<emph>History 119th Infantry, 60th Brigade, 30th Division, U. S. A. Operations in Belgium and France, 1917-1919:</emph> Electronic Edition.

]> <emph>History 119th Infantry, 60th Brigade, 30th Division, U. S. A. Operations in Belgium and France, 1917-1919:</emph> Electronic Edition. Conway, Coleman Berkley, b. 1893 Funding from the State Library of North Carolina supported the electronic publication of this title. Text transcribed by Apex Data Services, Inc. Images scanned by Harris Henderson Text encoded by Apex Data Services, Inc., Harris Henderson, and Jill Kuhn Sexton First edition, 2002 ca. 780K Academic Affairs Library, UNC-CH University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2002.

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History 119th Infantry, 60th Brigade, 30th Division, U. S. A. Operations in Belgium and France, 1917-1919 Conway, Coleman Berkley 140 p., ill. [Wilmington, NC] Wilmington Chamber of Commerce [1920] Call number C970.9 C76 c2 (North Carolina Collection, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)

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Library of Congress Subject Headings English World War, 1914-1918 -- North Carolina. United States. Army. Infantry Regiment, 119th -- History. World War, 1914-1918 -- Regimental histories -- United State World War, 1914-1918 -- Campaigns -- Belgium. World War, 1914-1918 -- Campaigns -- France. Metts, John VanB. (John VanBokkelen), 1876-1959. 2002-03-12, Celine Noel and Wanda Gunther revised TEIHeader and created catalog record for the electronic edition. 2002-03-07, Jill Kuhn Sexton finished TEI-conformant encoding and final proofing. 2002-02-22, Harris Henderson finished TEI/SGML encoding 2002-01-25, Apex Data Services, Inc. finished transcribing the text.

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History 119th Infantry, 60th Brigade 30th Division U. S. A. Operations in Belgium and France 1917-1919 Written at the request of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, and Published by that Organization in Honor of Col. Jnhn VanB. Metts and His Gallant Men and as a Contribution to American History

TO THE PARENTS AND FRIENDS, AND, IN HONOR OF THOSE BRAVE AND NOBLE MEN OF THE 119TH INFANTRY, OF WHOM IT CAN TRULY BE SAID THAT THEY PERFORMED THEIR DUTY HONORABLY AND GLORIOUSLY.

This History of the 119th Infantry, 60th Brigade, 30th Division, U. S. A., was compiled by Captain C. B. Conway, of Danville, Va., and Lieutenant George A. Shuford, of Asheville, N. C. It was their effort to write only of FACTS, that the records of the deeds of true and brave men may be given. To them is due the thanks and appreciation of the officers and men of the Regiment.

Due to the loss of the list of the officers and the fact that a full and complete list cannot be published, the names of officers are not made a part of this record.

It is fitting to call attention to Major John Hall Manning, who as Operations Officer, rendered most excellent service; Major William S. Privott, Major Graham K. Hobbs, Major Robert S. Lamb and Captain Otho Robinson, who as Battalion Commanders, showed courage and ability of marked degree in fighting and caring for their commands in battle and at other times. Captain Jere Cooper, as Regimental Adjutant, and Captain Fred L. Black, as Supply Officer, were most efficient.—JOHN VANB. METTS.

COLONEL JOHN VANB. METTS.[Frontispiece Image]

ORGANIZATION OF 119th INFANTRY.

The 2nd North Carolina Infantry which went into Federal service June 16th, 1916, and spent six months on the Mexican Border was never mustered out upon its return, but proceeded to Camp Sevier, Greenville, South Carolina, August 1st, 1917. When the 30th Division was organized about Sept. 19th, 1917, the 2nd North Carolina Infantry was designated the 119th Infantry and assigned to the 60th Brigade.

A short while afterwards, the 59th Depot Brigade at Camp Sevier was broken up and the majority of the personnel of A, B, C, D, H, I, K, and L Companies of the 2nd Tennessee Infantry was absorbed into the 119th Infantry.

Later about 800 men (North Carolinians) were transferred from Camp Jackson, S. C., to the Regiment; and about 700 men were transferred from Camp Dodge and Camp Gordon and assigned to the 119th Infantry.

On or about September 5th, 1917, several Reserve Officers were transferred from Camp Lee, Va., to the 30th Division which was then under organization, and a number of these attached to the 2nd North Carolina Infantry. Some of these officers were later transferred to other Divisions, but those remaining in the Regiment were permanently assigned.

The personnel of the 119th Infantry, at the time it was ordered to France was as follows:

About 1,800 men from the State of North Carolina, 900 from Tennessee, and 700 from the States of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

TRAINING OF REGIMENT AT CAMP SEVIER, SOUTH CAROLINA.

Upon the completion of organization of the 119th Infantry, the Regiment underwent a most strenuous training preparatory to its final training received in France. A system of trenches was constructed by the 105th Engineers and these used extensively by the Regiment, in order that the men might become somewhat familiar with trench life, and their tactical use. A large target range was also constructed and on this the men were trained in the art of shooting accurately and rapidly, in order that they might protect their own lines in time to come. In the late fall of 1917, several British and French Instructors were attached to the 30th Division, and a few of these were sent to the 119th Infantry, who gave valuable instructions resulting from their own personal experience in France.

These instructors were specialists in their work, and this Regiment was fortunate in getting one for each branch of its training, namely: musketry and bayonet, gas defense, grenades, sniping and observation, stokes mortar, one pounder, and signal work. Beginning at about the 1st of January, 1918, detachments of officers from the 30th Division were sent each month to the School of Arms, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and the training for the officers continued until the Regiment was ready to depart for Overseas service.

Between January 1st, 1918, and April 1st, 1918, the Regimental Commander was in attendance at a Brigade and Field Officers' School at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. During his absence the Regiment was commanded by Col. F. LeJ. Parker, of the Regular Army, and his work for these three months greatly assisted in the building of the backbone of the Regiment. Many competitive drills and exercises were held during this time which assisted in establishing a keen spirit of competition, which the Regiment lived up to in later months.

Upon the return of Col. J. Van B. Metts from the School at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, he resumed command of the Regiment and carried on the training until the 30th Division was ordered to France.

ADVANCE SCHOOL DETACHMENT.

Previous to the embarkation of the 119th Infantry, orders were received to detail twelve (12) officers and several non-commissioned officers to be sent to France as an Advance School Detachment. The following officers were detailed:

MAJOR GEORGE K. FREEMAN, MAJOR ROANE WARING, CAPTAIN GRAHAM K. HOBBS, 1ST. LIEUT. CHARLES PICHETTI, 1ST. LIEUT. FRANK J. GILLIAM, 1ST. LIEUT. EDWARD L. GRAHAM, 1ST. LIEUT. CHESTER O. BELL, 1ST. LIEUT. GEORGE A. SHUFORD, 2ND. LIEUT. HOLCOMB ROGERS, 2ND. LIEUT. HARGROVE BELLAMY, 2ND. LIEUT. MARION R. WENTZ, 2ND. LIEUT. JAMES E. FAISON.

This Advance School Detachment, under the command of Major George K. Freeman, joined the general detachment of the 30th Division, which left Camp Sevier, April 30th, 1918, at 2:00 p. m., on a special train of the Southern Railroad. This detachment went direct to Camp Merritt, N. J., via Charlotte, Washington, Philadelphia, and Jersey City, arriving at Camp Merritt about mid-night of May 1st, 1918. While at this camp the N. C. O.'s were equipped for foreign service. On the morning of May 7th, 1918, the detachment boarded a train which carried the party to Hoboken, N. J., where it filed on board the transport George Washington, a converted German liner. Shortly after noon on May 8th, 1918, this liner slipped out of New York Harbor and started on its long journey to France. The convoy consisted of three (3) converted German vessels, the George Washington, the America and the DeKalb, formerly the Cruiser Crown Prince Eitel Frederich. The voyage was uneventful with the exception of one day spent in target practice. About 7:30 a. m., May 17th, 1918, seven (7) American Submarine Destroyers joined the convoy to see it safely into port. On the last day out at sea just at sunrise a submarine was sighted off the starboard side of the DeKalb. It at once submerged without firing. At 11:30 a. m., May 18th, 1918, the George Washington dropped anchor in the harbor of Brest, France. The Advance School Detachment debarked the following day, and marched to the Pantinzer Barracks, about 4 kilometers from Brest. On May 23rd, 1918, the party left Brest for Langres and arrived there May 25th, 1918. The entire detachment was here separated into different groups and commenced special training for which they were sent over. Some officers attended the School of the Line, the remainder the Specialist School. Upon the completion of the course the officers taking the Specialist and Line courses left Langres June 24th, 1918, and rejoined the Regiment which was stationed in the Racques Area, at Louches, on June 27th, 1918. Major George K. Freeman and Major Roane Waring were transferred from the School of the Line to the Staff College before the completion of the course. These two officers were not reassigned to the Regiment.

EMBARKATION OF REGIMENT FOR OVERSEAS SERVICE.

Upon leaving the Training Camp at Sevier, S. C., the Regiment proceeded by special trains to Camp Merritt, N. J. Some of these trains moving over the P. & N. Railroad to Greenwood, S. C., and Seaboard from there to Richmond, Va., then to Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Jersey City, N. J. Other trains moving over Southern to Charlotte, Danville, Richmond, etc. The entire Regiment was assembled at Camp Merritt, N. J., on the 8th of May, 1918, and remained there for a period of three days, being equipped for Over-Seas Service. While there, the organization was split up into three different detachments; one remaining there, one ordered to Philadelphia, and the other ordered to Boston.

Early on the morning of May 11th, Regimental Headquarters, Headquarters Company, Machine Gun Company, Supply Company, and Companies A, B, and C, under general command of Col. J. Van B. Metts. Companies A, B, and C, of the 1st Battalion and Battalion Headquarters, under command of Captain Otho Robinson, left Camp Merritt and proceeded by rail to the docks at Hoboken, N. J., arriving there about 9:30 a. m. No time was lost in transferring the troops to a large steamer, and in a few minutes landed on one of the large piers at New York used by Troop Transports. The detachment embarked the same afternoon about 4:30, on the British Steamship “Ascania”, owned and operated by the Cunard Line.

