Page:History of the Sixth Regiment, United States Marines.djvu/13

8 the men that they were able to bear up under the strain of continuous fighting which later became their lot. The schedule included hikes, close order drill, extended order, bayonet fighting, games, practice in both rifle and hand grenade throwing, rifle range practice, storming trench systems, taking strong points, defense against gas attacks and all modes of signalling then in use. Up to that time the uniform had been campaign hats, but now came the equipment that men at the front were never without: helmets and gas masks. The men were required to become proficient in doing everything both with and without gas masks.

About the 1st of March it was rumored that the Regiment was going into the line for a period of training. Equipment began to come in, such as trench knives, trench boots and extra clothing. To further substantiate this rumor, practice billeting parties were sent out, which indicated that traveling would soon begin. On March 12th, 1918, the sea bags were packed and stored, the men keeping only such extra clothing as they could carry in their packs.

The regiment moved by rail to the Toulen sector, the movement beginning March 14, 1918, and on March 16, 1918, the Regimental Headquarters was established at Camp Boues. The 3rd Battalion was the first unit of the regiment to begin this move. This battalion marched to Breuvanne and entrained. It arrived at Dugny, ten kilometers from Verdan at noon March 15th, detrained and moved by companies. Orders were to clear the loading platform within two hours to avoid shelling. After marching approximately sixteen kilometers to the support position of the Toulon Sector companies of the 3rd Battalion were billeted in the following camps: 82nd Company, Camp Ronde Fontaine and Camp Richert; 83rd Company, Camp Marquenterre; 84th Company, Camp Massa; 97th Company. Camp Fontaine St. Robert. The 73rd Machine Gun Company was billeted at Camp Massa.

The 2nd Battalion began the move on March 17th by hiking to Bourmont, from which place it entrained for Souilly, France, where it detrained March 18th and hiked to Camp Massa.

The 1st Battalion left the training area on March 17th by train, detrained at Lommes on March 18th and marched eighteen kilometers to Sommedieue, where it was stationed in reserve behind a part of the French 1Oth Army Corps.

The 3rd Battalion went into line in the Mont-sous-lea-Cotes subsector, Bonchamp, on the evening of March 18th with the 82nd, 83rd, and 84th Companies in line and the 97th Company in reserve at Camp Fontaine St. Robert.

This sector was located about one kilometer north of Les Eparges, and was considered at that time to be a very quiet sector. The lines were far apart and there was little or no infantry action of importance.