Page:History of the Sixth Regiment, United States Marines.djvu/31

26 26 History ok Sixth Regiment, U. S. Marines. The artillery preparation started at I A.M. as scheduled and was intense. For (our hours the long range guns bombarded the enemy's back areas, while the lighter guns did terrific damage tc front line and support positions. During this four-hour bombardment the troops lay in trenches near Limey in the heavy rain. At 5 A.M. the 23rd infamry moved off from its "jumping-of?" positions and was followed by this regiment. There had been little response to the American artillery preparation, and when the attack started there was no indication that the infantry was meeting heavy opposition. Perfect liaison was main tained. The advance continued uninterrupted across the hills to the nortS of Limey and at 8:30 the front lines of the regiment entered the Bois Haie I'Eveque. The CO. of the 3rd Battalion sent the following message : "From CO. 3rd Bn. At P. C Date 12 September 16, 8:30 A.M. ToCO., 6th. Entering Bois Haie I'Eveque and still progressing. Sibley". In passing thiough the woods, some difficulty was encountered in maintaining liaison, but a halt at 9 : 30 enabled reorganization to be accom- plished. Casualties were light, all being from thell fire. The advance on Thiaucourt was uninterrupted. The town was reached about 3 P.M ., the 2nd Battalion passing through the town. The 3rd Battalion skirted the town to the west. The 82nd and 97th Companies of the 3rd Battahon had become somewhat detached. The 2nd Battaliop took up a position north of Thiaucourt, after reorganizing. The following mes:age from the CO. of the 3rd Battalion indicates the position taken by that battalion and its condition : "From: C O., 3rd Bn. At PC. Date: 12 Sept. Hour: 4:00 P.M. No. 5. To: CO., 6th. About an hour or two or more ago we passed to the north of Thiaucourt and took up position about 1000 yards behind 23rd Infantry with the two companies that remain with us. Enemy began shelling our lines, and infantry fell behind us. Now are in position again. Our two missing companies have just reported in, and are being placed. However, all units are badly disorganized and out of position. We need rations if possible, some ambulance's for a few wounded, and counter artillery work. Artillery has been silent for several hours. Sibley."