.- out the day. At 8 :30 p. m. September 3rd, the march was again taken up in a general northerly direction, arriving in the Bois-de-Chaudeney at 1 :40 a. m., September 4th. Here troops were bivouacked and rested until dusk. Moving out at 9 :1Q p. m. the Battalion arrived, :after much delay due to congested traffic on roads, in the Bois St. Gencoult at 2:45 a. m., September 5th. Some training by small units was carried on liere and at 5 :00 a. m. September 6th, Captain L. M. Bourne and Second Lieutenant N. F. Dougherty arrived with 93 replacements and casuals. Captain Bourne was assigned to the command of the 84th Company and Lieut. Dougherty assigned to the 83rd Company. The enlisted men were divided among the four companies so as to make the approximate strength of each 220 men. September 7th Col. Sibley, with commanding offi- cers of the other battalions, left at 3 :00 a. m. to reconnoiter the front line. The trip was made on horseback, covering 65 kilometers and returning at 11 :00 p. m. the same day. On this date Major Gen- eral LeJeune inspected certain companies of this battalion. Captain J. H. Johnston reported for duty with the Battalion September 8th and was assigned to take command of the 82nd Company. THIRD BATTALION 57 At 8:50 p. m., September 9th, in accordance with instructions received from Reg^imental Commander, the Battalion moved out toward the Bois de la Rappe. Col. Sibley had preceded the Battalion in a side car in order to reconnoiter area for bivouac and Captain Berry took command for the night's march. After much delay due to congestion of traffic on roads, the Battalion arrived in the Bois de Manoncourt at 6 :30 a. m. and bivouacked for the day, resuming march at 7 :15 p. m. and arriving in the Bois de la Rappe at 9 :00 p. m. in a heavy rain. Here the Battalion re- mained all day the 11th making preparations for en- gaging the enemy. Two hundred and fifty replace- ments reported and were apportioned among the companies; blanket rolls were stored, two extra ban- doleers of ammunition were issued to each man, extra chauchat ammunition and rifle grenades were issued and 20 per cent of the total strength of each com- pany designated to be kept out of the battle. The fighting strength of the Battalion after the 20 per cent were separated remained 21 officers and 918 men. To this were added one officer and thirty men from the Stokes Mortar platoon (3 guns), one officer and fourteen men from the one pounder section (one gun), forty pioneers for wire cutting and one officer and seven enlisted men from the engineers for co- operation with the tanks. Never before had the Bat- talion gone into an attack so well organized and equipped. Every emergency had been provided for and the success of the affair seemed assured. 58 HISTORY OP THE The tentative plan of attack for this regiment was received during the afternoon of the 11th and ex- plained in detail to all officers by the Battalion Commander. At 7:00 p. m. regimental order was received stat- ing that the hour of the attack was to be 5 :00 a. m., September 12th. This Battalion was to move to the jumping off trenches in the southern limits of Limey as early in the evening of September 11th as prac- ticable. It was to be in position before 1 :00 a. m. September 12th when the artillery preparation was to commence. This Battalion was placed in the first line of the line of this Regiment, the Second being in support and the First on the left as liason with the 89th Division. Ahead of this Regiment was the 23rd Infantry. The companies of this Battalion were ar- ranged as follows: 82nd Company right front line, 83rd, left front line; 97th, right support, and 84th, left support. Just as the artillery preparation commenced the following message was sent: *'From: C. 0., 3rd Btn. At: P. C. Date: 12 Sept., 18, 1:08 a. m. No. 1. To: C. O, 6th. 3rd Btn. in position trenches south of Limey at 1 :00 a. m. Stokes Mortars and one-pounders have not arrived. Have liasion with 15th M. G. (Signed) Sibley. '^ The 15th Machine Gun Company referred to was the machine gun company assigned to support this Battalion. THIRD BATTALION 59 Before the attack started liasion was also made with Regimental Headquarters, 2iid Battalion 23rd Infantiy and the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines. At the hour of the attack, 5 :00 a. m., the 23rd Infantry moved off from its jumping off positions and was followed by this Battalion. There had been little re- sponse to our heavy artillery preparation and when the attack started there was no indication that the infantry w^as meeting heavy opposition. The P. C. of this battalion, which had been in Limey during the artillery preparation, moved forward at 6 :15 a. m. and established itself in what had been the jumping off place for the front line, 23rd Infantiy. Messages were received about 7 :00 a. m. from all the companies of this Battalion that they were following the Infan- try advance at 1,000 yards distance and were in liasion with the elements on the right and left. The advance continued across the hills to the north of Limej^ and at 8 :30 our own front line entered the Bois Haie VEvteque, when the following message was sent: ''Prom: 3rd Btn. At: P. C. Date: 12 Sept. 15, No. 3. To: C. 0., 6th. Entering Bois Haie I'Eveque and still progressing. (Signed) Sibley." Two hours later Battalion had passed through this woods and was reorganizing for further advance, considerable work had to be done in reorganizing, inasmuch as two of the companies (82nd and 97th), 60 HISTORY OP THE in going through the woods, had moved to the left of the sector. The advance continued with no fur- ther opposition and with very slight casualties from shell fire. At 1 :00 p. m. the following message was Bent : ''From: 3rd Btn. At : P. C. Date ; 12 Sept. 13, 1 :00 p. m. No. 5. To: C. 0. 6th Marines, via C. 0. 2nd Btn. Advancing on THIAUCOURT and about 1 1-2 K. from it. Casualties slight. (Signed) Sibley.' ft The advance on Thiaucourt was uninterrupted and the town was skirted by us at about 2 :00 p. m., two of our companies having crossed the river just to the west of town. The other two companies (82nd and 97th) were following in the rear, having become some- what detached. Positions were taken up to the north and northeast of Thiaucourt and at 4 :00 p. m. the fol- lowing message was sent indicating the general sit- uation : ''From: 3rd Btn. At : P. C. Date : 12 Sept. Hour 4 :00 p. m. No. 5. To: C. 0. 6th. About an hour or two or more ago we passed to the north of Thiaucourt and took up position about 1,000 yards behind 23'rd Infantry with the two companies that remain with us. Enemy shelling our lines, and Infantry fell behind us. Now are in position again. Our two remaining companies have just reported THIRD BATTALION 61 in, and are being placed. However, all units ara badly disorganized and out of position. We need rations if possible, some ambulances for a few wounded, and counter work. Artillery has been silent for several hours. (Signed) Sibley." At this time the 23rd Infantry was about 1,000 yards behind the army line and were subjected to heavy direct artillery fire ; a rearward movement was noticed and two companies of this Battalion were pushed out to support the line. The 82nd and 97th companies reporting up at this time, were given po- sitions on the right in support of the 23rd Infantry^ where they spent the night. About 5 :00 p. m. the original line was re-established. The Battalion P. C. was established in the power house building 500 yards northeast of Thiaucort. That night and the following morning were passed quietly. The P. C. of this Battalion was moved to a dugout on the northeast outskirts of town at 1 ;00 p. m., the 13th. Orders were received that day from Regimental Headquarters that this Battalion would relieve the front line, held by the 23rd Infantry, at dusk. The companies were assigned as indicated in the following order: ''From: C. 0. 3rd Btn. At : P. C. Date: 13 Sept. 1918, 6:00 p. m. No. 6. To : C. 0. all Companies. In accordance with Regimental orders the com- panies of this battalion will take over positions as 62 HISTORY OP THE reconnoitered this p. m. 82nd Go. right front line, 83rd Co. left front line, 84th Co. left support, 97th Co. right support. This will be accomplished at dusk and completed at dark. Report to these headquar- ters as soon as relief is completed. One platoon of 15th M. G. Co. will support right front company an- other will support left front Co. and another will be in reserve; Stokes Mortars and one-pounder detach- ment iWll remain in reserve and will occupy position, now held for present. By order of Lt. Col. Sibley. (Signed) David Bellamy, Adj.