Page:History of the 305th field artillery (IA historyof305thfi01camp).pdf/285

Rh 4. The day before the attack on Fismette a German soldier was seen and mortaliy wounded by our men in Fismes, far inside our lines. He was well stocked with food. He had lived many years in America. It is possible that he was to get himself an American uniform and, because of his knowl- edge of our language and customs, was to be used to create doubt and disorganization among our men.

5. Division Commanders will cause this order to be read to each company or platoon in such manner as will insure that every member of the command thorongbly understands its contents. By Conmand of Major General Ballard: F. W. CLARK Lieut. Col., G, S., A. C. of S., G-3

The attack against Fismette, mentioned in the foregoing order, was one of the last determined offensive efforts of the enemy on this front. It became clear about the same time that a vast German retrograde movement was in contemplation. Any change from Les Près Farm would be a welcome one.

The intensity of our firing incrcased, while Jerry's waned. Undoubtedly we were making his plans difficult to carry through.

On the night of September 3rd the observatories re- ported many fires in Perles and its vicinity. A huge sheet of flame advertised the explosion of a big ammunition dump. Towards morning of the 4th the Hun-piade fires thickened. Evidently great quantities of stores and the buildings that had housed them were being destroyed as an alternative to leaving them for the Americans. The Hun fire nearly ceased. Anyone who was there will re- call the blessed relief of being able to stroll about those positions at last with a feeling of comparative safety. Word came that the infantry was already moving for.