The 2nd Battalion, consisting of Battalion Headquarters, Companies E, F, G, and H, under command of Captain Edgar H. Bain, left Camp Merritt, May 10th, and proceeded by rail to Philadelphia, Pa., arriving on the morning of the 11th. From the train the troops marched immediately to the docks, and at 2:00 p. m., embarked on the British Steamship “Haverford”.

The third detachment, consisting of the 3rd Battalion Headquarters, Companies D, I, K, L, and M, under command of Major William S. Privott, left Camp Merritt, May 10th, and proceeded by rail to Boston, Mass., arriving there about 10:00 a. m., the 11th, and embarked that afternoon on the British Steamship “Laomadon”.

VOYAGE.

The three British Transports, “Ascania”, “Haverford” and “Laomadon” on departure from their respective ports made a direct sail for the coast of Canada, and on Wednesday, May 15th, saw each other in the Harbor at Halifax, Nova Scotia.

While in this harbor the convoy was formed, consisting of these three Transports and nine others. On the afternoon of May 16th, the convoy sailed for England. The “Ascania” was the flag-ship, and carried the Commodore of the convoy—Lieut. Commander Underwood, of the British Navy. The convoy was escorted by the British Cruiser “Cornwall”.

Between the 17th and 21st the ocean was rather rough at times caused by heavy wind, but on the morning of the 22nd it was very calm, everyone was feeling better and in the best of spirits.

Friday, May 24th, the convoy reached the “danger zone”, and at this time numerous “abandon ship drills” were being held. At daylight of the 25th several United States Submarine Destroyers were seen chasing all around our convoy, and remained as our best friends until the convoy landed.

About 11:30 p. m., May 26th, a German submarine was sighted within very close range, but it immediately submerged and was not seen again. The crafty Destroyers were on their job and dropped several “depth bombs” at the spot where the submarine had been seen. No disorder or confusion among the troops was caused during these crucial moments.

About 9:30 a. m., May 27th, 1918, the convoy filed through the Irish Sea and in a few minutes docked at Liverpool, England. All troops remained on board until 5:00 o'clock that afternoon when the Regiment debarked, and marched a short distance to the train which left at 10:00 p. m., for Dover, England's chief Channel Port for the exportation of troops. The train passed through London about midnight and arrived at Dover about 8:00 o'clock on the morning of the 28th.

Beginning at 11:00 a. m., on the same date, the Regiment moved by small detachments from Dover, England, across the English Channel to Calais, France, and by the afternoon of May 29th the entire Regiment was once more assembled in camp, located about one and one-half kilometers from Calais.

The Regiment remained in this camp for three days being equipped with gas respirators and ammunition. Here the United States rifles were exchanged for British rifles, as the 30th Division had been designated to serve with the British.

The night of arrival in this camp the Regiment experienced their first attack by the enemy in the form of an “air raid”. In spite of the heaviness and nearness of the explosions, and the whining of the bomb fragments, the behavior of the troops in their first actual contact with the enemy was most excellent.

May 31st the organization moved by rail to Audrique, France, detrained there and marched to the Racques Area where the Regiment was billeted in the following towns:

Regimental Headquarters, Headquarters Company, detachments of Supply Company and the 1st Battalion at Louches; 2nd Battalion and detachment of Supply Company at Landretheun; 3rd Battalion and detachment of Supply Company at Yeuse; Machine Gun Company at Nordt Ludlingham and Supply Company at Lostrat.

TRAINING PERIOD OVER-SEAS.

In this area the Regiment underwent a most intensive training schedule. Since it was to be affiliated with the British, their methods, the development of four years of painstaking study, was adopted. The 39th British Division, which was associated with the 30th (American) Division arranged to give assistance in training in an advisory capacity, by the attachment of British officers and N. C. O.'s to American units, and by the maintenance of close personal touch, also by the interchange of Staff Officers between the Staffs of the British formation and the corresponding Staffs of the 30th Division. The 119th Infantry was very fortunate in receiving a cadre of instructors from the 9th Black Watch and the 9th and 10th Gordon Highlanders, under the command of Brig. Gen. N. S. Hubbard, 118th Infantry Brigade (British) and under the direct supervision of Col. Cruickshenk, Lt.-Col. Sworder, Lt.-Col. Lord Gordon and Lt.-Col. Anderson. The training was divided into two phases, i. e.: A and B. While in this area, phase A was mastered. This training consisted of 36 hours of instruction for the first week, 25 hours for the second week, 26 hours for the third week, and 20 hours for the fourth week. Realizing that every minute must be taken advantage of, the men worked most industriously, with a spirit at which our Allies marvelled. The training of specialists received the most careful attention, as did the training of the Infantry platoons. It was due, in a great way, to this thorough training that the later phenomenal success of the Regiment in actual battle is attributed. Time was also given to March Discipline and Trench Warfare.

As another means of taking advantage of the experience gained by the British, officers and non-commissioned officers were sent to various schools to acquire technical knowledge of Automatic Rifles, Bayonet Fighting, Grenades, Gas Defense, etc. It is well to know that the average standard set at these schools by the 119th Infantry officers and N. C. O.'s was exceptionally high. Also, officers and N. C. O.'s were sent to the School Sector directly east of Ypres for practical experience under actual battle conditions before receiving the responsibility of leading their men under enemy fire. They were most courteously received by the units of the 49th British Division, occupying the line and were given valuable information and instruction while there. Some of these officers and N. C. O.'s were permitted to go on patrol, but chiefly they acquainted themselves with trench life and warfare.

The Machine Gun Company with the Machine Gun Companies of all the Regiments in the Division, were assembled at Nordt Ludlingham, where they were instructed in the latest methods of Machine Gun Warfare which the British had found so successful.

While in this area authority was received from G. H. Q., for the enlargement of the Regimental Staff by the allowance of an Operation and Intelligence Officer. To fill this very important office, Captain, now Major John Hall Manning, then the Regimental Adjutant, was appointed. Lieut. Jere Cooper was promoted to the rank of Captain and transferred to Regimental Headquarters as Adjutant. Captain Benjamin West on June 4th was also transferred to Regimental Headquarters as Personnel Adjutant. Upon the completion of the above changes, the Regimental Staff consisted of:

COL. J. VAN B. METTS, LIEUT.-COL. CYRUS M. FAIRCLOTH, CAPT. JOHN HALL MANNING, CAPT. BENJAMIN WEST, CAPT. JERE COOPER, CAPT. ARMSTEAD K. TAYLOE, CHAPLAIN JOHN M. ROBESON.

The 119th Infantry Regiment was inspected almost immediately upon its arrival in this area by Major Gen. Herbert Plummer, Commander of the 2nd British Army. A week later Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig, Commander of the British Armies in France, honored this Regiment by giving it a most rigid inspection. Both of these officers expressed great delight in the progress of the training and the wonderful physique of the men. On or about the 30th day of June, Gen. John J. Pershing, Commander in Chief of the American Armies in France, inspected the Regiment. He was pleased with the fitness of the troops and especially the high standard of the personnel, expressing himself that he had not seen a better body of men in the American Expeditionary Forces.

About the 15th of June, information was received that an attack by the Germans was anticipated in the sector immediately east of Cassel. In anticipation of this plan of attack arrangements were perfected whereby the 30th Division was to take up a position in reserve, west of Cassel. The 119th Infantry was designated to be the Divisional Reserve which, as expressed to the Commanding Officer by Gen. Faison, was a very important position in the scheme of defense. The Regiment was preparing for this move with great enthusiasm. This position, however, was never occupied. The orders were unexpectedly changed and this Regiment with the other units of the Division, on the 2nd day of July, 1918, proceeded by marching to the Roozendaal and Road Camp Areas, near Watou, Belgium.

The Regiment formed on the Zaufques-Louches-Yeuse Road with the head of the column at the road intersection 3A, 39, British Map Hazebrouk, at 9:45 a. m., in the following order: Headquarters Company, Detachment Supply Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Battalion, and 2nd Battalion. The Sanitary Detachments accompanied their respective Battalions. The First and Second Line Transports followed their respective Battalions in the following order: Rolling Kitchens, G. S. Wagons (Ration), G. S. Wagons (Baggage), Water Carts, Limbers. The following disposition of equipment was made: 120 rounds of service S. A. A., one cooked meal and full field equipment, including two blankets, less overcoats, which were carried on the wagons, were carried by each man. With this equipment and in the above order the 119th Infantry marched to the Foret D'Eperlecques, a distance of 12 kilometers, where they bivouaced the night of July 2-3, 1918. On the morning of July 3rd, the Regiment marched to Rubrouck, forming at 6:15 a. m., on the Watten-Welverdinghe-Voikermakhove-Herzeele Road in the following order: Headquarters Company, Detachment Supply Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Battalion, 1st Battalion, Sanitary Troops with their respective Battalions, where it bivouacked the night of July 3-4, 1918, in a pasture. The distance marched was about the same as on the day before. On July 4th, 1918, contrary to expectations, the Regiment again formed on the Bollezeele-Rubrouck Road in the following order: Headquarters Company, Detachment Supply Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Battalion and 3rd Battalion, with Sanitary Troops with their respective Battalions at 7:20 a. m., and marched to Herzeele, where it bivouacked for the night of July 4-5, 1918. Here it was that the men of this Regiment first heard distinctly the firing of guns on the famous Flanders front. It was the subject of much discussion especially since it was the birthday of the Independence of America. On the morning of July 5, 1918, at 6:00 a. m., the Regiment formed on the Herzeele-Watou Road, to march to the Roosendall and Road Camp Areas in the order of march as of the first day. It reached its destination shortly after noon and went into camp two kilometers southeast of Watou, Belgium. It is quite interesting to note that this Regiment was the first American unit to enter Belgium. Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Company were located at Bayley Camp, 1st Battalion was located just across the road, 2nd Battalion at Gabb Camp, 3rd Battalion at Chase Camp, and the Machine Gun Company in a pasture only a short distance away. The Supply Company, less the detachments which were attached to the different Battalions formed the Sixtieth Brigade Dump and was located at Dragon Camp.