^* This relief was completed by 12 midnight. Patrols were also sent out to the right and left front by the front line companies and information sent back that liasion was established with units on the right and left front and that of patrols. The following order was received at 6:00 p. m., the 14th. ''From: C. 0. 6th Regt. At: P. C. Thiaucourt. Date : 14 Sept. 13—5 :40 p. m. To : C. 0. 3rd Btn. 6th. Operations Memo No. 2. In compliance with verbal instructions from the Brig. Comdr. you will advance your line to the ar- my line this evening as soon as light conditions are favorable. By this line is meant the high ground in your front extending from a point Northeast of JAULNY to the North of Xammes. Arrange the dis- position of your local support to suit the terrain and your own judgment. 2. The first Btn. of this Regt. is under orders to execute a reconnaissance to a point about two (2) kilometers to the front, and a copy of the memo is herewith enclosed for your information. (Signed) Lee." THIRD BATTALION 63 At 11 :40 p. m. the following message was sent, explaining the situation at that time : "From: 3rd Btn. 6th. At: P. C. Date : 14 Sept. 13—11 :40 p. m. No. 1. To: C. 0. 6th Regt. Have just returned from reconnoitering the "ar- my line" and established a P. C. in the southeast- em edge of woods (Pill Box) co-ordinates 363.5- 242.3. Company commanders were taken out to center of this line and shown the positions which their com- panies are to occupy. Companies are now getting into position as best they can in darkness. 97th Co. will be on right front and 84th Co. on left front, 82nd and 83rd Cos. have been ordered to hold in. present positions until they can be more advantage- ously located. This cannot be done in darkness. Will send further report w^hen front line has been es- tablished. Two platoons of 15th m. g. Co. have been ordered to support new front line. They are also getting into position. Stokes Mortars and One- Pounders are left in reserve for present. Major Barker and his companies passed on their way north about 9 :00 p. m. Both new and old front line positions are being heavily shelled. At about 11 :00 p. m. aeroplanes dropped bombs in vicinity of cross roads 363.3-242.7, near our old front lines, where battalion P. C. was then located. Report of casualties not received, not believed to be heavy. (Signed) Sibley, D. B.'* The night of the 14th-15th was marked by heavy! shelling throughout the entire sector. At daylight on the morning of the 15th the Second Battalion, 64 HISTORY OF THE under Major "Williams, passed through our lines to occupy the Bois de la Montagny, Their advance drew upon us heavy shell fire. There was some un- certainty as to the location of the 1st and 2nd Bat- talions, and the following message was sent to all companies at 9:30 a. m., 15th. ''From: 3rd Btn. 6th R. At: P. C. Date: 15 Sept. 93 Or. No. 5. To : C. 0. 97th and 84th Cos. Following message just received from regimental t "8:10 a. m. Stay in place on army line till further orders, 2nd Battalion is separated into two bodies, one under Williams and one under Martin. 1st Btn» is in front in Bois de Montagny don't know where. Send patrols to front to locate them and have him (Major Barker) report over phone up at front. Phone in on line with W^illiams, follow^ wire up. "Lee" 84th and 97th Cos. will each send a patrol immediately to comply with this order. Runners bearing this message may be able to give information relating to location of phone wire run- ning to front. You will also make an effort to get in touch w^th both detachments of our 2nd Battalion. Please send us all information you have relative to conditions and keep us informed. Sibley." At 10 :30 a. m. a verbal message was received from Colonel Holcomb to send two platoons to support the front line on left in Bois de la Montagny (Hill 231.5) where it was reported that the Boche were counter attacking. Two platoons of the 83rd Company were dispatched at once and took up positions with the THIRD BATTALION 65 left of the 2nd Battalion, remaining there until 6 :00 p. m., when they were recalled by Regimental order. The entire sector and the vicinity of the P. C. were shelled during the day. Word was received from Regimental at 2 :00 p. m. that the Regiment w^ould be relieved at dark. Latet in the afternoon officers from the 310 Infantry (78th Division) reported to reconnoiter the positions held by this Battalion. The relief commenced shortly} after midnight and was completed at 3 :45 a. m., 16th. Battalion marched by platoons to the Bois d' Heich on the Thiaucourt-Regieville road, where it was bivouacked. The casualties during these operations amounted to: One officer wounded, seven men killed and forty-three wounded; also 15 men missing. Thirty- seven men were evacuated sick during this period.* TRAINING. At 1 :00 p. m. September 16, 1918, battalion marched from Bois I'Heich, arriving at Minorville at 7 :0O p. m, and bivouacking in woods one kilometen from Minorville, at dusk. Here the following officers reported from Army Infantry Specialists School: First Lieutenants Noble, McFarland and Marshall and Second Lieutenants Minter, Zook, Wilmot, Callan, Richardson and Beckwith. Battalion Head- quarters was established in a hospital barra-cks in *This report has not been revised to comply with latest official figures but is approximately correct. 66 HISTORY OF THE the town of IMinorville and the usual work of clean- ing up clothing, personnel and equipment, was be- gun. Some clothing was issued. The continued rain made the bivouac rather uncomfortable and effort was made to find billets for the men. On September 18th Col. Sibley was evacuated to S.O.S. hospital with eye trouble and overwork. This was the last the Battalion saw of the man who organ- ized, trained and commanded it through three major operations. Captain George K. Shuler reported as Battalion Commander the afternoon of September 18th. Verbal orders were received from Regimental Commander September 20 to prepare to move that day. Billeting party was sent out at 4 :00 p. m., the battalion marching at 6 :30 p. m. Continuing the march the battalion arrived at Choloy at 2 :30 a. m. September 21, and billeted. At 7:30 a. m., the 21st, orders were received from Regimental Com- mander directing Lieut. Marshall and two scouts to proceed to Regimental Headquarters in Poug from Vviience they would be taken on reconnoitering trip to the front. The usual 24 hours was devoted to cleaning up and resting after which a drill program was put into effect and carried out during the stay at this town. One day liberty within the divisional area, includ- ing Toul, was granted to 10 per cent of the command on the 23rd and 24th of September. Lieut. Marshall and two scouts returned from reconnoitering trip on the 25th. THIRD BATTALION 67 CHAMPAGNE OFFENSIVE. (Operations Near Blanc Mont Ridge.) In accordance with orders from Regimental Com- mander received the evening of September 26th, the battalion marched at 4:30 a. m., September 27th, to the entraining point at Domgermain. After hav- ing breakfast on the loading platform, battalion en- trained and left at 9:30 a. m. Arriving at Chalons- sur-Mame at 5 :30 p. m., the battalion detrained and marched to Moncetz, arriving at 9 :40 p. m., the 27th. Orders were received that battalion was to prepare to move at an hour's notice and the final touches of re-equipping and outfitting men were put on. At 4:00 p. m., September 28th, orders received for billeting party to assemble at Brigade Headquarters at Sarry immediately. The area was unknown but the general impression was that the movement was toward Suippes. This billeting party returned September 29th and battalion embussed in camions at 5 :30 p. m. that day, destination unknown. The trains had preceded the troops, leaving at 9 :00 a. m. for Somme-Suippea Camions proceeded through Chalons-sur-Marne where a cheering crowd lined the streets to pay tribute to their old friends, the Second Division. Debussing in northern outskirts of Suippes battalion marched to trenches two kilometers north of Suippes and bivouacked for the night, together with the other bat- talions of this reodment. 68 HISTORY OF THE The following day, September 30, this battalion moved to more comfortable quarters in a nearby French camp, where the kitchens were brought up. At 4:00 p. m. on the 1st of October, verbal instruc- tions were received by the battalion Commander that the battalion would move forward at dusk through Souain to the trenches south of Somme-Py. At 6 :00 p. m. the Regimental Commander called the battalion Commander, Scout Officer and one officer from each company to go forward and reconnoiter, it being then thought that this battalion would occupy trenches immediately to the south of the railroad running west from Somme-Py. The 20 per cent reserve as designated was left be- hind and the march of this battalion was begun at 8 p. m.. following the First battalion. Attached to this battalion were the 15th Machine Gun Company, Captain Kingman, two Stokes Mortars and one One- Pounder section. The road was heavily blocked with traffic and progress was slow. Pyrotechnics, hand grenades and engineering tools, but no V. B. gre- nades, were picked up enroute. The following mes- sage was received en route: ''From: Hq. 6th Regt. Date : 1 Oct. 1918—9 :35 p. m. To : C. 0. 3rd Btn. Your position in trenches Dusseldorf and Grot- tingue. Our regimental P. C. at 7863. Guides will meet you a little south of place we told you to go. Explain to them that you are third line Battalion. By order of Col. Lee. (Signed) Holcomb.*' THIRD BATTALION 69 At 4:30 a. m. this battalion took position in the trenches Dusseldorf and Gotting^e southwest of Somme-Py where the following order was received at 9 :25 a. m., October 2nd. ''From: C. 0. 6th Marines. At : P. C. 78—59. Date : 2 Oct. 18 — 9 :20 a. m. By runner. To : C. 0. 3rd Battalion. On ^^D" day and "H" hour I have warning that this regiment will advance in three echelons to the North and West against the positions held by the enemy in our immediate front in trenches Pacha and D 'Essen, then a little West of North to include Blanc-Mont. In this event, 2nd Battalion lead- ing with two companies in its front line and 2 in local support will be' followed by the 1st and 3rd respectively at about 800 to 1,000 metres. Simi- larly disposed and during the advance guarding carefully our left flank for the entire advance to Blanc ]\font. Precautions must be taken in each Bn. for flank protection as it is not knov>rn definitely that a flank guard wUl be provided. Precautions must be taken in each Btn. for combat liaison with the battalions on their right "of the 5th Regiment." It will be well if in each Btn. as many maps are marked to show the regimental sector and as much consideration of the maps be had as is possible be- fore "H" hour. The boundaries of the regimental sectors will be as follows : Western from 266.9-277.0 North to 277.7 then Northwest to 265.8-280.8 Eastern from 268.0-277.7 to 267.2-280.1. It is thought the order might make this the final 70 HISTORY OP THE objective where possibly the 3rd Brigade will leap- frog to conduct exploitation. Until orders are received make this your plan and be prepared to move to its execution before noon. Packs should be left at the jumping-off point under charge of one man from each platoon. In case of shortage of grenades search should be made for a supply in the sectors you now occupy. Impress all men with the fact that musketry is still KING and they have but to sit tight and shoot straight insuring superiority of fire and guaranteeing success. (Signed) Lee.^' At 10:50 a. m. an order from Regimental Com- mander was received postponing the attack for 24 hours. The next morning, October 3, at 5:10 a. m., the following order was received: , , ''From: C. 0. 6th Marines. At: P. C. Date : 3 Oct. 5 :00 a. m. By runner. To : C. 0. 1st, 2nd and 3rd Btns. 6th Marines. This division attacks this morning at 5 :50 a. m. 3rd Brigade on the right, 4th Brigade on the left. Direction of attacks and objectives as shown on at- tached sketch. This Brigade will attack in, column of regiments : The 6th Regiment in the first line, and the 5th forming the 2nd line or support. This regiment will take the usual form of attack, column of battalions; one battalion first line, one battalion in the second and one in the third. Distance between battalions about 1,000 yards. 2. There will be five minutes' artillery prepara- tion before the infantry attacks. At zero hour a roll- ing barrage will begin and will precede the infantry THIRD BATTALION 71 advance at the rate of 100 metres in four minutes to the objective where a standing barrage will be put on 300 metres beyond the objective for 30 minutes where the rolling barrage will continue for 1,400 metres further for the support of patrols and es- tablishment of outpost lines. 3. Tanks will be assigned as follows: One company (12 tanks) to the leading bat- talion of this regiment in the usual front line attack formation. One company (12 tanks) to the battalion of the second line this regiment taking position in rear of right and left flank to repel at- tacks and counter-attacks. These tanks will be under the command of the battalion commanders to which assigned. Each bat- talion will provide suitable flank protection for his own organization. The Commanding Officer of the 5th regiment will detail his rear battalion to watch the hook from the trenches on our left flank. If it is not necessary to attack the hook this battalion will advance as left flank guard. 4. All trooops will be in position at "H" minus two hours. 5. Attached is copy of division order just re- ceived 4:45 a. m. 6. P. C. of this regiment will remain in present position until the first objective is reached when it will be moved to a point 680.5-768.0. (Signed) Lee." According to above instructions this Battalion ad- vanced at 5:50 a. m. 1,000 yards in rear of First Battalion. The companies were placed as follows: 83rd on right, supported by 82nd ; 97th on left, sup- 72 HISTORY OP THE ported by 84th. Our P. C. advanced along the Boyau Landshut. The battalion advanced steadily until about 7 o'clock, when the 97th Company reported that it was held up by enemy machine gnn fire from the left, which caused a few casualties. At 7:30 four tanks were seen advancing upon these machine gun nests. Forty minutes later the 97th reported that machine guns were silenced and that they were advancing. We advanced without further trouble and with few casualties until about 9 :40 a. m., when Lieutenant Noble, 83rd Company, reported that the First Bat- talion had passed through the Second Battalion and had reached objective on the Blanc Mont ridge. This Battalion halted in reserve position 800 yards in rear of Second Battalion where it dug in. The following messages were sent as indicated and explain the situation at the end of the first phase of the attack: , ' ' From : 3rd Btn. 6th Regiment. Date : 3 Oct. 10 :10 a. m. No. 6. By runner. To : C. 0. 6th Regiment. I understand 1st Btn. has passed thru 2nd Btn. and holds objective. I am ordering my 83rd Co. which at present extends from road West to Boyau D* Ausborg at 267.3 and 280.2 to line 267.0. My 97th Co. which has reported in touch with 83rd. I will move to the West so as to occupy with that company one-third of the line. My 84th Co. will be placed on the left of the 97th. I have no report from 84th Co. but know that it has advanced in rear of 97th. My 82nd is now in rear of 83rd. I will move to a THIRD BATTALION 73 position in rear of center. My P. C. is at present at ^67.3-279.4 in trench D'Ansborg. I intend to move along trench running to the left. 2nd Bat- talion 5th Regiment Commander is about 200 yards to my rear. I have sent word to him to watch the left. No further report of casualties received. (Signed) Shuler." ''From: C. 0. 3rd Btn. Date : 3 Oct. 18 11 :43 a. m. No. 7. By runner. To : C. 0. 2nd Btn. 6th Marines. I have ordered my 84th Co. to take up position ex- tending from our left line Northeast to 266.5-280.0 My line extends from there to 267.6-280.3 I can help you support the left. Advise me what position would be best. Will you inform this runner of the location of Barker's P. C. and disposition of his compan- ies if possible. (Signed) Shuler.'^ ''From: C. 0. 3rd Btn. Date : 3 Oct. 11 :50 a. m. No. 9. By runner. To: C. 0. 2nd Btn. 6th Marines. Officer from 2nd Battalion 5th Regiment just came here and showed me orders IMessersmith to fill gap between 6th Marines on left and the French. He is proceeding to do so. (Signed) Shuler. "From: C. 0. 3rd Btn. 6th Regiment. Date : 3 Oct. 12 :10 p. m. No. 10. By runner. To: C. 0. 1st Btn. 6th Regiment. My P. C. 267.2-279.6 in trench. I am now getting my line established from 267.3 to 280.6 to 266.1 to 279.7. Just received message from "Williams stating enemy was circling left and asking for help. At same time this message was received Messersmith commanding second battalion 5th Marines showed > f 74 HISTORY OPTHE me his orders to immediately fill up any gap between 6th Marines and French on our left. ' ' The line of the Third Battalion as ordered in the above messages was exactly taken up. The following messages further explain the situa- tion which developed on left and the action taken: ''From: C. 0. 1st Bn. at P. C. Date: 3 Oct. 18 11:30 a. m. No. 11. By runner. To: C. 0. 