It must be understood that the Supply Company of this Regiment and the Supply Company of the 120th Infantry Regiment were consolidated forming the Sixtieth Brigade Dump, each Battalion was then allotted a detachment under the command of a Battalion Supply Officer. It was the duty of the Brigade Dump to issue rations and equipment for a Battalion directly to the respective Battalion Supply Officer, who in turn issued the same directly to the Company of their Battalion. Also in this detachment was included a Battalion Transport Officer who had direct charge of the Battalion Transport. The feeding of the men in the line was entirely in the hands of these two officers, for as soon as the Brigade Dump had turned over the food to the Battalion Supply Officer he was relieved of further responsibility. Then the Transport Officer after the rations had been prepared for consumption collected them and loaded them on the transports, carrying it forward to the men in the trenches. This Regiment was fortunate in having conscientious and fearless officers to fill these important positions and they deserve the highest praise for the manner in which they performed their duties. This method of supply was continued throughout the operations of the Regiment.

After resting up from the four-day march, the Regiment resumed the training schedule with renewed energy. The front line at its closest point was about 12 kilometers distance, consequently the firing of artillery could be heard at all times, and even the bursting of shells, for on several occasions the town of Watou, where Division Headquarters was located was shelled. The shells passing directly over the Camp. Here also the men of the Regiment became thoroughly accustomed to enemy air raids. Practically every clear night there were numbers of German planes overhead bombing important cross-roads and camps. The transports carrying rations forward to the men in the line also presented a favorite target.

It was while stationed in this area that Major Gen. Pinny, of the British Army, addressed the officers and non-commissioned officers of the Regiment. He was very enthusiastic on the condition of the men, especially the standard of morale, which was extraordinarily high. There was one remark in his speech which clearly bespoke the conditions and thinking of our gallant allies before our arrival. Gen. Pinny said in substance: “An attack by the enemy is anticipated and in all probability his advance will be on this front. It is my sincere hope that he attacks while you are here.” The attack never materialized.

To better understand the subsequent work of the Regiment it is here necessary to explain somewhat in detail the former training which was conducted under the heading of Phase B training. This consisted of one Battalion at a time going into the line and being associated with the British units then occupying the position and also to strengthen the line as it was very lightly held. The command and the responsibility for this sector was retained by the British while the Americans were given every opportunity to accustom themselves with trench life and conditions. This method of training was to continue until the entire outfit had been able to take advantage of the opportunity. Phase B training was commenced in the Regiment by the following order, July 16, 1918:

HEADQUARTERS, 119TH INFANTRY American Expeditionary Forces FRANCE, JULY 15, 1918

SECRET

FIELD ORDER No. 9

Reference Map: —Sheet 27, N. E. —Edition 3-A (Local) —Sheet 28, N. W.

1. This Regiment, in conjunction with the remainder of the 60th Infantry Brigade, will commence training under Phase “B” scheme, July 16, 1918.

2. (a) The 1st Bn., less Co. B, will march on Zwynland Brewery at 7:45 p. m., July 15, 1918.

(b) The 2nd Bn., will march on Zwynland Brewery at time to be designated on July 16, 1918.

(d) The M. G. Co., will receive instructions from the 30th American or 33rd British Divisions.

(e) Battalions will be subject to the orders of the British Units to which attached upon arrival in the Blue Line.

3. (a) The 1st Bn., less Co. B, and the 2nd Bn., will march via Cross Roads, L. 1, c. 9. 1.—Cross Roads L. 14. c. 4. 3.—L. 14. b. 1. O,—Road Intersection L. 21. c. 95. 95.—thence along Main Abeele-Poperinghe Road to Zwynland Brewery, where guides from 33rd British Division will be met to conduct the Bn., into bivouac along the East Poperinghe Line.

(b) Column will march with 100 yd. intervals between Companies; 100 yd. interval between unit and its transport; and 25 yd. intervals between each section of six vehicles.

4. (a) Only the necessary transportation will be carried.

(b) Hospital Corps Detachments will accompany their respective Battalions.

(d) One day's cooked ration in addition to the iron ration will be carried in the haversack of each officer and man.

(e) Shelter halves, poles, pins and blankets will be left under guard of 1 N. C. O., and 6 Pvts., who will be attached to the Hq. Co., 119th Inf., for rations. Equipment of officers will be limited to that carried on their persons.

5. Regimental Headquarters will remain at Bayly Camp (K. 12, d. 65. 75).

6. Acknowledge.

J. VAN B. METTS, Colonel, 119th Infantry.

While undergoing Phase B training the following plan was adopted. This order was issued so that each unit would know exactly what to do in case of an enemy advance which, as stated, was anticipated on the immediate front.

HEADQUARTERS, 119TH INFANTRY American Expeditionary Forces FRANCE, JULY 17, 1918

SECRET

Instructions for occupying East Poperinghe Line

Reference Maps:—9145, Sheets 27 and 28.

1. During the Phase “B” training in case of emergency, the 60th Brigade will hold the Blue Line. Brigade P. C. will be established at Road Camp F. 25. d. 4. 1.

2. This Regiment, less 1st Bn., which is under orders of the 33rd Division (British) in front line and M. G. Co., will occupy the entire Brigade Sector of the Blue Line upon receipt of message “Occupy East Poperinghe Line”.

3. (a-1) The 2nd Bn., will cover the right sub-sector forward line with 2 Cos., extending from G. 14. d. 6. 6. and G. 14. d. 85. 55. (right) to G. 9. c. 5. 2. and G. 15. a. 7. 0. (left) with Bn., P. C. at G. S. a. 1. 3. (Elizabeth Chateau.)

(a-2) Support line with 2 Cos. from G. 14. a. 55. 00 (right) to G. S. d. 75. 85. (left).

(b-1) The 3rd Bn., during the absence from this area of the 1st and 3rd Bns. 120th Inf. will march from the present camp by the most convenient route to the Blue Line and will cover the left subsector forward line with 3 Cos., extending from G. 9. c. 5. 2. and G. 15. a. 7. 0. (right) to G. 4. c. 3. 1. and G. 4. c. 8. 1. (left) with Bn. P. C. at G. 2. d. 4. 1.

(b-2) Support line with 1 Co. from G. 9. a. 3. 3. (right) to G. 9. b. 2. 8, (left).

(c) Each Bn. and Co. position will be covered and occupied as shown on Map 9145, as marked and issued by 30th Division (American).

(d) 1 Bn. of the 59th Brigade will be in support in this sector with P. C. at G. 8. a. 1. 3.

(e) 174th Brigade F. A., 39th Divisional Artillery (British) will cover the East Poperinghe Line. S. O. S. lines will be issued to those concerned.

(f) Liaison will be maintained with the 6th Division (British) on the right flank Brigade Sector by the 2nd Bn., and with the 59th Brigade on the left flank of the Brigade Sector by the 3rd Bn. Liaison will be maintained between units of the Regiment at all times.

(g) Flank Companies in the Brigade Sector will each send forward a platoon to the general line Linda Goed Farm—Road Junction in G. 5. d. 0. 2.—Oosthoek System (A. 23. d.) for the purpose of maintaining liaison between our own front line troops and the British Bn. in the Ouderdom-Brandhoek System. They would also cover the withdrawal of British units from advanced positions.

(h) Sector Commandant (Hq. G. 8. d. 7. 6.) is in charge of ammunition dumps S. A. A., Stokes ammunition and grenades:

No. 1. G. 8. c. 8. 4. for 119th Inf. No. 2. G. 8. d. 7. 6. for 120th Inf. (normally under this scheme for 3rd Bn., 119th Inf.)

(i) Units will proceed equipped with arms, ammunition, pack, consisting of overcoat (one blanket may be carried in lieu of overcoat), haversack, containing mess equipment, toilet articles, iron rations, two pairs socks, slicker, rolled on outside of pack, helmet worn, box respirator in alert position, bayonet on pack.

4. Wagon trains will continue Hqrs. in present location.

5. Battalions will report immediately upon completion of the occupation of their position.

6. Regimental Hqrs. will move to Zwynland Brewery.

Acknowledge.

J. VAN B. METTS, Colonel, 119th Infantry.

In compliance with the above order the 1st Battalion under command of Capt. Otho Robinson, moved to the Blue Line (reserve position east of Poperinghe) on the night of July 15th, 1918. Company “A” occupied the right front and right support with two (2) platoons in the front line position and two in support. Company “C” occupied exactly the same relative position on the left. Company “D” was held in reserve. On the night of July 16-17 the Battalion moved to the front line position in the right subsector of the Canal sector in the Ypres salient. The disposition of troops in the sector were as follows: “A” Company occupied the front line in conjunction with “C” and “B” Companies of the Argyle and Southern Highlanders with their right resting on Kruisstraathock-Voormezeel Road. To the right of “A” Company and occupying the front line “D” Company was stationed with two platoons in the front line and two in close support with the Queens Royal Rifles. “C” Company occupied support positions, “B” Company received orders to return to Louches, France, by rail to complete its course on the target range.

On the same night the 2nd Battalion under command of Capt. Graham Hobbs, took over the position formerly occupied by the 1st Battalion in the Blue Line.

For the first six days that this Battalion was in the line it held the position with the British, first by having one English soldier stationed with one American. After confidence was thus gained the separate units were grouped together and a British platoon was placed on either side of an American platoon. On the 23rd day of July, after the Battalion had been in line for a period of six days the British withdrew to the Yellow Line or the Regimental Reserve Line and the 1st Battalion held the front line position alone until relieved by the 2nd Battalion on the night of July 24-25, 1918.

This sector was known as a quiet one and especially suitable for the instruction of new troops but at this particular time it was quite the contrary. As has been stated, an attack was anticipated, so the British artillery was exceptionally active firing on all points where troop movements had been noticed and on important roads and crossings. The artillery's activity on our part consequently called for retaliation from the enemy which made the sector one of the hottest on the front. Due to this very heavy shelling the casualties numbered more than was expected.