3rd Bn. 6th Marines. Have reached our objective and consolidating line. 2nd battalion on our left, 23rd infantry on right. Left flank exposed. Expect counter-attack. Have you seen 5th Marines? Let us know your exact loca- tion of P. C. and your companies. (Signed) Barker.' j> ''From: C. 0. 3rd Bn. Date : 3 Oct. 11 :55 a. m. No. 8. By runner. To: C. 0. 6th Regiment. The following message just received from Major Williams, Second Battalion. We need support on, our left fl^ank. The French have not come up and our left is in the air. The enemy about 700 or 800 strong are going around our left and threaten an encircling movement. Can you give us any help. I sent message to Williams that I would give him support and asked his advice as to location for same. Between sending that message and writing this one Messersmith com- manding 2nd Bn. 5th Resriment showed me his or- ders from Commanding Officer 5th Regiment 'To immediately fill in any gap between 6th Regt. and the French on our left.' His order was to do so with- out further orders. I have sent Major Williams' run- ner to Messersmith to take back any message and THIRD BATTALION 75 have sent message to Major Williams informing him of Messersmith's orders. (Signed) Shuler." '^From: C. 0. 3rd Btn. Date : 3 Oct. 1 :30 p. m. No. 11. By runner. To: C. 0. 1st Btn. My Go's disposed as sketch shows. According to your co-ordinates farthest point on my line is about 800 metres in your rear with good communication through trench D'Ausbourg. However, if you want line closer can move it forward. Give me an idea of where you would like my line to better sup- port you. (Signed) Shuler." ''From: C. 0. 1st Btn. at P. C. Date : 3 Oct. 18 12 :40 No. 13. By runner. To : C. 0. 3rd Btn. 1st and 2nd Ball, on front line with no support. In need of a support line. Can you help us out. (Signed) Barker." When the line of this Battalion was established in support of the First and Second Battalions, the following situation became evident: The advance of our regiment had been unimpeded to the objective on the Blanc Mont ridge. But the French on our left had not advanced and in fact there w^as an ex- posed flank to the left of two or three kilometers. Our leading battalions in order to keep in touch with our brigade on the right, had veered slightly to the right and the dense woods on and approach- ing Blanc Mont had not been cleared of enemy ma- chine guns. It was to protect this flank that the line of the battalion was swung in a partial semi- 76 HISTORY OP THE circle as support to the left as indicated in the ahove ! messages. During the afternoon the 22nd Division, French, crossed our rear from the right and began cleaning up the woods on our left flank, from which a great deal of machine gun fire had been enfilading our [ positions. Elements of the 170th Division, French, ] also came up in support of us. ' Elements of the Fifth Regiment, which during the \ afternoon and early evening had been supporting i our left and center moved forward ahead of the line of this regiment (ridge road) during the evening and took up positions somewhat in advance. Our left flank was protected during the night of October 3, 4, by liaison patrols which connected up with the French. ' Water carts and ration carts with hot food were ■ brought up in the evening. Thereafter each night hot food was brought up to the men in the trenches by ! Battalion Quartermaster, Lieut. Herreid, from the rolling kitchens which were placed in the Bois de Somme-Py. At 6 :35 a. m., October 4th, a message was received from C. 0. 6th, stating that measures had been taken to strengthen our flank by the addition of chasseurs on our left and of other French troops on their front to our left. A lateral artillery barrage of heavy cali- bre was arranged for on the neutral ground on our left according to report. Combat liaison was estab- lished on left with 3rd Battalion, 67th Regiment, 22nd French Division at 9 :30 a. m. This French Division attacked on our left at 9:50 a. m. and advanced to THIRD BATTALION 77 the east. This advance however did not drive the enemy from their strong positions on Blanc Mont on our left flank. This was because the French turned to the left of Blanc Mont which point had been erroneously reported as taken. During the early morning and most of the day our positions were heavily shelled causing a number of casualties. At 11:05 a. m. Lieut. Church, Command- ing 84th Company sent word that he was shell- shocked and could not retain command of company. Lieut. Rowan was sent to take command of company. At 2 :20 p. m. verbal message from 84th company that all but two officers were casualties was received. Lieut. Roberts of 82nd Company was ordered to take command of the 84th. Phone message was received at 12:50 p. m. from Col. Lee stating that the 5th Regiment would attack at 2:30 p. m. in accordance with Division Field Or- der No. 37 ; the 6th Regiment would move off at same time, as support in following order ; Second Battalion Third Battalion and First Battalion. First Battalion was ordered to move out immediately to cover the left flank of the 5th Regiment on our front. Although the attack was to begin at 2 :30 p. m. the following message was received from the C. 0. 2nd Battalion at 2:20 p. m. and sent in immediately to C. 0. 6th. '^From: C. 0. 2nd Btn. at P. C. Date : 4 Oct. 18 1 :55 p. m. No. 1. By runner. To: C. 0. 6th Marines. The limits now actually held by this Btn. are East- ern, 266.9-281.2 Western, 266.1-280.7 instead of as 78 HISTORY OF THE previously reported. Location of barracks and roads on our left flank (present) confused us with what should actually have been our left flank, about 450 metres more to the left. The enemy consequently holds a g"Ood portion of Blanc Mont and is about 150 yards distant from the lines we hold along our Eastern flank. Their position here is heavily held with machine guns and exposure at this point in daylight hours subjects the men to heavy sniping from his position, which is as commanding as our own. The enemy covers the low ground in front of us with his machine gun fire and advance without heavy losses on this flank is impossible without heavy artillery preparation on his position on our left or until the French advance on our left and take this position. Our effectives are approximately as follows : 78th Co.— 95, 80th Co.— 60, 96th— 65, 79th— 85. Casualties in officers about 40 per cent. (Signed) Williams.'^ This meant that the Blanc Mont stronghold had not been reduced and was still a menace on our left. At the ''H" hour, 2:30, this battalion advanced but the P. C. remained in same place. The compan- ies advanced until they approached the first battal- ion, which was still in the vicinity of the Ridge road, and then halted. At 2 :40 phone message from C. 0. 2nd Battalion, stating that he was not going to ad- vance because of machine gun fire of enemy on left. Verbal orders (phone) were received from Col. Lee at 3 :05 p. m. to halt all companies and to clean out the machine gun nests on our left. Artillery fire was to be concentrated on nests until 3 :35 p. m. The THIRD BATTALION 79 battalion commander sent instructions to 97th and 82nd Companies to halt until 3 :35 and then ad- vance on machine grin nests and reduce them. The 83rd and 84th Companies were ordered to "Stand By" to support 97th and 82nd in this attack. These orders for attack were delayed, however, and because also of insufficient artillery preparation this attack on the machine gun nests was postponed until 4:45 p. m., at which time artillery was to lift its fire from the Blanc Mont area. Instructions were sent to companies that the attack would begin at 4:45 p. m. After reports by the Adjutant and Scout Officer on enemy positions and the ineffectiveness of artil- lery fire the Battalion Commander sent the follow- ing message to C. 0., 6th Regiment at 4:35 p. m. "From: 3rd Btn. C. 0. Date: 4 Oct. 18 4:35 p. m. No. 3. By runner. To : C. 0. 6th Regiment. It is impossible to clean out Blanc Mont without adequate artillery preparation. There has been no real heavy artillery fire put in the w^oods up to present time. They are now firing an occasional seventy-five, which is not effective. Machine guns are firing from there all the time. It is strongly held. I have ordered C. 0. 97th Co. to use his judg- ment about taking machine gun nests. It will re- quire a heavy concentration to properl}^ prepare for an attack. A concentration of one-half kilometer around the words "Blanc Mont" (Tahure map 1-20.000) would be right. Will call you up as soon as phone is working. (Signed) Shuler." 80 HISTORY OF THE At 5 :12 the Commanding Officer, 6th Regiment was requested to concentrate heavy artillery fire on one-half kilometer square around words "Blanc Mont" from 6 to 6:30. At 5 :15 Lieutenant Marshall carried the following verbal order to companies, ''Fall back to road; at- tack if possible at 6:30. And at 5:40 the following message phoned to Commanding Officer, 6th Regi- ment, "Don't start barrage unless I call for it. I want to be sure companies are clear of woods." Meanwhile the 97th and 82nd Companies at 4:45 p. m. had advanced upon the machine gun nests. The 97th Company encountered two machine gun nests with crews which they captured. These two companies were still advancing when orders rea> THIRD BATTALION 83 advancing liaison will be broken, this regiment will halt. The movement will conform to the movement of the French on our left. The advance is along the lines laid out as for the attack of yesterday. The regi- mental P. C. will move to Major Williams' present P. C." ' The following order was received at 12 :20 p. m. from the C. 0., 6th Regiment by phone and copies sent to 1st and 2nd Battalions: *' Regimental Com- mander directs that the advance will not go beyond St. Etienne without further orders. This is the latest order and supercedes other messages." At 1 :00 p. m. this P. C. advanced to Blanc Mont. At 4:30 this battalion advanced in support of the second battalion 1,000 yards to the rear: 82nd company left front supported by 84th, 97th, right front supported by 83rd. The battalion advanced as directed through light enemy artillery barrage un- til 5 :10 p. m. when it was forced to halt and dig in, as the second battalion was held up by enemy machine gun fire from their right front. Information was sent to the CO. 6th. regiment. Our P. C. was estab- lished in cable man-hole 265.6-282.1. At 6:45 the following order was received from the Commanding Officer, 6th. ''From: C. 0. 6th at P. C. Date : 5 Oct. 18 6 :20 p. m. By runner. To : C. 0. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Btns. As soon as light conditions will permit the first Btn. now in third line will proceed to relieve the 3rd Bn. now in their front in 2nd line. As soon as re- 84 HISTORY OP THE lieved by the 1st Btn. the 3rd Btn. will proceed from the 2nd line and relieve the 2nd Btn. now in the 1st line. The 2nd Btn. as soon, as relieved by the 3rd Btn. now in the 1st line will retire to the third line, position just South of the road. Water carts, rolling kitchens, etc. will be up shortly and when they ar- rive meals will be cooked and battalion commander notified. (Signed) Lee." A message was immediately sent to C. 0., 6th, sug- gesting that if this battalion was to attack the next morning it would be better if this battalion passed through the 2nd battalion in the morning than to at- tempt a relief in the dark that night. Later in the evening an order was received for the relief to be held in abeyance until just before daylight the following morning. The night passed quietly. At 1 :00 a. m., October 6th, time was moved back one hour. At 2 :00 a. m., October 6th, the following order was received from C. 0., 6th Regiment: ''Headquarters, 6th Regiment, Marine Corps, American E. F. France, 6 Oct. 18. Hour 1 :30 a. m. FIELD ORDER NO. MAP— S. T. C. A. 1-20,000 1. The enemy occupies three machine gun nests in the sector of this division about 500 yards north of our line. 2. The Third Battalion, 6th Marines, operating in conjunction with the 2nd battalion of the 23rd Inf. on its right will attack and capture or destroy the enemy and occupy the position. THIRD BATTALION 85 3. (a) The attack begins at 6:30 a. m. and is preceded by one hour's artillery preparation as indi- cated in artillery program attached. At 6 :30 a. m. an artillery barrage will move forward to the line indicated in the artillery program where it remains until 7 :00 a. m. (b) Boundary limits — Eastern: the Eastern limit of regimental sub-sector. Western: Western limit of division sector. (c) Upon obtaining the objective the troops will consolidate the line indicated in red in attached sketch. 4. Messages to Regimental P. C. (Signed) Lee." Copies to : C. 0. 3rd Btn. : C. G. 4th Brig. : C. 0. 5th Reg. : C. 0. 23rd. Inf. : C. 0. 62nd Inf. Fr-nch and File." Company Commanders were called to the Third Battalion P. G. at 3 :00 a. m. and instructions given for the attack. The third battalion was to advance to the second line of trenches East of St. Etienne. The advance was begun at 6 :30 a. m., October 6th, and an hour later the objective was reached. The 97th Company suffered severe casualties from ma- chine gun fire in this operation and when it advanced again at 8 :45 a. m. met very heavy machine gun fire from the right front. The casualties in the four Third Battalion companies were approximately 35 to 40 per cent of the effectives engaged, mostly from machine gun fire. After the attack, liaison was established on right with 23rd Infantry and on left with 62nd Regiment 86 HISTORY OF THE (French). At 3:00 p. m. however, the French evac- uated St. Etienne, leaving our flank exposed. Our line and flank positions were shelled heavily all day. An infiltration movement by the enemy was noticed in the afternoon toward St. Etienne, which was re-o5 In accordance with the above memorandum bat- talion marched at 1 :00 p. m., arriving at Suippe at 5 :30 p. m. Billeted there for the night. The follow- ing field order was received at 3 :30 a. m., 21st October : THIRD BATTALION 9a ( ( Headquarters, Sixth Re^ment, Marine Corps, Am. E. F. France, 21 Oct., 1918. SECRET— Field Order No. 18. Time : 3 :10 a. m. Maps: Sheet Verdun. 1. In accordance with Field Order No. 24, Hdq. 4th Briofade, 20 Oct., 18, this regiment will move to- wards the line for the purpose of relieving the 73rd D. I. (French) in the region Voncq-Attigny. _ The sector will be occupied with both regiments of this Brigade in the front line, the 5th Regiment on the right, the 6th Regiment on the left. The disposition of this regiment will be as follows: 2nd Bn. in front line, 3rd Bn. in support, and the 1st Bn. in reserve. 2. This regiment will march 21st Oct., 18, to the area: Leffincourt (inch), Mazagran, area west of high road Mazagran-Somme Py to the heights of Cha- teau Bemont (exclusive), and Orfeuil (exclusive)^ Medeah F>arm (exclusive.) This regiment will occupy the western part of the above area. The disposition will be as follows: 2nd Bn. in Leffincourt and vicinity, 3rd Bn. in Camp Bayen Lager North, 1st Bn., Hdqr. Co., Supply Co. and attached troops in southern part of area. By order of Colonel Lee: H. P. Mason, Capt. U. S. M. C, Operations Officer." The following modification of Field Order 18 was received at 6 :00 a. m. 94 HISTORY OF THE < ( >> Headquarters, Sixth Regiment, Marine Corps, Am. E. P. France, 21 Oct., 1918. Field Orders No. 18. 1. Field Order No. 18, these headquarters, 21 October, 18, is modified to conform with following Special Orders No. 41, 9th Army Corps, French: ''No. 27 road, Suippes-Somme-Py forbidden as far as Medeah Farm. Route allowed, Perthe, Tahure, Mont Muret, Tunel de Manre, Orfeuil. Take to the Pistes (paths) at will." By order of Colonel Lee: H. P. Mason, Capt., Adjutant.' In accordance with the above orders battalion inarched at 8 :00 a. m., October 21, via route given. After marching from 8 :00 a. m. until 10 :30 p. m. (three hours rest at noon), the battalion, because of exhausted condition of men, was halted for a few hours' rest and men allowed to bivouac along road. At 5 :30 a. m., October 22, the march was resumed reaching Camp Bayen Lager North at 9 :00 a. m. Battalion was billeted comfortably in barracks and hot meal served at 10:30 a. m. At 1:00 p. m. the following field message was re- ceived : ''From: C. 0. 6th Marines. At: Leffincourt, France. Date: 22 Oct. 18, 8:30 a. m. by motorcycle. To: C. 0. 1, 2 and 3 Bn. Measures for the relief of the 73rd Division, French, by this Brigade are discontinued, by order of the Commanding Greneral, 9th Army Corps, French. All movements by troops of this regiment, THIRD BATTALION 95 except those necessary to take positions ordered in Field Order No. 24, 20th inst., will be discontinued and troops "vvill remain in place until further or- ders. You will have intelligence officers furnish ac- curate sketch of positions immediately. Lee." At 2 :00 p. m. the following message w^as received : ''From: C. 0. 6th Marines. At : Leffincourt. Date: 22 Oct., 18; 11:45 a. m. By motorcycle. To: C. 0. 1st, 2nd and 3rd Bns., Hdqrs. Sup- ply Co. 