The 2nd Battalion was disposed of as follows: “F” Company occupied the right front sector with two platoons in the front line and two platoons in close support. “E” Company with four platoons occupied the front line on the left sector. “G” Company with four platoons in close support. “H” Company in reserve. “F” and “H” Companies were with the Queen's Royal Rifles, while “E” and “G” Companies were with the 5th Scotch Rifles. During the period of occupation there were a few changes made in this disposition by means of inter-Battalion reliefs. The training was the same as stated for the 1st Battalion.

The 3rd Battalion occupied the Blue Line during the period that the 2nd Battalion was in the forward position then relieved the 2nd Battalion in the Canal sector on the night of August 1-2, 1918. A detachment from the Signal Platoon from Headquarters Company under command of 1st Lieut. Nathaniel Hannau, accompanied the Battalion into line.

The Machine Gun Company was under control of the 33rd British Division and received practical instructions in the same manner as did the line companies of the Regiment.

While the 3rd Battalion was occupying the front line position, the 1st Battalion held the reserve trench or Blue Line going in on the night of August 1-2, and remaining until it was withdrawn Sunday morning, August 10th, 1918.

With the withdrawal from the line of this Battalion Phase B of the scheme of instruction was completed for this Regiment and it was now deemed capable of taking over and occupying a place in the firing line alone.

From the 10th of August, 1918, until the 15th day of August, 1918, the Regiment trained around Watou in a great way correcting errors which had been noted during the tour in line. On the 15th day of August, the Commanding Officer of the Regiment received orders that the Regiment should proceed that night and occupy the Blue Line in the Canal sector, which it did. Regimental Headquarters was established at the Elizabeth Chateau on the eastern edge of the town of Poperinghe.

HEADQUARTERS, 119TH INFANTRY American Expeditionary Forces FRANCE, AUGUST 15, 1918

SECRET

FIELD ORDER No. 14

Reference:—Sheets 27 and 28

1. The 119th Infantry Regiment will relieve the 19th British Brigade in the Reserve Brigade Area of the 33rd British Division the night of 15-16 August, 1918, in accordance with attached table. All moves will be by platoon at 100 yds. intervals. Battalions will send advance parties of one officer, per Bn. Hqrs. and one officer per Company to report to Hqrs. of the British Bns., to be relieved at 5 p. m., today. The Hqrs. Company will send one officer and one N. C. O. per platoon to the 19th British Brigade Hqrs., at 5 p. m., today.

2. The 19th British Brigade is providing guides at the scale of:

1 per Bn. Hqrs. 1 per Co. Hqrs. 1 per platoon.

3. Battalions of the 19th British Infantry Brigade are handing over to relieving American Battalions, all defense schemes, dumps of ammunition, grenades, all area stores, and all 1-10.000 maps.

Instructions regarding the provision of the sector commandants of the Green and Yellow Lines are being handed over by Bn. Hqrs. of the Bn. in the Green Line and the left Battalion in the Yellow Line.

4. The transports will remain in their present camps. Guards will be provided for property at the rate of 1 N. C. O. and 6 Pvts. per Bn., to be retained by the transport.

5. Completion of relief will be reported to Regimental Headquarters. Regimental Headquarters will close at Bayly Camp and reopen at Elizabeth Chateau (G. 8. a. 2. 2.) at 9:00 p. m., tonight, August 15.

6. Orders for the movement of the Regimental Machine Gun Company will be issued separately.

7. On the night of 16-17 August, 1918, the 119th Inf. will relieve the 98th British Brigade in the right sub-sector of the 33rd British Divisional Front.

8. Advance parties as usual will report at Regimental Hqrs., at 6:00 p. m., today and proceed to the light railway from Remy Siding to Brisbane where they will be met by guides from the 98th British Brigade and taken into the line.

Regimental Hqrs 1 Officer 4 Signallers Each Bn. Hqrs 1 Officer 2 Signallers Each Co. Hqrs 1 Officer Each Platoon 1 N. C. O Each L. G. Team of Bns., going into line 1 other Ranks Stokes Mortar 1 Officer

These men will make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the area to be taken over on the night of 16-17 August, and will take over from the British units, defense schemes, maps, dumps of ammunition, grenades, etc., and all trench stores.

9. The relief on the 16-17 August will be carried out as follows:

(a) 1st Bn. will take over the right section relieving the 2nd Bn., A. and S. H., with Hqrs. at H. 30. a. 5. 9. (b) 2nd Bn. will take over the left section relieving the 4th Kings, with Hqrs. at H. 24. c. 6. 1. (c) 3rd Bn. will take over the reserve relieving the 1st Middlesex, with Hqrs. at H. 22. a. 4. 4.

10. Further orders regarding this relief will be issued later.

11. Units of the 19th British Brigade are sending advance parties to take over camps being evacuated by American units. These parties will arrive at Bn. Hqrs. of the American units concerned at 5:00 p. m.

By Order of COLONEL METTS,

JOHN H. MANNING, Captain O. and I. O. OCCUPATION AND OPERATIONS IN CANAL SECTOR UP TO, AND INCLUDING SEPTEMBER 4th, 1918.

The Canal sector was the general line extending from immediately southeast of Ypres, about two miles southwest to Elzenwalla, inclusive, on both sides of the Ypres-Commines Canal and the country on this immediate front was very low and wet, thus causing many hardships upon the troops occupying it. To the right of the Canal sector stood Mount Kemmel, from the top of which the Germans had a dominating view of the entire sector, thus causing camouflaged screens to be erected on all main roads leading towards the front, and making it very difficult to move about during the day. On the left of this sector was the remains of Ypres, after the great battle the British fought in July, 1916, when the Germans used gas for the first time.

The subdivisions of the Canal sector, such as support, reserve, etc., were represented by different lines of trenches as follows:

The actual front line was known as G. H. Q. 1, and the second in close support as G. H. Q. 2 line. Support position was the Brown Line, and the reserve Yellow and Green Lines.

This front when taken over by the 30th American Division was occupied by the 33rd British Division, and the 89th British Brigade under the command of Brigadier General Baird, was holding the front line. This Brigade consisted of three battalions as follows:

2nd Argyle and Southern Highlanders. 4th Kings' Royal Rifles, 1st Middlesex.

On August 15th, 1918, the following order was issued from Headquarters 119th Infantry:

HEADQUARTERS, 119TH INFANTRY American Expeditionary Forces FRANCE, AUGUST 15, 1918

SECRET

FIELD ORDER No. 15

Reference Map:—Sheet 28

1. The 119th Infantry Regiment (less 3rd Bn.) will relieve the 98th British Brigade in the right sub-sector of the Canal sector on the night of August 16th and 17th.

The 3rd Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment will remain in its present position in the Green Line and will be in Regimental reserve.

2. The Relief will be carried out as follows:

(a) The two British Companies in the front line and outposts in each forward Battalion area will be relieved by one American Company. (b) The two British Companies in support and reserve in each forward Battalion area will be relieved by one American Company. (c) The remaining two Companies of the 1st and 2nd Battalions will relieve the two British Companies of the reserve Battalion of the 98th British Brigade in their respective areas in and about the Brown Line.

On completion of the relief the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 119th Infantry Regiment, will each be disposed with one Company in the front line and outposts, one Company in support and two Companies in reserve in and about the Brown Line.

3. All moves will be by platoons at 100 yards.

4. The 98th British Brigade is providing guides to meet the 1st and 2nd Battalions, 119th Infantry Regiment, at Road Junction H. 22. a. 35. 30. at the rate of:

1 per Battalion Headquarters, 1 per Company Headquarters, 1 per Platoon.

5. Units will take over from units of the 98th British Brigade to be relieved all defense schemes, maps, information about the enemy, and details of work in hand proposed, also trench stores.

6. 98th British Brigade are leaving officers and N. C. O.'s. to remain with incoming American units for 24 hours, as follows:

Regimental Headquarters 1 Officer, Each Forward Bn. Headquarters 1 Officer and Bn. I. O., Each Company Headquarters 1 Officer and 1 N. C. O., Stokes Mortar Platoon 1 Officer.

7. All other details of the relief will be arranged between Commanding Officers concerned. O. C. of 1st and 2nd Battalions, 119th Infantry Regiment will be expected at the Headquarters of 2nd Argyle and Southern Highlanders, and the 4th Kings, respectively, at 10:00 a. m., August 16th, and should both visit Headquarters of 1st Middlesex afterwards.

8. The 120th Infantry Regiment is moving two Battalions to the Yellow Line on the night, August 16-17, which will take over as follows:

1st Battalion, 120th Inf. Reg., from 2nd Bn. 119th Reg., in the left sector of the Yellow Line. 2nd Battalion, 120th Inf. Reg., from 1st Bn. 119th Reg., in the right sector of the Yellow Line.

1st and 2nd Battalions, 120th Infantry Regiment are each sending advance parties of 1 officer per Battalion Headquarters, 1 officer per Company and 1 N. C. O. per Platoon, to report to the 1st and 2nd Battalion Hqrs., 119th Infantry Regiment, respectively, at 3:00 p. m., August 16th. These parties will take over all dumps of ammunition, and all trench and area stores in the Yellow Line.

9. 119th Regiment Machine Gun Company will march from its present camp at 3:00 p. m., August 16th, to Chinese camp, G. 3. d. 6. 4, and will come under the orders O. C. 33rd British Battalion, M. G. C., on arrival.

119th Regiment M. G. C., will send advance party of 1 officer and 2 N. C. O.'s to Chinese camp to take over accommodations.

119th Regiment M. G. Co., will move into the right sub-sector of the line on the night of August 17-18. Orders for this move are being issued by the O. C. 33rd British Battalion M. G. Co.

10. Completion of relief will be reported to Headquarters, 98th British Brigade.

11. Command of the right sub-sector of the Canal sector will pass to Colonel commanding 119th Infantry Regiment on completion of the relief on night of August 16-17.

12. Headquarters 119th Infantry Regiment will close at Elizabeth Chateau and re-open at Assan Farm, H. 22. a. 2. 6. at 9:00 p. m., August 16th.

J. VAN B. METTS,

Colonel, 119th Infantry.

13. Acknowledge.

14. Distribution of copies:

1—C. G., 30th Division. 2—C. G., 60th Brigade. 3—1st Battalion. 4—2nd Battalion. 5—3rd Battalion. 6—Headquarters Company. 7—Machine Gun Company. 8—Supply Officer. 9—33rd British Division. 10—98th British Brigade. 11—33rd British Bn., M. G. C. 12—120th American Regiment. 13—Surgeon. 14—War Diary. 15—Files.

The following morning, August 16th, orders were issued for moving the 3rd Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment from the Green Line to the right sub-sector of the Yellow Line.

Upon moving into the front line on night of August 16-17, the 119th Infantry Regiment took over from the 98th British Brigade in the following order:

The 1st Battalion, commanded by Capt. Otho Robinson, occupied the right Regimental front. Company “A” relieving two companies of the Argyle and Southern Highlanders in the front line and Company “B”, relieving two companies of the Argyle and Southern Highlanders in close support. One platoon of Company “B” occupied a small trench in Scottish Woods, acting as a counter-attack platoon. Companies “C” and “D” occupied support trenches in the Brown Line near Smythe Farm, relieving two companies of the 1st Middlesex.

The 2nd Battalion, commanded by Capt. Graham K. Hobbs, occupied the left Regimental front. Company “H” relieving two companies of the 4th Kings in the front line and two isolated trenches on the left front, about 200 yards from the main trench line. Company “F” taking over from two companies of the 4th Kings in the G. H. Q. 2 line as a close support. Companies “E” and “G” occupied support trenches in the Brown Line near Assam Farm.

Machine Gun Company upon orders from British Battalion M. G. O., moved its headquarters to Smythe Farm with that of Company “D”, 1st Battalion. Practically all of the Gun positions of the M. G. Co., were in the G. H. Q. 2 line.

Stokes Mortar and one pounder platoons were located in the Ravine. 1st and 2nd Battalion Headquarters were located between Belgian Chateau and Segard Wood. Regimental Headquarters was located at Assam Farm.

When the 30th Division left the States for Overseas service the Divisional Artillery was left behind and did not come over until about one month later. Upon its arrival in France, it was assigned to duty with the 33rd American Division in the Verdun sector.

When the 33rd British Division was relieved on August 16-17, the 98th British Artillery Brigade, commanded by Colonel Butler, remained in the line supporting the right sub-sector until about August 25th, when it was relieved by the — British Artillery Brigade, commanded by Colonel Ladd, with headquarters at Assan Farm and was still in the line when the 30th Division was relieved.

On the night of August 21-22, 1918, the 3rd Battalion, commanded by Major William S. Privott, which was then in the Yellow Line relieved the 1st Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment, then in right Regimental front. The 1st Battalion upon being relieved withdrew to the same position vacated by the 3rd Battalion. The disposition of the 3rd Battalion was as follows:

Company “M” took over right Regimental front. Company “K” had one platoon in Scottish Wood with the remainder of the Company in the Domino Trench and the Ravine. Company “L” in the Brown Line near Ottawa Farm. Company “I” in the Brown Line near Smythe Farm.

On the night of the 22-23 of August, the Machine Gun Company was relieved by Company “B”, 115th Machine Gun Battalion. Upon the completion of the relief, the Machine Gun Company of 119th Infantry Regiment, proceeded to Chinese Camp.

Following is the defense scheme of the right sub-sector occupied by the 119th Infantry Regiment (American):

NAHU, AUGUST 28, 1918 SECRET

COPY No. 1

Defense Scheme—Right Sub-Sector—Canal Sector

Reference Maps:— Sheet 28, N. W. 3—} 1-10,000 —Sheet 28, N. W. 4—} 1-10,000

1. The 30th American Division holds the general front line of the Canal sector which extends from the Railway, incl at H. 36. c. 9. 5. on the right, by Gunners Lodge (I. 26. b.) to the Railway, incl at I. 21. d. 3. 6. just South of Zillebeke Lake on the left.

2. This Regiment holds the right sub-sector of the 30th American Division (Canal) sector with two (2) Bns., in the front line and one (1) Bn., in reserve.

3. A Regiment of the 27th American Division is on our right.

A Regiment of the 30th American Division is on our left.

4. BOUNDARIES—DIVISION—

Southern Boundary:

The Elzenwalle-Vijverhoek Railway, incl from H. 36. c. 9. 5. to H. 29. c. 4. 6., thence to H. 29. a. 3. 0.—H. 22. c. 0. 0.—H. 19. b. c. 5. 6.—G. 13. Central.—L. 17. b. 7. 0.

Northern Boundary:

The Railway, incl., from I. 21. d. 3. 6. to I. 13. d. 0. 4.—thence H. 18. b. 9. 0.—H. 12. c. 4. 0.—H. 10. b. 9. 0.—along Railway to G. 2. d. 3. 0.

BOUNDARIES—REGIMENTAL—

Southern Boundary:

The Southern Divisional Boundary.

Northern Boundary:

I. 25. d. 35. 10.—along track running N. W. to I. 25. a. 7. 0.—G. H. Q. Line at I. 25. a. 25. 60.—thence along old communication trench (Beliegoed Avenue), excl to H. 24. d. 3. 1.—H. 24. c. 9. 7.—H. 23. b. 35. 45.—H. 16. a. 0. 0.—Inn Corner.

BOUNDARIES—RIGHT BATTALION—

Southern Boundary:

The Southern Divisional Boundary.

Northern Boundary:

The Voormezeele-Kruistraathoek Road from I. 31. a. 0. 2., H. 30 d. 55. 05, excl. thence old Communication Trench to H. 30. a. 78. 30, incl. H. 30. a. 8. 5., thence track to H. 30. a. 35. 90.

BOUNDARIES—LEFT BATTALION—

Southern Boundary:

The Voormezeele-Kruistraathoek Road from I. 31. a. 0. 2., H. 30 d. 55. 05, excl. thence old Communication Trench to H. 30. a. 78. 30, incl. H. 30. a. 8. 5., thence track to H. 30. a. 35. 90.

Northern Boundary:

The Northern Regimental Boundary.

5. The lines of defense consist of:

1.—The front line consists of a number of unconnected advance posts which are changed in location from time to time and covered by snipers. 2.—The G. H. Q. 1. line. 3.—The G. H. Q. 2. line. 4.—The Intermediate line. 5.—The Brown line. 6.—A series of centers of resistance at the following points (at present in process of construction): (a) Elzenwalle—H. 36. c. 57. 94.—Foundation laid for 2 Moir M. G. emplacements, trenches, dug, but not revetted.—No wire.(b) Gun Pits.—Wickham Market.—H. 29. d. 57. 57. (with rifle pit at H. 29. d. 60. 70. not yet commenced).—Complete except 16,000 yds. wire.(c) Hemelryx.—Old Hickory Pill Box.—H. 29. b. 20. 05.—40@ complete.(d) Cafe Belge Tunnel.—H. 30. a. 12. 25.—Deep Dugout.—Dugout sap and O. P. completed.—Trenches to be dug, wired and revetted.(e) Segard Wood.—H. 30. d. 22. 48, with rifle posts at H. 30. d. 29. 59. and H. 30. d. 31. 62.—Complete except wiring of L. G. posts and strong point.(f) Junction of G. H. Q. 2 line and Bellegord Avenue.—H. 30. b. 85. 85.—No work done.—Incomplete.—Small point occupied by Infantry and Lewis Gun.—No wire.(g) Segard Water Tower.—H. 30. a. 96. 46.—Rifle posts and L. G. posts in G. H. Q. 2 at H. 30. a. 80. 41., and H. 30. a. 86. 46. Complete except wiring.

6. (1) During Normal Period:

Regimental Headquarters at Assam Farm.—H. 22. a. 2. 6.

The right Battalion, with Headquarters at H. 30. a. 80. 85., disposed two (2) Companies in the front line, distributed in depth.

The right front Company, with Headquarters at H. 36. c. 95. 85, has two (2) Platoons in the front line, and G. H. Q. 1 line; three (3) squards in the Gun pits (H. 29. d. 57. 57.), two (2) Platoons, less three (3) squads in the Ravine (H. 23. d. S. W.).

The left front Company, with Headquarters at H. 30. d. 9. 85. 85., has two (2) Platoons in the front line and G. H. Q. 1 line; one (1) Platoon in the Domino trench (H. 30. a.) and about White House (H. 24. c. S. W.) one (1) Platoon in the Ravine. H. 23. d. S. W.

The two rear Companies, with Headquarters at H. 22. d. 9. 0., and Smythe Farm (H. 21. d. 8. X. 3.) in posts forming a defensive flank facing S. and S. E., between Opium Farm (H. 21. s. 9. 7.) and the Vijverhoek (H. 29. a. 35. 30.).

The left Battalion, with Headquarters at H. 24. c. 6. 2., is disposed:

One (1) Company, with Headquarters at H. 30. d. 2. 5. in the front line and G. H. Q. 1 line.

One (1) Company, with Hqrs., at H. 30. a. 95. 55., has two (2) Platoons in G. H. Q. 2 lines and Intermediate line in H. 30. b. and I. 25. a. and two (2) Platoons in the Ravine in H. 23. d. and b. and H. 24. a. S. W.

Two (2) Companies in the Brown line H. 22. a. and c. H. 16. c. with Company Headquarters at Bolton Farm, H. 22. c. 4. 9. and H. 16. c. 3. 2.

The Support Battalion, with Hqrs. at G. 11. d. 2. 2. has:

One Company, Hqrs. at Pigment Farm G. 13. d. 0. 5. in the Viamertinghe Switch Line in G. 13. d.

Two Companies, with Hqrs. at G. 18. c. 25. 50. and G. 18. a. 3. 2. In the Yellow Line—Branch Line in G. 18.

One Company, with Hqrs. at G. 11. d. 3. 5. and G. 11. d. and G. 17. b.

The L. T. M. Battery, with Hqrs. at H. 23. b. 9. 1. has four forward guns and two (2) reserve guns.

The One Pounder Platoon has Hqrs. at H. 23. b. 9. 1.

The Pioneer Platoon has Hqrs. at H. 23. b. 9. 1.

2. In the event of definite warning of a hostile offensive on a large scale a message “Assume The Alert Position” will be sent out from Regimental Headquarters.