's Surgeon. The 2nd Division will move today, P. C. to be at Herpont. This regiment remains in position today and will move tomorrow. We are returning to the First Army. Give careful attention to the feet of the men ; avoid loss of any equipment. Further de- tails later. Lee." MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS In accordance with subsequent orders Battalion marched at 7:30 a. m., Oct. 23rd, via Somme-Py ar- riving at ''Camp Four-Fifths'" four kilometers Northeast of Suippes, at 5 :30 p. m. Train arrived at 6 :15 p. m. and hot meal was given men at 8 :30 p. m. Battalion remained in place in this camp, cleaning up and resting until morning of 25th. The battalion marched at 5 :45 a. m. October 25th to Somme-Suippes where Battalion embussed and de- parted at 8 :45 a. m. arriving at Les Islettes at 1 :00 p. m. Disembarked and marched four kilometers to Camp Lochere in Argonne Forest. Bivouacked for 96 HISTORY OF THE night. October 26th companies were paid by Regimental Pajrmaster and marched at 4:00 p. m. in accordance with the following order: ** Headquarters, Sixth Resriment, Marine Corps, Am. E. P. France, 26 October, 1918. Field Orders No. 20. 1. In accordance T\ath Field Orders No. 31, Hdq. 4th Brigade, 26 Oct., 1918, this regiment will march to the woods on the left of the Exermont-Chaudron Farm road in the square whose co-ordinates are 01-80, 02-80, 01-79, 02-79 and will take station in this woods in the following order : 1st Bn. in northern part. 3rd Bn. in the central part. 2nd Bn. in the southern part. 2. The Regiment -r^II march as follows: (a) Route of March for troops and machine guns: Chemin-Romaine-Tranche running north through Foret-de-Argonne-Varennes north to National Route — 200 yards along that route north to Charpentry-Baulny and north to destination. The above route will be followed except where impossible. (b) Route of March for Trains: Trains will march via routes which were found by reconnaissance parties despatched 25 October to be most practicable, keeping as near as possible to the prescribed route of troops and clear of guarded roads. (c) Order of March: 1st Bn., 3rd Bn. 2nd Bn. THIRD BATTALION 97 The Hdq. Co. will follow the 2nd Bn. and the Supply Co. the 3rd Bn. The leading element will march at 1 :30 p. m., this date and unit commanders will be responsible for appropriate distances be- tween units. Trains will follow their respective organiza- tions. Major Shuler will send one guide each to the 1st and 2nd Bns. (d) The road will be kept clear for the pass- ing through of the 5th Regiment. (e) The strictest road discipline will be ob- served and the usual open march formation will be taken. The head of the column will not debouch from the forest to the S. E. of Varennes until dusk or such time as the movements of troops will be secure fromi aerial observation. 3. (a) Ration distributing point from 12:45 p. m. 27 Oct., 1918, Baulny. (b) Advanced S. A. A. dump (including 1 lb., Stokes Mortar, hand and rifle grenades) at Western exit of Exermont from evening of 26 October, '18. Provisions must be made for issuing two rifle and two hand grenades to each man. 4. P. C. of this regiment will be at Chaudron Farm. 5. Rear echelon of this regiment will be at the present location of the regimental P. C. Company. Clerks will be sent to report to the Regimental Per- sonnel Officer at this point, this date. By order of Colonel Lee: Pere Wilmer, Maj. Marine Corps, Adj." After a very difficult march, over rough roads and through deep mud battalion arrived in position 98 HISTORY OF THE ordered at 3 :DQ a. m., October 27tli and bivouacked. Train arrived at 5 :30 a. m. and breakfast was served to men at 10 :00 a. m. Battalion remained in this position until October 30th. On October 28th Major Fagan, with one officer and one NCO. from each company and two of the Bat- talion Scouts reconnoitered the support position that this battalion was to take up, relieving 42nd Division. During stay in this position all men were pro\dded with 220 rounds of rifle ammunition, two hand gren- ades and two rifle grenades each and two days' re- serve rations. October 30th Mjajor General Summerall, Command- ing 5th Army Corps, accompanied by Major General LeJeune, spoke to the Battalion for a few minutes on the purpose and importance of the impending attack. Battalion marched at 6 :00 p. m., October 30, by companies, to support position, relieving battalion of the 166th Infantry. 15th machine gun company re- ported. The following order Vv^as received at 6:00 p. m., October 31st: < i Headquarters, Sixth Regiment, Marine Corps, A. E. F. France, 31 October, 1918. Field Orders No. 23. 1. Battalions will move to suitable covered posi- tions so as to be ready to attack tomorrow morning, November 1st. This movement may commence at once and must be completed by 2 :30 a. m. 2. At on-ce on arrival in this position battalion commander will send to the Regimental P. C. a re- THIRD BATTALION 99 port of their exact location and a statement that they are ready to attack. Battalion signal personnel will establish phone connections at these ''jump off" posi- tions. 3. "II" hour will be communicated to organiza- tions as soon as known. 4. Just before leaving their present positions for the "jump off" positions, each battalion commander will telephone to the Regimental P. C. the code word Paris. H. Lee, Colonel, U. S. M. C, Commanding." In accordance with the above order companies moved out on previously reconnoitered routes to their "jump off" positions. Battalion headquarters re- mained in place until word was received that all companies were in position, at midnight. The following Field Order giving zero day and hour was received at 9 :00 p. m. Headquarter Sixth Regiment, Marine Corps, Am. E. F. France, 31 Oct. 18. Field Order No. 24.-8 :40 p. m. 1. There is no change in the information of the enemy and our own troops. 2. This regiment forms for attack. 3'. (a) The battalions and liaison groups will move into position by 2 hours (2:00 a. m.) November 1st, 1918, to carry out the missions assigned them by Field Orders No. 49 Hq. 2nd Div., dated 31 Oct. 1918 at 7:00 hours. (b) All elements of the 2nd Bn. 156th Inf. must be in rear of the line of departure of this regiment by three hours (3:00 a. m.) November 1st, 1918. 100 HISTORY OF THE (c) "D** day— November 1, 1918. *'H'^ hour — Five thirty hours (5:30 a. m.) 4. (a) Liaison — No change. (b) Administrative arrangements — No change. (c) M. P. will take over prisoners of war north of Sommerance on the Sommerance-Landres-et-St Georges road. 5. P. C. of this regiment — No change. H. Lee, Col. U. S. M. C, Comdg. During the night of October 31-November 1, this battalion moved into its jumping off position North- east of Sommerance, from whence it moved out at 5 :30 a. m. in support of the First Battalion and con- tinued its advance until 8 :00 a. m. when it passed through First Battalion and halted at the first objec- tive. At 8 :14 a. m. the following message was sent : "From: Commanding Officer Third Battalion. To. Commanding Officer Sixth Regiment. My two leading companies are on first objective, following companies on ridge in position to ad- vance at proper time. Few casualties. Barker is near me. Have met two companies of Williams back of St. Georges. Made good time since last message. G. K. Shuler, Major, U. S. M. C. > > At 9 :00 a. m. it took up the advance as the leading battalion closely following our own barrage, until the second objective was reached at 12 :30 p. m. where the battalion dug in and the Second and First bat- talions passed thru and continued the advance. At 11 :00 a. m. the following message was sent: THIRD BATTALION 101 ^'From: Commandinf^ Officer Third Battalion. To: Conimanding Officer Sixth Regiment. We are in Chennery and Bayonville and passing up to 2nd objective. Took about 100 prisoners here by using tank assisted by riflemen. About 100 enemy retreated from their guns to woods south- east of Sivry. The woods north of 2nd objective should be well shelled. Have taken 6 88s. Scouts just reported that we hold Chenery and Bayonville. Enemy are shelling from woods north of Bayonville. G. K. Shuler, Major, U. S. M. C." Our P. C. was established in Bayonville. The fol- lowing prisoners and materials were captured by this battalion during its advance :* Prisoners 250 Cannon 27 (including one 8 inch gun) Machine Guns .... 