Upon receipt of this message the following movements will be carried out as soon as practicable.

(a) The Centers of Resistance will be manned by their full complements as follows:

Bn. Centre of Resistance Garrison Furnished by Right (a) 1 Platoon Right Company Right (b) 1 Platoon less1 Rifle Section Right Company RightRight (c) 2 L. G's. and Teams1 Squad Riflemen Right Company Right (d) 1 Platoon and 1 Rifle Section not needed in (b). Remainder of Platoon not needed in (c). Right Company Left (e) 1 Platoon Front Company Left (f) 1 Platoon Front Company Left (g) 1 Platoon Front Company

(b) All troops forward of the Intermediate line, with the exception of garrisons of Centres of Resistance designated in sub-paragraph (2) (a), will be withdrawn to the Intermediate line where they will take up positions in depth, the Right Battalion holding between the Regimental Boundary and Den Groenen Yager Cafe Nelge Road, inclusive, the Left Battalion between Den-Groenen Yager-Cafe Belge Road, exclusive and the Regimental Northern Boundary.

One Company of the Right Battalion will be distributed in and about the Trench line from H. 29. a. 40. 05. to H. 23. d. 05. 20.

One Company of the Right Battalion will dig in about the line H. 29 a. 0. 5. to H. 23. c. 6. 6.

The exact positions will be selected by the Battalion Commanders concerned and tapped forthwith, but no digging will take place unless the message referred to above is sent out.

One Company of the Left Battalion, plus the one Platoon of the Front Company not required to garrison Centres of Resistance, will be distributed in and about the Trench line from H. 23. d. 0. 5. to H. 24 a. 2. 2.

One Company of the Left Battalion will dig in about the line H. 23 c. 6. 6. to. H. 23. b. 0. 4.

The exact positions will be selected by the Battalion Commanders concerned and tapped forthwith, but no digging will take place unless the message referred to above is sent out.

The Right Rear Company of the Right Battalion, and the Left Rear Company of the Left Battalion will constitute the Regimental Reserve.

The Rear Battalion will, with one (1) Battalion of the 120th Infantry Regiment, constitute the Brigade Reserve.

Right Battalion Headquarters will move to:

Left Battalion Headquarters will move to:

7. POLICY OF DEFENSE:

(1) Defense of Sector will be active. “No Man's Land” will be patrolled constantly with the object of: (a) Maintaining superiority over enemy patrols and thereby insuring control of “No Man's Land.”(b) Locating hostile forward posts.(c) Insuring a constant flow of prisoners. This is all important, as prisoners and the consequent identification of hostile units form the surest source of information with regard to the enemy's intentions. (2) DURING NORMAL PERIODS: Any incursion of the enemy into our lines will be met by immediate counter-attack by Platoons, or Companies, held in readiness for this purpose. With this object, each Company earmark a Platoon, each Battalion a Company.These counter-attack units will: (a) Be in possession of written instruction as to their action in case of attacks.(b) Carry out a thorough reconnaisance of the area held by the unit or formation to which they belong, and the areas on the immediate flanks of that unit or formation. On the reconnaisance, and a thorough study of the ground to be operated over, the success of the immediate counter-attack will mainly depend. (3) IN THE EVENT OF A HOSTILE OFFENSIVE ON A LARGE SCALE: All the ground will be held. There will be no retirement and every position occupied will be fought and held to the last man and last round. There will be no withdrawal except by order to withdraw from the authority who assigned the position to be held.It is to be clearly understood that the object of the move referred to in paragraph 6-(2) will be: (a) To lesson the number of casualties which may be expected from the enemy's preliminary bombardment of our forward areas.(b) To break up his attack and inflict the heaviest losses upon his assaulting troops by the Garrison of Centres of Resistance (which in every case will be held to the last.)(c) To keep as large a proportion as possible of troops in hand to counter-attack and recover the original line at the earliest moment.That the move referred to in paragraph 6-(2) is only to be carried out after receipt of orders from Regimental Headquarters to do so. (4) IN THE EVENT OF ANY CENTRE OF RESISTANCE BEING LOST: The C. O. of the Battalion concerned will order an immediate counter-attack to be made to recover it.Schemes for counter-attacking these Centres of Resistance will be prepared beforehand; in no case will the garrison of any Centre of Resistance be used for the purpose of carrying out a counter-attack to recover another one.The security of the Immediate line will be of primary importance and must be provided for at all times in considering the force to be detailed for counter-attack forward of that line.Nucleus garrisons of not less than three (3) Platoons each Battalion section will therefore be told off to selected portions of the Intermediate line and these will, on no account, be used to counter-attack forward of this line until relieved by troops sent up from behind.

8. ACTION OF TWO (2) REGIMENTAL RESERVE COMPANIES:

These two (2) Companies will be available:

(a) To deliver a counter-attack against any portion of the Regimental Front captured by the enemy.

(b) To hold a defensive flank facing S. W. along the line Opium Farm (H. 21. c. 9. 7.) Vijverhoek (H. 29. a. 2. 3.).

(c) To hold the Brown line within the Regimental area. All officers of the two (2) Reserve Companies will make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the whole of the Regimental area and areas on the immediate flanks.

In the event of these Companies being ordered to move forward, four (4) Lewis Guns per Company will be left behind as a nucleus garrison of the Brown line and Opium Farm-Vijverhoek Line, unless troops have previously arrived to take over the defense of this line.

The Lewis Gun positions will be carefully selected by the Company Commanders concerned and marked by notice boards as “Primary Lewis Gun Positions”.

The positions for the remaining Lewis Guns of the two (2) Companies will also be selected and marked by notice boards.

9. The Support Battalion will be available for any operations in the Brigade area. Officers of this Battalion should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the area by personal reconnaisance.

10. POLICY OF WORK:

The Regiment is responsible for work on all defenses in the sector forward of the Intermediate line. The 105th Engineers will assist in this work.

For the present the working program will be as follows:

(a) Preparation and construction of Centres of Resistance.

(b) Improvement of trenches actually occupied by troops and communication trenches. Working parties forward of the Intermediate line will, in event of sudden hostile attack, immediately report to the nearest Infantry Commander and place themselves at his disposal. There will be no movements towards the rear.

11. All officers and N. C. O.'s will familiarize themselves with the location of Company, Battalion and Regimental ammunition dumps. The map co-ordinates of the same will be furnished on separate annes. The ammunition supply will be maintained at the minimum requirements at all times.

12. Scheme of Defense for T. M. Battery will be arranged by Battery Commander and reported to these Headquarters.

13. Regimental Headquarters will remain at Assam Farm.—H. 22. a. 3. 6.

14. Acknowledge.

J. VAN B. METTS,

Colonel Commanding 119th Infantry.

Distribution:

1—30th Division. 2—60th Brigade. 3—120th Infantry. 4—105th Infantry. 5—105th Engineers. 6—G-1, 30th Division. 7—119th Infantry 8—1st Battalion. 9—2nd Battalion. 10—3rd Battalion. 11—T. M. Battery. 12—37 M. M. Platoon. 13—Headquarters Co. 14—M. G. Company. 15—Signal Officers. 16—Transport Officer. 17—Supply Officer. 18—Surgeon. 19—File. 20—Diary A TRUE COPY:

Capt. 119th Infantry.

On the night of August 26-27, 1918, the 2nd Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment was relieved by the 1st Battalion, 119th Infantry Regiment, in the left Regimental front. Upon the completion of the relief, the 2nd Battalion withdrew to reserve position vacated by the 1st Battalion. Dispostion of the 1st Battalion was as follows:

Company “C” in G. H. Q. 1 trench protecting Battalion right front. Two platoons Company “D” on left of Company “C” protecting Battalion left front. Two other platoons of Company “D” on left of Segard Woods. Company “B” in the Ravine. Company “A” in the Brown Line near Assam Farm.

About the night of 27-28 of August, Company “M” was relieved by Companies “I” and “L”, and “M” Company withdrew to Ottawa Farm. Company “I” was occupying the right front of 3rd Battalion with two platoons in G. H. Q. 1 line and the remainder of Company on Anzac Ridge. Company “L” occupied the left front of 3rd Battalion with two platoons in G. H. Q. 1 line, one platoon in Domino Trench and the other platoon in the Ravine. Company “K” was in the Brown Line near Smythe Farm.

Early on the morning of August 31st the Commanding Officer, 119th Infantry received telephonic communication from the Division Commander that the Germans had evacuated, or partly evacuated Mount Kemmel, and that the British had advanced to occupy the evacuated section.

A general retirement of the Germans was now anticipated on this front due to their heavy losses and the rapid advance of the Allies further south. That morning about 9:00 a. m., the Division Commander instructed the Commanding Officer 119th Infantry to push out strong combat patrols over his entire front and gain contact with the enemy. Patrols were sent out about 10:30 a. m., and advanced about 100 yards when stout opposition was met as the enemy machine guns came into operation making it impossible for these patrols to advance much further, until additional aid was received from supporting platoons, establishing a general firing line. After the line had been strengthened the advance began again that afternoon about 6:00 p. m., and continued at intervals throughout the night and the following morning.

During the fighting that day two of our men were captured and five or six killed. Several of the enemy were killed and one captured. From wounds seen on the bodies of the dead Germans there appeared evidence of bayonet fighting and hand-to-hand contact with the enemy.

At 7:30 a. m., on the morning of August 31st, the troops composing the attack of the 119th Infantry Regiment had reached the line Voormezeele-Switch in I. 31. 6. and I. 32. A. Lock 8, inclusive, and thence along existing front line, capturing the town of Voormezeele. Upon reaching this point orders were received to consolidate and hold the position gained. Both flanks of the Regiment were exposed and Liaison could not be obtained with the units on the right and left. The 108th Infantry Regiment of the 27th American Division being on the right and the 120th Infantry Regiment on the left. Upon the consolidation of this position one platoon of Company “I” was sent up to protect the right flank of the 3rd Battalion, Companies “K” and “M” moved up to G. H. Q. 1 line. On the night of September 1-2, Companies “E” and “G” of the 2nd Battalion relieved Companies “L” and “I” of the 3rd Battalion in the advance position. Companies “F” and “H” remaining back in reserve.

Company “C” of the 1st Battalion was moved back to the Ravine. Two platoons of Company “B” in close support were moved up and relieved the two platoons of Company “D” on the left half of 1st Battalion in the advance position. Company “B” was now holding the entire front of 1st Battalion. Two platoons of Company “D” withdrew to G. H. Q. 1 line and the other two occupying small trenches between there and the new line.

Two platoons of Machine Gun Company, 119th Infantry Regiment came back in the line August 31st for the attack; one platoon was with the 1st Battalion and one with the 3rd Battalion. The other platoons remained in reserve. (It is well to note here that the 119th Infantry was the first American unit to take over a front line sector in Belgium, the first to make an advance, the first to capture a prisoner and the first to capture a town.)

On August 29th, 1918, orders were issued to the effect that the 118th Infantry Regiment (American) would relieve the 119th Infantry Regiment (American) on night of 31st, August and 1st September. Advance parties were sent to join the 119th Infantry in order that they might become acquainted and familiar with the front which their regiment was ordered to take over in a couple of days. This relief never took place on account of the advance made by the 119th Infantry Regiment and the advance party of the 118th Infantry Regiment rejoined their organization September 1st, 1918.

During the training, occupation and operation in the Canal sector the following number of officers and men were either killed, wounded or captured.

Killed Wounded Died of Wounds Missing Officers 3 8 Men 64 208 12 2

On September 2nd, 1918, the following orders were issued relieving the 119th Infantry Regiment from the line:

HEADQUARTERS, 119TH INFANTRY American Expeditionary Forces SEPTEMBER 2, 1918

SECRET

FIELD ORDER No. 22

COPY No. 00

Reference Map: —Sheet 28, N. W. 4 —Sheet 28, S. W. 2

1. On the night 3-4 September, 1918, the 119th Infantry Regiment, will be relieved by the 106th British Brigade, in the Right Sector of the 30th Division (Canal) Sector, in accordance with attached table.

2. The Right Front Battalion will be relieved by the 19th H. L. I. The Left Front Battalion will be relieved by the 12th H. L. I. Companies L and I, by the other units occupying the positions occupied by the Support Battalion of the British unit relieved by this Regiment will be relieved by the 17th Royal Scots.

The Companies of the Battalion in Reserve to be announced later.

The Headquarters Company will be relieved by corresponding units of the 106th British Brigade.

The Machine Gun Company under arrangements to be made by Divisional Machine Gun Officer.

All details of relief will be made by the Battalion and Separate Company Commanders concerned.

Command will pass to C. O.'s of relieving units upon completion of Relief.

3. Guides will be furnished by Battalions occupying the Right and Left Sub-Sectors at the following rate:

1—Per Battalion Headquarters. 1—per Company Headquarters. 1—per Platoon.

Other guides will be furnished as follows:

Companies “I” and “L” 1 per Company Headquarters.1 per Platoon. Other units 1 per T. M. Battery.

All guides will assemble at Road Junction H. 22. a. 35. 85., at 8:30 p. m., September 3rd, 1918.

4. The Right Front Battalion and Left Front Battalion will send each the following detail to Dirty Bucket Camp, Sheet 28-A. 30., to arrive not later than 5:00 p. m., to arrange for distribution troops of this command therein.

5. Upon completion of Reliefs, Organization-Commanders will turn over maps defense schemes, information of the enemy, program of work, trench stores, ammunition dumps, grenades, etc., and take property receipts thereof.

6. Completion of Reliefs will be reported to these Headquarters using Code Word “Granted”.

7. Regimental Headquarters will close at Assan Farm upon completion of Relief and will open at Dirty Bucket Camp, 28-A. 30.

J. VAN B. METTS, Colonel Commanding.

Distribution:

Copy No.

1—30th Division.2—60th Brigade.3—120th Infantry.4—105th Infantry.5—1st Battalion.6—2nd Battalion.7—3rd Battalion.8—M. G. Co.9—Surgeon.10—Intelligence Officer.12—Signal Officer.13—Supply Officer.14—105th Engineers.15—War Diary.15—File.16—106th British Brigade.

The following morning the Regiment moved by light cavalry from Dirty Bucket Camp to Road Camp at St. Jan-tor Biegen (Belgium) and remained there one day and a half, resting and bathing.

September 5th, 1918, the following orders were received:

HEADQUARTERS, 119TH INFANTRY American Expeditionary Forces

SECRET

FIELD ORDER No. 23

Reference Map:—Sheet 27, 19 S. E.

1. This Division is being transferred to the Third (British) Army. The move will be made by rail.

2. (a) This Regiment with attached troops, will entrain on the night of 6-7 September in accordance with entraining table attached hereto

(b) Entraining Station Heidebeek (X 27. a. 2. 4.), duration of journey, about 12 hours.

(c) Supervision of loading at railway station will be directly under the supervision of Major C. H. Mahon, 118th Infantry Regiment. No restrictions on roads for movement of troops to entraining station.

(d) Allotment of billets in detail and orders for detrainment will be given the Commanding Officer of each train on arrival in new area.

(e) Billeting parties of 1 officer and 2 men from each Battalion have proceeded to the new area.

(f) Officers in command of units arriving at the railhead will have prepared prior thereto a detail strength report in duplicate, giving the number of officers and men separately; the number of vehicles and kinds, the number of L. D., and H. D. animals separately and number of pieces of extra baggage and equipment, if any authorized. One copy of this report will be handed to R. T. O. and the other to the officer in command of entraining troops at their respective stations.

3. Information concerning supplies, refilling, changes of railhead and evacuation of sick and wounded will be furnished units upon arrival at detraining stations.

4. Battalion and separate Company Commanders will be held responsible for the police of camp and billets upon departure from this area, and that no property belonging to organization or individual is left behind.

5. Regimental Headquarters will close at Road Camp at 5:00 p. m., September 6th. Opening will be announced later.

J. VAN B. METTS, Colonel, 119th Infantry

Copies to:

1—30th Division. 2—60th Brigade. 3—1st Battalion. 4—2nd Battalion. 5—3rd Battalion. 6—Headquarters Company. 7—M. G. Co. 8—Supply Company. 9—Surgeon. 10—Intelligence Officer. 11—Signal Officer. 12—War Diary 13—File. 14—Capt. Wright.

Train No.DepartsEntrain at Heidebeek6Sept. 6th, 7:30 p. m.119th Infantry Regiment Headquarters.Headquarters Company.Supply Company.Machine Gun Company.Medical and Ordnance Detachment.Field Signal Outpost Section.
Train No.DepartsEntrain at Heidebeek7Sept. 6th, 10:50 p. m.1st Battalion, 119th Infantry.Less Co. “D” Rolling Kitchen and team.8Sept. 7th, 1:50 a. m.2nd Battalion, 119th Infantry.Less Co. “H” Rolling Kitchen and team.9Sept. 7th, 4:50 a. m.3rd Battalion, 119th Infantry.Less Co. “M”, Rolling Kitchen and team.10Sept. 7th, 7:50 a. m.Co.'s “D”, “H” and “M”, 119th Infantry.With Rolling Kitchens and teams.134th Field Ambulance.

Upon the transfer from the 2nd British Army, the Regiment proceeded by rail to the St. Pol Area, arriving there the morning of September 7th, 1918. Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Company were located at Maisnel St. Pol. 1st Battalion and Companies “C” and “D” at Neuville au Cornet, Companies “A” and “B” at Monts En Tornois. 2nd Battalion at Buneville. 3rd Battalion at Moncheaux. Machine Gun Company at Tachincourt. Supply Company at Herlin Le Sac.

This Area was located near St. Pol, France, a town of probably 30,000 inhabitants and was known as a rest and training sector. Here, for the first time in two months, the Regiment was out of the Enemy Artillery Range. The men enjoyed the experience. The time there was devoted to recreation, however, training for future work did not suffer. One of the points greatly stressed was the Infantry attack assisted by tanks. An opportunity was given to three companies to engage in assemilated attack with the Tanks while the other companies of the Regiment observed their tactical use. This training though not appreciated at the time, proved of inestimable value in the subsequent operations of the Regiment.

On the 17th day of September, 1918, the Regiment moved by rail pursuant to the following order to the Puchevillere Area:

HEADQUARTERS, 119TH INFANTRY American Expeditionary Forces FRANCE, SEPTEMBER 16, 1918

SECRET

FIELD ORDER No. 24

Reference Map:—Lens 1-100.000

1. This Division will move to the Puchevillers area on the 17th and 18th instant. Troops will move by railway. Transport will move by road on the 17th instant, staying on the night of the 17th at Bougeumaison. This Regiment will move on the 17th instant.

2. (a) Entraining will take place in accordance with entraining table attached hereto:

(b) Entraining Stations will be as follows:

Petit Houvin 3D 86. 90 Bryas 2E 60. 91

Belle Englise 6F 77. 88 Rosel 6E 03. 97

Duration of journey about 6 hours.

(d) Route of march will be the shortest route from present location to entraining point.

(e) Allotment of billets in detail and orders for detraining will be given the Commanding Officer of each train upon arrival in the new area.

3. Information concerning supplies, refilling, change of railheads and evacuation of sick and wounded will be furnished units upon arrival at detraining station.

4. Battalion and Separate Unit Commanders will be held responsible for police of camps and billets upon departure from area and that no property belonging to organization be left behind.

5. Regimental Headquarters will close at Maisnil St. Pol at 5:30 a. m., Sept. 17th, 1918 Opening will be announced later.

J. VAN B. METTS, Colonel, 119th Infantry.

Copies to:

1—C. G., 60th Brigade. 2—C. G. 30th Division. 3—C. O. 1st Battalion. 4—C. O. 2nd Battalion. 5—C. O. 3rd Battalion. 6—C. O. Hq. Co. 7—C. O. M. G. Co. 8—C. O. Supply Co. 9—Signal Officer. 10—Surgeon. 11—Intelligence Officer. 12—War Diary. 13—File.