30 Rifles 100 Horses 12 Ambulances 3 Signal Outfit Ammunition Dynamo The following losses were sustained :t Officers Men Killed 21 Wounded 2 57 IVIissing 2 12 Three tanks reported after the first objective had been obtained and were assigned to the 83rd Com- pany and placed under the command of Captain Noble. These tanks moved forward when we ad- •Estimated by company commanders. tTaken from company reports at the time. 102 HISTORY OF THE vanced and kept up with the leading elements. Upon reaching the outskirts of Chennery and while under cover of the crest of a hill it was found possible U maneuver the 83rd Company and tanks to flank i, battery of four enemy 77mm guns. This battery was firing direct fire into the left of our sector and was taken completely by surprise from their left flank. One tank approached and covered the advance of a squad of riflemen and sldllful use of its one-pound- er and riflemens' weapons compelled the surrender of one officer and 75 artillerymen, who were man- ning the battery. As a result of this operation over 200 of the enemy from different points of the ravine were observed retreating on the run to the woods Northeast of Sivry. The three tanks upon the at- tainment of the second objective went forward with the Second Battalion when that battalion passed through. The work of the tanks was most commend- able. The officers in charge co-operated in every way possible. It is desired to make special mention of the matter in which Bayonville was taken and organized. Capt. Noble of the 83rd Company cleaned the town thor- oughly of the enemy. He was able to do this because of the thorough manner in which his preparation had been made. By a careful study of maps of the town and by assignment of units to do certain work the capture of the town was affected in a systematic and business like manner. With no losses in his Com- pany 100 prisoners were taken and the town taken. THIRD BATTALION 103 Captain Jacobsen and 84th Company following the 83rd were assigned the task of cleaning up and hold- ing the town. This was done thoroughly and syste- matically. Before the arrival of Battalion Headquar- ters Captain Jacobsen had organized an evacuation hospital under charge of Major Schultz of the Ger- man Medical Corps; had three Grerman ambulances in operation and was caring for and evacuating •both our o\^Ti and German wounded. Patrols were mounted on captured German horses and doing effec- tive work between the front line and rear. All dug- outs had been located so that upon arrival of the various Hdq. all units were properly housed without confusion. The efforts of Captain Jacobsen in this town which was constantly under shell fire were most commendable. The rolling kitchens arrived in Bayonville at 10 :30 a. m., November 2, and went to the positions near their respective companies. The following orders were received at 3:00 a. m. November 3rd. *'The 4th Brigade will continue its advance in ac- cordance with Field Orders No. 53, 2nd Division, 2nd Nov., 1918. The 3rd Brigade takes up the advance at 6 :00 a. m. 3rd November, 1918, from line of exploita- tion. The Brigade will advance in line of Regiments,. 5th Marines on right and 6th Marines on left. The 4th Machine Gun Battalion attached, will take po- eitions in the march column about one kilometer irt rear of the rear battalion 6th Regiment. 104 HISTORY OF THE Ri^ht and left combat liaison forces will continue to operate as directed in Field Orders No. 36, 4tli Brigade, 2nd November, 1918, until further orders. Ration distribution point the same. Rolling kitchens, water carts, etc., and combat trains will move forward with troops as directed by organization Commanders. P. C. 4th Brigade remains in place. By command of Brigadier General Neville: Earl H. Ellis, Lt. Col., U. S. M. C, Adj. Note — The 6th Regiment moves forward at 6 :00 a. m., following the 23rd Inf. Details as given in ^'Warning" issued from these Hdq. 10:45 p. m., 2 November, 1918. H. Lee, Colonel, U. S. M. C." Received 1 :00 a. m. 3rd Nov. "^'Warning: The 3rd Brigade will move tonight, 2-3 November, 1918, to the heights beyond the exploitation line, organizing there prepared for forward movement. The 23rd Inf. will advance through this regiment in its present position. It is understood that they will pass in column formation (not affecting a regular passage of lines nor in any manner a relief). The 2nd Bn. (Williams) will establish liaison 'Rdth the rear elements of the 23rd Inf. by means of a group of one officer and four runners. The 1st Bn. (Barker) will establish similar liaison with our First battalion. This liaison is established in order that early word of any forward movement of the 23rd Inf. may be had with least practicable delay. In case the 23rd Inf. should make a forward movement, this regiment will follow in support of them at 1.000 yards distance. If for combat, it will move in three lines, present order of battalions. If for pursuit, in the best formation adapted to security, THIRD BATTALION 105 maintaining the liaison with elements ahead. The left liaison group, Major Stowell, will in case of any forward movement, operate as combat liaison be- tween the leading element of this reg-iment and the 80th Division on our left. All auxiliary troops will march as now attached. All troops will be prepared to move at daylight. Rolling kitchens, water and ration carts will ac- company their organizations. Other elements of the regiment's train (B & R) wagons, combat wagons, etc., will, be organized by the Supply Officer and follow the rear elements at 2 kilometers. All assigned mounts will be sent to this P. C". by daybreak, morning of 3 November, 1918. Organization commanders will inform these head- quarters as to the number of reserve rations required. Supply Officer will inform to the number of reserve rations available. If forvv^ard movement is taken up, this P. C. will be with the rear element of the 3rd Btn. LEE." In accordance with the above orders this Battalion moved into position just Southeast of Fosse, one kilo- meter in rear of the First Battalion, arriving at 11 :00 a. m., November 3rd. At 11 :00 a. m. the following message was sent : ''From: Commanding Officer Third Battalion. To: Commanding Officer Sixth Regiment. Position sketch submitted. 1st Battalion 6th Regiment 1 kilometer west of my front. Fosse is being shelled. Wounded from 23rd say they are several kilometers north of Fosse. G. K. Shuler, Major, U. S. M. C." Rolling kitchens accompanied their companies and serv'ed hot meals in the afternoon. 106 HISTORY OF THE At 11 :00 a. m. November 4, in accordance with ver- bal orders from Regl. Comdr. the battalion moved, following the advance of the First battalion, to posi- tion one kilometer North of Fosse. Battalion P. C. and kitchens remained in position; hot meal sent to all companies at 2 :00 p. m. The following order was received at 2 :00 p. m., November 4th: *' Fourth Brigade will occupy the right subsector of the 2nd Division in accordance with Operation Memorandum, 2nd Division, 4 November, time, 10:45 a. m. and Memorandum No. 29, Headquarters 4th Brigade, 4 November, 18 time, 11 :30 a. m. both memos herewith. In accordance with paragraph 2 (b) Memorandum 4th Brigade, the 2nd Battalion (Maj. Williams) will advance to the new subsector via the road Fosse-La Forge Fme to the crossroads about 350 yards south- east of the farm thence northeast along the woods road to point 6333, then northeast to the ridge about 1,000 yards, holding a line running northwest-south- east from 7038 to 7830. The 1st Battalion (Berry) will move along the Fosse-Belval road to Harbeaumont fme at 4406, thence northeast along the woods road to a position along the line 6333 to 6921. The 3rd Battalion (Shuler) from Cote Jean by same road as 1st Battalion to a position along the line from 6017 to 7011. Each organization will have its rolling kitchens, water and ration carts accompany it to a point from which the ration carts may supply their companies with cooked food. The 5th Regiment will occupy the forward part of our subsector, this Regiment serving as their sup- THIRD BATTALION 107 port. The rear battalion of the 5th Regiment should rest about 1,000 meters northeast of the ridge occu- pied by our first line Battalion (Williams). Major Williams will exchange with the rear battalion of the 5th regiment a liaison group sufficient to guar- antee the transmission of messages and information between the regiments. The 2nd and 3rd line bat- talions will by similar means relay messages from head to rear and reverse. The combat liaison detachment (Major Stowell) which has been maintained between this Brigade and the 80th Division on our left, will move to LaForge fme and keep liaison with the 80th Division until liaison has been established between that Division and the 3rd Brigade. When this has been effected by the 3rd Brigade our liaison detachment will rejoin its battalion on its new position. Major Stowell vnll then relieve Major Beriy of command of the 1st Bat- talion and Major Berry will report to the command- ing officer, 3rd Battalion, for duty. In moving to position battalions will take up such formation as to insure security on the march. It is reported that artillery and machine guns of the enemy remain in the woods through which the mar&h is to be made. Efforts should be made to complete the movement before dark. Each battalion will endeavor by means of patrols to establish liaison with the elements of the 89th Division opposite them on our right. Sketch of positions will be sent by each battalion to the P. C. of the regiment as soon as practicable after taking position as prescribed above. All transportation not enumerated above will con- Btitute the regimental train under command of Captain Patchen, who will locate with it at Nouart. This P. C. within a few hours will be moved to Belval." 