ENTRAINING TABLE, To Accompany Field Order No. 24. Sept. 16th, 1918. Date Hour Entrain at Petit Houvin Route Sept. 17 8:00 a. m. Headquarters, 119th Infantry No Instructions Sept. 17 8:00 a. m. Supply Company No Instructions Sept. 17 8:00 a. m. Machine Gun Company No Instructions Sept. 17 8:00 a. m. Headquarters Company No Instructions Sept. 17 8:00 a. m. Field Signal, G. S. 119th Infantry No Instructions Sept. 17 8:00 a. m. 2nd & 3rd Bns., 119th Infantry No Instructions Entrain at Bryas Sept. 17 8:00 a. m. 1st Battalion, 119th Infantry No Instructions

All trains from Petit Houvin detrain at Belle Englise.

All trains from Bryas detrain at Rosel.

All troops will arrive at entraining point 30 minutes before scheduled departure of train.

Upon the arrival at Puchevillere Area the Regiment was located as follows:

Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Company at Lealvillers; 1st Battalion at Clairfage; 2nd Battalion at Varennes; 3rd Battalion at Harponville; Machine Gun Company at Dragoon Camp; Supply Company at Toutencourt.

Here a most intensive training schedule was carried out over selected trenches and terrain preparatory to the attack on the Hindenburg Line, the importance of which was not realized until about ten days later.

September 22nd, the following Regimental Order was issued:

HEADQUARTERS, 119TH INFANTRY American Expeditionary Forces FRANCE, SEPTEMBER 22, 1918

SECRET

FIELD ORDER NO. 25

Reference Maps: —Lens, 1-1000.000 —Amiens, 1-100.000 —St. Quentin, 1-100.000

1. The 30th Division is being transferred to the Fourth British Army.

2. This Regiment will move by bus on the night of 23-24 September, in accordance with attached movement table. All horse transport is moving by road on the night of 21-22 September, staging night of 22-23 September.

3. Billeting parties under command of Division Billeting Officer proceeded to new area at 9:00 a. m., 21st of September.

4. Guides will meet debussing organizations and conduct them to their camps or billets. Administrative details will be announced later.

5. Units leaving nights 23-24 of September will carry Iron Rations only.

6. Regimental Headquarters will close at Lealvillers at 5:30 p. m., 23rd of September, and open at time and place to be announced later.

J. VAN B. METTS, Colonel, 119th Infantry.

Copies to:

1—C. G. 30th Division.9—Headquarters Company.2—C. G. 60th Brigade.10—Surgeon.3—C. O. 120th Infantry.11—Intelligence Officer.4—C O 105th Infantry.12—Signal Officer.
5—C. O. 1st Battalion.13—Supply Officer.6—C. O. 2nd Battalion.14—105th Engineers.7—C. O. 3rd Battalion.15—War Diary.8—M. G. Company.16—File.

MOVEMENT TABLE.

Route.—Headauville-Bouzincourt-Albert S. edge of Fricourt-Carnoy Road to Cleary thence to Tincourt Area.

Remarks.—Head of column at trail intersector 300 yds. N. of Headauville. Clear Headauville at 9:30 p. m. Loading completed by 9:00 p. m. Two Motor Ambulances will accompany the column. Debussing point to be designated by the Brigade Commander.

This movement was carried out according to instructions and the Regiment arrived in the Tincourt Area about 6:00 a. m., September 24th, and after a four mile hike was camped in the southern edge of a wood immediately N. W. of Tincourt.

Here the Regiment had reached shell fire again as one could be heard whizzing overhead several times each day and everyone was beginning to realize that they were drawing close to the fighting line every hour on account of the rapidity and secrecy of order and movements.

That afternoon the Regiment moved up a little closer to the line and was distributed in sunken roads, chalk cliffs, etc., throughout the vicinity of Roisel.

Here several Australian Officers and N. C. O.'s were attached to the Regiment, to assist with their advice and aid in any way possible for the coming operations, as they were thoroughly familiar with this sector of the line.

The Regiment remained at Roisel three days, making their final plans for the attack on September 29th, against the Hindenburg Line.

September 26th, the following Regimental Order was issued:

HEADQUARTERS, 119TH INFANTRY American Expeditionary Forces FRANCE, SEPTEMBER 26, 1918

SECRET

FIELD ORDER NO. 27

COPY NO. 00

Reference Maps: —Sheet 62-c. N. E. 1-20.000—Sheet 62-b. N. W. 1-20.000

1. The 60th Infantry Brigade (less 115th M. G. Bn. and Regimental M. G. Co.), will relieve the 118th Infantry in the present sector on the night of 27th-28th of September.

2 (a) The 119th Infantry will relieve the troops of the 118th Infantry holding the area bounded on the North by a certain line running through A. 26, C. 9,9 and on the South by a line running through L. 16. B. 0. 9. G. 8. 6. 6. 6., to the road along Sentinel Ridge towards Bellicourt, in accordance with attached table “A”—Relief to be completed by 2:00 a. m.

(b) Inter-Battalion Boundary: Northern point of Bobby Farm (L. 11 a. 9. 5.), inclusive (to Right Battalion)—G. 2. c. 0. 4.

(c) The 1st Battalion will take over the right sub-sector. The 2nd Battalion will take over the left sub-sector. The 3rd Battalion will take up supporting position, to be selected by Battalion Commander. The Headquarters Company will relieve portions of the corresponding unit of the 118th Infantry. The M. G. Co., relieved the M. G. Co., 118th Infantry on the night of 26-27th of September under arrangements made by Division M. G. Officer.

(d) The 27th American Division will be on our left.

The 120th Infantry will be on our right.

3. (a) One man from the advanced party of each Battalion will return to his unit for the purpose of conducting them to the point where guides will meet them.

(b) All defense schemes, maps, trench stores, etc., will be taken over by units concerned and list of same with location forwarded to these Headquarters the morning after the relief.

(c) Active patrolling of “No Man's Land” must be the policy of the Regiment. Control of this territory will be secured and kept.

(d) All officers and men must be warned that in case of capture, no information other than name and rank will be given.

(e) Attention is directed to the fact that owing to our own bombardment enemy retaliation may be expected. Advantage must be taken of all available cover and any congestion must be prevented in order to avoid needless casualties.

4. (a) Command of Left Sub-Sector will pass to Commanding Officer, 119th Infantry, upon completion of relief.

(b) Completion of relief by each Battalion will be reported to these Headquarters by the Code Word “Fritz”, telephone being used, if available.

(c) All details for relief not specifically provided for herein will be arranged between Battalion Commanders of the units concerned.

(d) Regimental Headquarters will close at its present location at 8:00 p. m., and open at L. 5. d. 5. 9.

5. Acknowledge.

J. VAN B. METTS,

Colonel, 119th Infantry.

Serial Units From To Relieving Remarks 1 2-Bn. Present area Line left subsector as defined in F.C. 118th Infantry in new sector No Restrictions as to route. Head of column to pass line North and South through L. 16. Central at 8:00 p. m. 2 1-Bn. Present area Line right sub - sector as defined in F. C 118th Infantry in new sector No Restrictions as to route. Head of column to pass line North and South through L. 16. central at 8:30 p. m. 3 3-Bn. Present area Line support position 118th Infantry in new sector Route head of column to pass line North and South through L. 16. central at 9:00 p. m. 4 Hqrs. Co Present area Line 118th Infantry in new sector

(1) The relief to be completed by 2:00 a. m.

(2) All forward movement will be made in small parties and at full distance. Troops will not march in column of squads.

(3) Troops will keep entirely to areas of units they relieve.

(4) The usual anti-draft precautions will be taken.

(5) Troops will march off roads as much as possible.

After taking over the line on the night of the 27-28 of September until the morning of the attack, great pains were taken to instruct each individual soldier in his particular duty.

The supporting Artillery which consisted of nine Field Artillery Brigades and five Heavy Artillery Brigades, kept up a continual fire harrassing the enemy and destroying his defense. The Artillery preparation covered a period of 48 hours prior to the attack.

On the night of September 28-29th, the tape was laid by the 105th Engineers. Due to casualties, however, this task was completed by officers of this Regiment. The Tanks which were to assist in the attack were led into position; and the Infantry took their place upon the tape in the following order: 1st Battalion, commanded by Capt. Otho Robinson, with “A” and “D” assaulting Companies and Companies “B” and “C” in close support. 2nd Battalion, commanded by Capt. Graham K. Hobbs, with “F” and “G” assaulting Companies with “E” and “H” in close support. 3rd Battalion, commanded by Major William S. Privott, with the exception of “M” Company, which was broken up into carrying parties, was assigned as “moppers up”, to follow the two front line Battalions and clean up all the trenches, dug-outs, and machine gun posts, taken by them. “I” and “L” Companies were to mop up the Tunnel alone. Company “K” assisted in the “mopping up”, but was later called upon to protect the left flank of the 2nd Battalion.

The following order was issued governing the attack:

HEADQUARTERS, 119TH INFANTRY American Expeditionary Forces FRANCE, SEPTEMBER 27, 1918

SECRET

FIELD ORDER No. 28

Reference Maps: —Sheet 62-b, N. W. 1-20.000—Sheet 62-c, N. E. 1-20.000

1 (a) On a date and hour to be notified later, the Australian Corps with The American II Corps affiliated will attack the enemy's position in the Hindenburg line, in the sector near Nauroygouy.

The 27th Division (American) will attack on the left of the 119th Infantry.

The 120th Infantry will attack on the right of the 119th Infantry.

(b) Boundaries:

Northern Boundary: A. 26. c. 4. 7.—A. 24. a. 0. 2. Southern Boundary: Line along road (incl.), on Sentinel Ridge to Bellicourt—thence along railway from G. 2. d. 0. 3. crossing Sunken Road at G. 5. d. 9. 7.—thence to objective (G. 6. c. 5. 8.). Inter-Battalion Boundary: Goat line (incl.), to left Battalion to G. 3. b. 4. 4.—thence to Air Shaft in tunnel (G. 4. a. 5. 8.) (incl.), to left Battalion—thence to A. 28. d. 4. 1.—thence South to Cabaret Wood Farm (incl.), to left Battalion to A. 30. c. 2. 8.