108 HISTORY OP THE In accordance with above orders the battalion moved from above position at 4:00 p. m. arriving at 7 :50 p. m. in position in Bois de Belval, along line from 6017 to 7011. At 7:50 p. m. the following mes- sage was sent: ''From: Commanding Officer Third Battalion. To: Regt. Commander Sixth Regiment. Position sketch submitted. Have sent patrol to locate any of 89th on right, 3rd Battalion 5th (front line Battalion) just passed through going northwest. Got word from Berry this p. m. that he was moving forward so I left. I got word from him on the way that he was ordered to stay where he was. At this time I was within 1 kilometer of my place so came on. G. K. Shuler, Major U. S. M. C. Ration carts arrived with hot meaJs at 10:30 p. m. and the kitchens arrived next morning in time to serve noon meal. The battalion remained in this position until 1 :30 p. m., November 7th, when in accordance with Regi- mental Field Orders No. 27 as modified by Operation Memorandum 10 :50 a. m., November 7th, it moved to position in Northwest corner of Bois du Pour, ar- riving at 4 :50 p. m. The kitchens arrived at 10 :00 a. m. next morning. In accordance with Regimental orders the Battal- ion C. 0. went to Regimental P. C. for the night, November 8th and the battalion under the command of Major Berry moved into position two kilometers south of La Thibaudine Farm, arriving at 10:00 p. m., November 8th. Kitchens arrived at 8:30 a. m. THIRD BATTALION 109 the following morning. Hot meals were served this day and battalion rested until midnight. Regimental runner with orders for further movement became lost and did not locate battalion until 10 :30 p. m. 8th. Major Shuler, who returned to battalion about 1 :00 p. m., sent Lieut. Minter on horseback to Regimental Headquarters about 10:00 p. m. to report the non- arrival of expected orders for movement. As Regi- mental runner had left Regimental Headquarters at 6 :00 p. m. with the order for movement to the Bois de L 'Hospice, Major Shuler delayed movement until the return of Lieut. IMinter at 11 :30 p. m. to avoid any possibility of change of orders since runner start- ed. Immediately upon the return of Lieut. Minter the order for movement was given and battalion marched to Bois de L 'Hospice two kilometers east of Yoncq, at 2:30 a. m., November 9th. Major Berry and one officer from each companyf were sent on reconnaissance trip to banks of Meuse, leaving at 5 :00 a. m. and returning late in the morn- ing. Here the battalion remained until the evening of the 10th. Ration carts made tw^o trips each day with hot heals and spirits of both officers and men arose with the prospect of the armistice. At 4:00 p. m., November 10th, the day preceding the armistice, the battalion commander was called to Regimental Headquarters and given instructions for the crossing of the Meuse and attack on the heights on the east bank that night. He returned at 7 :20 p. m. and immediately called the Company Commanders for a short conference. As there waa 110 HISTORY OF THE only one map each, company commander had to be taken into camouflaged tent and shown by the light of a candle the route to be taken and the objectives. Meanwhile the companies were preparing to march and at 8 :(X) p. m. we moved out, marching rapidly in column of file. After fast marching of two and a half hours battalion arrived at point on railway 304.7-316.7. Lieutenant Slade, of the 2nd Engineers reported that one pontoon bridge had been carried from that point to the river at nine o'clock and that lie was waiting for report from another engineer offi- cer on the water front as to whether the bridge was ready to be thrown across the Mouse. Lieut. Slade was told that it would be absolutely necessary to put two bridges ax^ross in order to effeet a crossing and that every assistance possible would be given him. A runner was sent to river bank but at midnight he had not returned and the following message was sent : ''From: C. 0. 3rd Btn. To: C. 0. 6th Regt. Arrived at this point at 10:30 p. m. Was held up over half hour because of heavy shelling of Pour- ron. Was compelled to go around. Met guides at proper place. Stowell and Larson not here yet. Metcalf here. Engineer Officer, Lieut. Slade, had one pontoon carried to river at 9 :00 p. m. The Of- ficer with it was to report to Slade when he was ready to put bridge over. He has not reported and I have had Slade send a runner down to find out the reason for the delay. This runner has not re- turned. There is considerable machine gun fire on river front. Slade says when the bridge was taken ^ * * ^^ • « ••>• % • 4'*' .* « ••*•. • • « « « * « *« • '« « yo/v/^ • « • • nK^ ,nN f^ o * %^ * « %% ♦• -i P> % 4 ••• % ft • « f« « % « •O «« % % V.»i '. !AW ><»?& \ • MAU" M. Se^VAu 2 S o c :2; "= "^ o p. o o Oh 00 o -t-> ■J^ 00 :z; o +-> o 0) 0) c c o he ;-( I 0) C3 o CO 'TS (M d) s o CO • l-H 75 c« C3 o ^ c o a U 00 1—1 05 (1> 4-> M C3 o -M 03 3 m o > m .2 00 o :2; CO C3 O Oh m c3 O 00 CJ3 THIRD BATTALION 111 down at 9 :00 p. m. this fire started. He thinks the enemy have guns opposite the place his men are on river front. He suggests that he put one bridge over and start one battalion and then put the sec- ond one over. I have told him that we want both to go over at the same time. This is the only way to do now that we know the enemy are opposite and on the alert. As soon as Stowell and Larson come up with their battalion and Slade gets his report that they are ready we will go across and do our best. I will let Slade have 40 men to carry the sec- ond pontoon to river. G. K. Shuler, Major, U. S. M. C. At 12 :05 a. m. a report was received that the First Battalion of 6th Regiment and Third Battalion 5th Regiment had arrived and were in rear of troops al- ready in place. At the same time the Engineer Offi- cer reported from the river front that he could throw across one bridge w^hen we were ready. Lieut. Slade stated that with forty men in addition to his own attachment, he could carry to the river and place across a second bridge. Forty men — twenty from 3rd and twenty from the 1st Battalion, were placed at his disposal. The Battalion Scout Officer accom- panied Lieut. Slade to the river front and returned and reported at 2:15 that it would be 4:00 a. m. at least before the engineers would have two pontoon bridges ready to throw across the river. At 3 :00 a. m. the following message was sent: ''From: Commanding Officer Third Battalion. To: Commanding Officer Sixth Regiment. Pontoons are not ready yet. If not ready so we can cross at 4 a. m. will be obliged to call it off. 112 HISTORY OF THE Too near daylight to do the work without artillery. It will take at least an hour to cross pontoons. "We will, if we leave here, go first woods and bivouac. Larson came in just after I sent last message. G. K. Shuler, Major, U. S. M. C. It was decided that if bridges were not ready so that troops could be marched across and on East bank of Meuse by 5 :00 a. m., not to attempt a cross- ing. At 4:00' a. m., no report having been received that the bridges were ready the orders were givens for the battalions of the Sixth Regiment and Third Battalion of Fifth to return to Bois de L'Hospice, arriving there at 6 :30 a. m., November 11th. ''From Brigadier General Neville, Comdg. 4th Brig. At: P. C. To: C. 0. 6th Marines. The following telephone message received from Surprise One, 6 :35 a. m. this morning, forwarded for compliance: '8:30 a. m. Fifth Corps — Armistice signed and takes effect at 11:00 a. m. this morning. Accurate map showing locations of front line ele- ments including patrols and detachments will be sent to these headquarters without delay' — Neville. For your information and compliance as regards location of your organization. 5 > Battalion remained in place in Bois de L 'Hospice until 10:00 a. m., November 13th, when it marched by companies to Le Faubourg and Villemontry in accordance with the following^ order : THIRD BATTALION 113 < < Headquarters, Sixth Regiment, Marine Corps, Am. E. F., France, 13 November, 1918. FIELD ORDER No. 28. 1. You will move in accordance with. Brigade Field Order No. 63. The 3rd Battalion will move two (2) companies to Villemontry. The other Lwo companies to Le Faubourg, for billets, relieving elements of the 23rd Infantry located in these towns. The relief is effe f i >..•...-.•.«.-* /. f ,,■)..-, .4. •■»/, f,. ..,.->,, 1, .-.',.1^,,, ^#/. '>'>l/Vfil •/Vi^ii'^-/.., "''i//V' ^//^^ ::PM#^ ii.-ffffUiiffff m/' /ii^.//nun^. /fiiii.